Why Tracking Church Attendance Is Important

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Podcast Episode #502

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Numbers are important, but they aren’t ultimate in the church. Today, we discuss why you should be counting and how, but we also discuss how to avoid making numbers your focus.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

  • There is no reason to have an aversion to numbers as a church leader.
  • Tracking numbers is a stewardship and accountability issue.
  • You need a consistent method for counting worship attendance in your church.
  • The more someone is involved in the ministries of the church, the more they will invest financially in the church.

The seven reasons that we discuss are:

  1. We must overcome our aversions to numbers
  2. Two most common areas to track: worship and groups
  3. Knowledge of attendance leads to better pastoral care
  4. Knowledge of attendance leads to better stewardship
  5. Those who do the counting in worship service usually provide great insights
  6. Attendance is a key indicator of discipleship
  7. Avoid the classic pitfalls of attendance counting

Resources mentioned in today’s podcast

Rainer on Leadership is a member of the LifeWay Leadership Podcast Network

Episode Sponsors

Vanderbloemen Search Group is the premier pastor search firm dedicated to helping churches and ministries build great teams. They’ve helped thousands of churches just like yours find their church staff and are uniquely geared to help you discern who God is calling to lead your church.

For more…

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Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Thom Rainer.

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McJesus artwork sparks outrage among Israel’s Christians

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McJesus artwork sparks outrage among Israel’s Christians

Hundreds of Christians calling for the removal of the artwork, titled McJesus, protested at the museum in the northern city of Haifa last week.

Israeli police said demonstrators hurled a firebomb at the museum and threw stones that wounded three police officers.

 

Church representatives brought their complaints to the district court on Monday, demanding a suspension order for the exhibit’s most offensive items, including Barbie doll renditions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

 

Israeli culture minister Miri Regev, who has pushed for legislation mandating “loyalty” in art, has also called for the removal of the offending artwork.

The museum has refused to bow to pressure, saying that doing so would infringe on freedom of expression.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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When is the next royal baby due?

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When is the next royal baby due?

Meghan Markle is having twins, or she’s not. Her baby will be named Victoria, or it will be named Diana, or Albert, or Philip. Her sister-in-law is pregnant with her fourth child, or not.

Now we have more “news”: Meghan is due in late April or early May. Or so we’re told.

Expect much fake news about the royal family in the coming months. And about nearly everything else in the news as well.

Unsurprisingly, only 45 percent of Americans say they trust the mass media. Like nearly everything else today, our opinions fall into political categories: 76 percent of Democrats say they trust the media, while only 21 percent of Republicans and 42 percent of Independents agree.

Fake news can be used to inflame or suppress social conflict. It undermines trust in the media and in government. Fake news aimed at senior adults is such a problem that the FBI has created a web page designed to protect seniors against this threat.

In an age that declares all truth to be subjective, we should not be surprised when our “news” is subjective. This is not just a problem for today–it is an issue that affects eternity.

But in the chaos of our times, there’s a path to the unchanging truth we need today.

What ideology caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century?

According to Pew Research Center, 80 percent of Americans believe in God. That’s the good news.

Here’s the bad news: Nearly a third of Americans say the “deity” in which they believe is not the God of the Bible but “some higher power/spiritual force.” Another 10 percent “do not believe in any higher power/spiritual force.” Only 56 percent of us “believe in God as described in the Bible.”

What our children believe about God is obviously crucial to their souls. As a result, I have written an article for our partner ministry, Christian Parenting, where I discuss some ways parents can help their children trust in the God of Scripture. I invite you to read my column and the outstanding…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Denison Forum.

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Court rules Turkey violated freedoms of church group

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Court rules Turkey violated freedoms of church group

In 2004, Erkin Altinkaynak and five others were denied the right to legally register their religious organisation, Tükiye Yedincigün Adventisterli Vakfi (Foundation of the Seventh-day Adventists), in Instanbul.

Their request was rejected on the grounds that the objective of the organisation was to meet the religious needs of people embracing the faith of Seventh-day Adventists and this was contrary to provisions of the Turkish Civil Code which prohibits the foundations whose purpose is to support members of a particular community.

