Sermon Central
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Ever Heard Of The "Bowling Alone Syndrome" Or ... PRO
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jan 5, 2006 (message contributor)
Ever heard of the "bowling alone syndrome" or "refrigerator rights?" If not, that makes you an average out-of-touch-with-pop-culture American. Society is changing and every ministry and marketer needs to adapt or die. Here are three vital new sociological labels C. Jeff Woods, author of Congregational Megatrends, (Alban Institute) says are impacting the church. The "bowling alone syndrome" describes the break-up of civil society and the retreat from participation in voluntary associations. The American Bowling Congress reports more people are bowling than ever, but they are bowling alone. The number of bowling leagues is down because people will bowl when they feel like it, when the mood strikes, not when they are scheduled to be there. It’s a Lone Ranger mentality overriding a team mentality. Where are you when the mood strikes your market? Woods explains another phenomenon, "refrigerator rights," as "how many people do you know who feel welcome to come into your home, go to the refrigerator and get a glass of cold water without asking?" Probably not many in our isolated and lonely culture. Helping people feel more connected to you is crucial today....
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Spurgeon (1) Wrote, " I Think I May Say To Every ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Raisbeck on Jul 18, 2003
Spurgeon (1) wrote, " I think I may say to every person whom I am addressing,-If you are yourself saved, the work is but half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ. You are as yet but half formed in the image of your Lord. You have not attained to the full development of the ...read more
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In 1953 In Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross Was Getting ... PRO
Contributed by Guy Caley on May 25, 2003
In 1953 in Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross was getting sicker by the day. Finally her eldest son Frank insisted she go to the doctor. Eventually they ended up at the large teaching hospital in Iowa City. The diagnosis was devastating. Though Violet had never smoked she was dying of Lung cancer. One ...read more
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A Cartoon By Joe Mckeever... PRO
Contributed by Aaron Householder on Sep 30, 2004
A cartoon by Joe McKeever... A smiling woman greeting a surprised pastor as she leaves church says, "All my life I heard pastors say they were ...read more
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Note: I Do Not Show This Clip To Discredit Those ...
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 3, 2004
Note: I do not show this clip to discredit those individuals who are genuine and are sent by God to go around the world and hold revival meetings. Illustration: From the Movie clip from “Leap of Faith” Clip: The one were they put their show of deception on for the first time. He tells them ...read more
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During The Reign Of Oliver Cromwell, There Was A ... PRO
Contributed by Dixon Olu. David on Apr 26, 2004
During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, there was a shortage of currency in the British Empire. Representatives carefully searched the nation in hopes of finding silver to meet the emergency. After one month, the committee returned with its report. “We have searched the empire in vain seeking to ...read more
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