Church Discipline: the Key to Church Growth?: WTF!

Crap, am I killing church growth for cussing? Oh shit…ugh I mean Oh crap…um I mean Oh fiddle sticks.

You have got to be kidding me. I am not joking with the title. Well, the actual title of the conference, (yes, a conference) is: Church Discipline: the Missing Key to True Church Growth. Check it out for yourself.

Somebody please sound off on this and tell me I’m not crazy for thinking that this is an extremely presumptuous church.

I am all for proclaiming the gospel of God which results in lives transformed into the image of Christ. Such lives reflect lifestyles characterized by progressive sanctification or movement toward holy living.

But, do we really think disciplining people for falling short of that standard will bring about growth in the church? I thought it was God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. See Romans 2:4.

I am tired of the church thinking they are God’s gift to the world. I passed a church on Sunday that had a huge, and size matters here, banner that said, “We are holding a seat for you.” As if the world is banging on the door, screaming to get in. They are not the Mervyn’s lady. Our job is to go into the world, not expect the world to come to us.

God is the gift to the world. We are the ones to share it with them. I am not opposed to church discipline, but let’s start with examining the leaders of the church first. There is such a lack of accountability there. If holiness comes from above, then let’s start at the top. When we can trust our leaders again, then we may have something to offer the world.

Jeeze, I think someone hit a nerve. Oh crap, is jeeze a cuss word? I guess I better go punish myself. Wait, is that masochism? Is masochism a sin? Dang, I did it again. I think Britney and I are both screwed up?...I’ll stop now.