This rejection was upheld in a further judgement but in 2011, Mr Altinkaynak asked religious liberty group ADF International for legal support, who then brought it to the European Court of Human Rights, claiming their right to expression, religion and peaceful assembly was being violated.

On Tuesday, this case reached its conclusion and it was decided Turkey had violated the right to freedom of association by denying the church’s recognition.

Robert Clarke, Director of European Advocacy for ADF International, who represented the applicants in the case, said: “In its ruling, the European Court of Human Rights established today, yet again, that everyone has the right to choose their religion and to express it publicly and privately.

“This includes the freedom to do so in community with others. In its judgement today, the Court has clearly…

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Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.

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Joyce Meyer Devotional 15 January 2019 — Friendship Makes Us Bold

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Topic: Friendship Makes Us Bold [Joyce Meyer Devotional 15 January 2019]

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. — Hebrews 4:16

When we begin to understand our friendship with God and see ourselves as His friends, our prayers become more Spirit-led, more faith-filled, and much bolder.

Jesus told a story in Luke 11, immediately after He taught His disciples to pray using what we call the “Lord’s Prayer.” We can surmise that He was using the story to illustrate His lesson on prayer.

He said: Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and will say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves [of bread], for a friend of mine who is on a journey has just come, and I have nothing to put before him; and he from within will answer, Do not disturb me; the door is now closed, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and supply you [with anything]? I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs (Luke 11:5–8 AMPC).

Notice that the man who needs bread gets it only “because of his shameless persistence and insistence.”

We will only “shamelessly persist” with our friends—because friendship makes us bold, and the more we grow and progress in our friendship with God, the bolder and more confident we can be as we approach Him.

Prayer Starter: Lord, Help me to love You and talk to You as a close friend. When I feel like there’s a wall between us, remind me that I can come boldly before your throne of grace and ask for help in my time of need (see Hebrews 4:16). In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional HERE’’

From Joyce Meyer’s Ministries.

The post Joyce Meyer Devotional 15 January 2019 — Friendship Makes Us Bold appeared first on Flatimes.

Look within by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

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Look within by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Look Within by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Topic: Look Within

Your lifting will not come from abroad, it will come from within.

2 Kings 4:2 (KJV) And Elisha said unto her, what shall I do for thee? Tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.

This woman had oil in her house, but when Elisha asked her that question she told him she had nothing. Then suddenly she recalled, “except a pot of oil” And as the story goes, it was the oil in her house that she used to conquer that challenge.

What you need to come out of the challenge confronting you is not outside; it is within you. What will make you explode into a millionaire will not come from abroad; it will come from within you. So stop looking outside for help, start looking on the inside of you for your miracle.

Also Read: Working Diligently by David Ibiyeomie

It is time to look inward to find out what you have that will make you break forth. Your vision is what will determine your destination. It is what you are able to discover from the inside that you will recover on the outside. Until you see what God has made within you, you cannot make impact in your world. It is not the environment that makes the people; it is people that make the environment.

Proverbs 29:18a (KJV) Where there is no vision, the people perish

Nothing will change around you until you change your approach. You have to consciously apply a force to look inwards. Nothing will change around you until a change takes place within you. As a born again child of God, you are no longer among those without vision, because the Word of God says, “Ye are the light of the world”. You are to lead the uninspired ones.

When you lack vision, frustration and confusion sets in. But where there is vision, there is bound to be provision. God cannot give you a vision and you suffer frustration. No way!

Take your eyes off your location. Locations do not make people. Stop thinking that your lifting is in any nation. Your answer is where you are. You are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). There is something inside of you that will make you known to your world. God made you peculiar and distinct from every other person. Stop looking down on yourself. Never compare yourself with anyone. You are the best. You are not a misfit. It is time to break loose and restore dignity to yourself. Change begins from the inside.

Every revolution compels a change on what already exists. If you must make great impact in the world, you must take conscious steps to bring about a change. Give life a practical approach.

Say this prayer, “Lord, my eyes must no longer be blind. There is something within me that will enable me locate my destiny. Lord, show it to me in Jesus name-Amen”.

Do not mind where you are now, I declare that today will mark the beginning of your lifting! Where you are now will be the least place you will ever be in Jesus name – Amen!

