Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will do an article periodically called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out." He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices, and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

De-Churched "...If we are to reach the de-churched we will have to demonstrate that we stand for something - demonstrate that God is real and that belief in Jesus Christ as our loving Savior who is still the power of God unto salvation. Church worship needs to be authentic, meaningful, inspiring, enriching, powerful sermons, great music, all around quality. ..."

CHRISTmas! "...People often ask, “How does Historic Trinity do it, filling the church so often, and attracting so many people to “Christmas at Historic Trinity” ? ” It is because we are open everyday, we offer a lot of venues, whatever we do is quality, we are not afraid to confess Christ and stand up for Christianity, and we “market” the season to Metro Detroit..."

Wake Up! "...Fling wide open your church doors, be a caring people, become a powerful worshiping community, be a beacon of hope in an unstable world, administer the sacraments, and preach the Word. People will come! We all better get back to supporting, strengthening, and revitalizing our churches, older ones or new plants, before it’s too late – and we have no Lutheran presence in our Metro areas. Raise high the Cross of Jesus Christ - and move forward.

Dual Membership "... I have found that dual memberships actually strengthens both parishes...Be glad you have people who are willing to be members of your church even if that means being dual members. Many members have a sense of urgency to serve the local community while at the same time reaching out in ministry to other communities. Dual membership is not stealing members, it's sharing the faithful.

Preserving Our Heritage! "... Change is swirling all around us. Institutions and individuals we have come to rely upon are crumbling. It is so hard to keep our heads above the water each day. Much less, think about the future, or call up the past to confirm who we are and from whence we came. Yet the church is one entity that builds upon the past, gives us assurances for today, and hope for the future...

The Church Serves All. We are born, we live, we die. And yes, as Christians we believe after death here on earth, there is life forever in heaven with our Lord. At the time of death, the “Church” gathers in care and love around the bereaved. It is great to be in and of the “church” that deals with the whole person, and the whole activities of life, proclaiming the Lord’s love for and to all.

Dot Com! "... Often on Sundays the reporter will say "don't go out today". This negatively effects the religious community. They never say that on a work day. This hype and sensationalism really hurts business, entertainment events, restaurants, churches, school activities , etc. Cool down and make life less stressful for everyone. Meanwhile, I'm going to 'dot ... Com'."

Where is the Church? "... It's up to you, the Church, to be heard loud and clear that you have been given the healing, forgiving, caring message for all. "Where Is The Church ?" I hope you let it be heard before it becomes to late."

Church Membership! "...In America we are losing one downtown parish after another . It would be great if others saw fit to have their members once in awhile attend and support the downtown church, to see that there is the presence of the church in downtown for generations to come...."

It's OK! "...Let the church be the church! Stop tinkering with the truths, end the dumbing down of faith, stop the endless litmus tests and over zealous restrictions on membership. We have lost enough churches-- many of them closed because they failed to be the church, they failed to be faithful to God's Word..."

Why All The Fuss? "...We should not abandon all the great churches in the downtowns of America. These are our anchors, our beacons of Christian testimony, in an ever growing secular society..."

Hyping. "...Yes, we need to reach out; yes, we need to reclaim those who have drifted away, but we must also remember we have been "called" to serve those under our care. Hey everybody, I am here, I need the loving news of Jesus Christ as my Savior. How about a little less hype - and more just plain caring ministry."

People and Money. "...Yes, you can have a fine church building, but if you do not have people it is a museum. And, if you have a good church facility, and good worship & events, and good leadership, and people - but do not have money, you can't achieve much. It takes people and money!"

Sorry. "...How about a few less "sorry" and a lot more "God Loves You - Welcome."

Heritage and Legacy. "...It is not enough to just live and serve the Lord for today only. I encourage others to look closely at their heritage, to celebrate today the parish's life, and prepare a legacy of faith to pass on to the next generation."

Enjoying Church!. "...We enjoy the depth of the talent, experiences, and friendliness of our 1800+ members. We enjoy the many, many friends of Historic Trinity who are so faithful in their support and participation. We invite you to Historic Trinity Lutheran Church where you can truly enjoy attending church!"

"Crying Wolf" - "The Sky Is Falling". Not "maybe", not "if", not with "strings attached". Jesus' death on the cross freed us from sin, the devil, and eternal death. We are free, forgiven, positive people who are filled with hope and assurance. Look up, there is a better day ahead - the sky is not falling - and this is not crying "wolf".

Get a Vision - Go For It!. Visionary leadership - needs to tie into a vision, but it must be believable, an accessible dream, where people can buy into the dream, and then they will buy into your leadership. Remember God will continue to do His miracles amongst you. So, go forth boldly in faith, knowing that with God all things are possible.

Competing or Complaining. "...How we retain the present members and make new members and visitors real feel welcomed is dependent upon our attitude. We need to get out of our comfort zones and neat little clusters and talk to everyone. Let them know they are welcome and accepted...."

The Right Attitude. "...The Christ Child and the manger belongs - in the church, let us toast the New Year - in the church, arise early to sing the alleluias on Easter morn - in the church, be proud to be a Lutheran and celebrate the Reformation - in the church on "HolyEve", honor the Saints that have gone on before us - in the church, lift high the value of family on Mothers Day and Fathers Day - in the church...."

Succeed or Fail?. "...Are we going to wait till our many parishes fail, and, so to speak - file for bankruptcy? Or are we going to really sit down, surrender some of our autonomy, and work towards the restructuring of a church that will succeed, being productive and, yes, even profitable..."

Giving Options. "...If you have money and no people than you have an empty museum. Find ways to increase your people and your money. To increase your income, seriously consider providing giving options to your members and friends."

A Growing Church. "...Remember, God will continue to do His miracles amongst us in all parishes, regardless of size. May we all grasp a greater vision for our parishes and let us go forth boldly in faith, knowing that with God all things are possible."

Worship Practices. "...but rather it is providing the membership with strong bold scriptural preaching and inspiring church music that meets the needs of its people."

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