Watts' Words

First of all-a confession. For the last several years I have read Dr. Thom Rainer's blog off and on for reasons that I don’t care to articulate...but his blog that I received today is SPOT ON!! In fact, this may need to be printed and distributed widely (since many won't read a blog).   Before I point you toward it and offer a link to it, let me give some perspective. Churches are closing at a rapid pace today.  churchleadership.org tells us that we plant 1000 churches each year and CLOSE 4000!!  With an exploding population, we are headed in the wrong direction.  Sadly, because of our ‘affluence’ (in other words, ‘money in the bank’) the average church does not recognize and has not come to grips with just how close they could be to closing.  In the past few weeks I have spoken with several pastors who are scratching their heads about things like ‘finances and attendance.’  These are good and godly men who spend time with God everyday and are atte...

This is not a rant or meant in a 'mean spirited' way, it is simply an observation. It was several years ago that I noticed some unusual changes in the way we speak to God.  In a service one night where a friend of mine (who happens to be much younger) was leading and praying, something sounded a little different in his voice.  I could not put my finger on it, but in my mind I knew something was different.  So, I opened my eyes to make sure all was well in the room.  Much to my surprise I discovered that my 'preacher-friend' was praying with his 'eyes-wide-open' and surveying the crowd as he voiced the pray and spoke to God.  Now I know that you don't HAVE to close your eyes to pray, but I was literally 'startled' because I had never observed a 'spiritual leader' who didn't.  It's amazing what you remember in moments like this.   Coach Mangum was our elementary school principle and did double duty as he drove the to high school and tau...