God bless you.

Also Read: Other Inspiring Messages by Pastor David Ibiyeomie

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

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TREM Devotional 15 January 2019 – God Can Do It

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Topic: God Can Do It [TREM Devotional 15 January 2019]

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”Mark 9:23 KJV

Child of God, don’t accept the challenges your parents went through. You will succeed, and you will excel irrespective of your background! You have made your choice to serve Jehovah and there is no way He would abandon you. He will fight your battles. He will shut the mouth of the enemy and He would silence the voice of the wicked. It may not have worked in your family, but God brought you into that family and delivered you. So there is no way you will not testify.

The Bible says this is the confidence that we have in Him, that when we pray according to His will He heareth us. In other words, because I know He hears; and because I know He hears me, I have the petition. You may not see it around me but I am pregnant with it. After nine months, you will see it manifest.

Let us not go about as if we are orphans. The whole of Heaven is working on our behalf. Let me ask you! Do you think that your challenges bring glory to God? No! God wants you to go through these challenges and come out on top. He is even eager to get you delivered much more than you think. The Bible says: “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.” (Romans 8:32 KJV)

He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we think… In other words, what is your capacity? If I take a bottle of wine, God is saying that one is too small. He can fill a drum. If you come with a drum, He will fill it. If you come to Him with tanker, He will still fill it. He said, even if you go and dig the biggest reservoir, He is still not done with His resources. Don’t doubt God. Don’t limit yourself, God can do anything.

Further Reading: 1 John 5:14-15, Romans 8:31-32, Ephesians 3:20-21

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Gen 36,37, 38 /Evening- Matthew 10:21-42

“If you missed yesterday devotional click HERE to read TREM Daily Devotional by Dr. Mike Okonkwo’’

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

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Open Heaven 15 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Staying Connected to Jesus

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Open Heaven 15 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Staying Connected to Jesus

Staying Connected to Jesus

1.Thank You, Jesus, for Your faithfulness, for sending to us, the promise of the Father, the Comforter.

Also Read: Open Heaven 15 January 2019 Daily Devotional

2.Thank Father, for Your promise never to leave me nor forsake me.

3.Father, in anyway I have fallen short of your glory, please, have mercy and forgive me, in Jesus’ name.

4.Father, please, let me never turn my back on You, no matter the challenges that I may face, in Jesus’ name.

5.Father, please, fill me afresh, to the brim, with Your Holy Spirit, and, make me a carrier of Your divine presence anywhere I go, in Jesus’ name.

6.Holy Spirit of God, help me to be conscious of Your presence, every second of my life, and, let me never take a decision, without Your input and guidance, in Jesus’ name.

7.I decree and declare, that by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me, in Jesus’ name.

8.Spirit of truth, please, come and guide me into all truth and reveal hidden secrets to me, in Jesus’ name.

9.Father, please, help me to live through today, without committing a single sin, in Jesus’ name.

10.Father, renew the strength of Your son, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, for the journey and battles ahead, in Jesus’ name.

11.Father, bless Your son, that You have been using to prepare these prayer points, beyond measures; help him to overcome every challenge of getting these prayer points across to Your children timely, on daily basis, in Jesus’ name.

12.Your Personal petitions. (Philippians 4:6)

13.In Jesus name I pray. (John 14:13-14; 15:16)

14.Thank you Father for answered prayers. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

These prayers have no expiry date! Please, pray them, irrespective of the time they get to you. Remain blessed, in Jesus name.

Kindly, purchase your own hard copy or online version of the Open Heavens devotional & buy for your friends too, as a potent evangelism tool. God bless you, as you sow, into Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s book Ministry, in Jesus name.

Open Heaven 15 January 2019 Prayer Points on Today – Staying Connected to Jesus

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Our Daily Bread 15 January 2019 Devotional – Sharing More Than Stuff

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Topic: Sharing More Than Stuff [Our Daily Bread 15 January 2019 Devotional]

Bible in a Year: Genesis 39–40; Matthew 11

Your people will be my people and your God my God. – Ruth 1:16

Today’s Scripture & Insight: Ruth 1:11-18

“But I don’t want to share!” wailed my youngest child, brokenhearted that he would have to part with even one of his many LEGO pieces. I rolled my eyes at his immaturity, but truthfully, this attitude is not limited to children. How much of my own life, and really all of human experience, is marked by a stubborn resistance to freely and generously give to others?

As believers in Jesus, we’re called to share our very lives with one another. Ruth did just that with her mother-in-law, Naomi. As a destitute widow, Naomi had little to offer Ruth. And yet Ruth connected her own life to her mother-in-law’s, vowing that they would press on together and that not even death would separate them. She said to Naomi, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). She freely and generously gave to the older woman—showing love and compassion.

While sharing our lives in this way can be difficult, we should remember the fruit of such generosity. Ruth shared her life with Naomi, but later she bore a son, the grandfather of King David. Jesus shared His very life with us, but was then exalted and now reigns at the right hand of the Father in heaven. As we generously share with one another, we can be confident that we will experience greater life still!

Today’s Reflection
 Jesus, as we share our lives with others, may we reflect Your loving heart.

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Peter Chin [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

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MFM Daily Devotional 15 January 2019 – Are You Real? (I)

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MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional 15 January 2019 By Dr. D.K Olukoya – Are You Real? (I)

TOPIC: Are You Real? (I) (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 14 January 2019)

FIRE SCRIPTURE: John 18:1-11

Bible In One Year: Genesis 26-38; Matthew 10:21-42

MEMORY VERSE: “And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.” – Matthew 26:50

The MESSAGE:

Judas welcomed Jesus with a kiss and a hug as a sign of affection and friendship. That was a demonstration of the subtlety and deceit of the serpent. It is a show of the vulpine cunning of the fox. His outward manifestation was completely different from the evil that was locked up in his heart. Is your heart pure? Are you real? At this point, Judas was under the influence of evil spirits. One of such spirits was mammon. Judas was planning to betray and sell his Master, Jesus, for 30 pieces of silver. He was an unfriendly friend. He was so close to Jesus, yet he was the Jonah in His boat, an enemy in His camp.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judas Iscariot was a disciple of Jesus. Before the Last Supper, Judas went to the chief priests and agreed to hand over Jesus in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus was then arrested in Gethsamane, where Judas revealed Jesus’ identity to the soldiers by giving him a kiss.

Treachery is an ungodly attitude. A believer should not have anything to do with double-dealing, perfidy and treachery. They are the sins and guilt of satan, and anyone found practising them belongs to satan not God.

Are you real, reliable and faithful? Judas wasn’t. He was a double-faced personality. He was deceitful. He said one thing and did another. His character was really not Christ-like and will only lead anyone who imbibes it to the kind of horrible end he had. Be wise!

Every organisation has core values that show its true ideals and set it apart from other organisations. If your acts and ways are contrary to the core values of the organisation you belong to or work for, you are not better than Judas. You are a bad team player. You are also guilty of treachery and betrayal. You must turn a new leaf today. If you have all along been double-faced and double-dealing in your relationship with close friends and associates, though others are unaware, you have to repent and steer clear of Judas-like traits and ungodly acts today. The pain and shame will be worse than the ones Judas had to face.

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:
MAKE SURE EVERYBODY IN YOUR “BOAT” IS ROWING AND NOT DRILLING HOLES WHEN YOU’RE NOT LOOKING. KNOW YOUR CIRCLE.

PROPHETIC WORD:
Every agenda of deceitful and unfriendly friends in your life shall backfire.

PRAYER POINTS:

MORNING

  1. O Lord, let my heart be pure, in the name of Jesus.
  2. Every unfriendly friend, depart from me, in the name of Jesus.
  3. I shall not be a double-faced personality, in the name of Jesus.

EVENING

  1. I refuse to be guilty of treachery and betrayal, in the name of Jesus.
  2. Every spirit of deceit and unfaithfulness in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.
  3. Every Judas-like trait in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.
  4. Any power assigned to disgrace me, die, in the name of Jesus.

“If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read MFM Mountain Top Life Daily Devotional HERE

MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post MFM Daily Devotional 15 January 2019 – Are You Real? (I) appeared first on Flatimes.

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