Don’t Miss Out: Controversies in Pennsylvania: Church Attendance, Prison Labor, and Racial Justice! Plus, much more…

Don’t Miss Out: Controversies in Pennsylvania: Church Attendance, Prison Labor, and Racial Justice! Plus, much more…

by | Apr 30, 2023 | Church Issues, Current Affairs

Welcome to this week’s Get 1% Better Newsletter!

This week’s issue discusses the decline in church attendance among committed Christians, as highlighted by Carey Nieuwhof, an expert in personal and professional development.

We also touch on the controversy surrounding Louisiana’s prison system and the proposal to remove the slavery clause from the state constitution.

Next, we’ll shift our focus to two quotes that caught my attention about cultivating healthy relationships by setting clear boundaries and standards. These align with my YouTube channel’s mission of providing practical tips, insights, and strategies for personal growth and achieving goals.

Our journey begins by exploring the reasons behind the decline in church attendance.

Fascinating Articles I Read Last Week

10 Reasons Church Attendance Is Declining (Even for Committed Christians)

Carey Nieuwhof, a former pastor, provides personal and professional development resources, including productivity, leadership, personal growth, communication, church growth, and change management.

His article addresses the declining trend of church attendance among committed Christians due to shifting cultural values, busier schedules, and scandal-plagued institutions.

Online church is a trend that is here to stay, and the cultural disappearance of guilt is another reason church attendance is declining. People look less to churches and leaders to help them grow spiritually and more to other options.

The article suggests that change is unkind to the unprepared and advises church leaders to prepare for change by focusing on the needs of their congregants, staying relevant, and embracing technology.

In contrast to the issue of declining church attendance among committed Christians, Louisiana’s prison system is facing criticism for its use of forced prison labor, which has led to accusations of modern-day slavery.

‘You’re a Slave’: Inside Louisiana’s forced prison labor and a failed overhaul attempt.

Louisiana has a high incarceration rate, and inmates are forced to work for little or no pay, leading to feelings of being enslaved. A ballot measure to remove language enabling involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime was rejected due to confusion over the wording.

Louisiana law mandates that state inmates must work while incarcerated, but they may not be compensated or earn as little as 2 cents an hour.

Critics argue that such policies perpetuate systemic racism and contribute to mass incarceration. Proponents of prison labor argue that it provides inmates with job skills and helps offset incarceration costs.

Louisiana voters will decide whether to remove a clause from the state constitution that allows for slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime.

The amendment was proposed by Democratic state senator Ed Price, who said he was shocked to discover the clause still existed. If it passes, Louisiana will become the first state in the US to remove the slavery clause from its constitution.

In contrast to Louisiana’s use of forced prison labor, Pennsylvania State University’s decision to cancel its proposed Center for Racial Justice has been criticized for undermining its commitment to social change and racial justice initiatives.

Penn State Criticized for Nixing Racial Justice Center

Pennsylvania State University’s decision to cancel its proposed Center for Racial Justice has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines its commitment to social change and racial justice initiatives. Penn State University faced criticism for canceling plans to create a $3.5 million Center for Racial Justice in October 2022.

The university had started a faculty-led search for a founding director, but the new president decided that funds earmarked for the center would be better used on existing anti-racism initiatives due to budget issues.

The university also faced backlash for planning to host an event with the founder of the Proud Boys, a far-right organization that promotes political violence, which was subsequently canceled.

The combined actions sparked criticism from the campus community and state leaders, with over 400 faculty members signing a petition condemning the decision to cut the center.

Check out my YouTube Channel

Level Up: Equipping You to Get 1% Better in Life.

I created this channel to help you improve every aspect of your life. On this channel, you’ll find practical tips, insights, and strategies to help you reach your full potential and achieve your goals.

Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, manage your finances, improve your health, or build stronger relationships, I’ve got you covered.

My content is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower you to make positive changes in your life, one step at a time. I focus on practicality and action, so you can implement what you learn immediately.

As a member of our community, you’ll have access to a wealth of information to help you become a better version of yourself. Whether you want to increase your productivity, enhance your communication skills, or grow, you’ll find something here to help.

Would you be willing to assist me in accomplishing my goal of obtaining 1000 subscribers by subscribing to my channel?

2 Quotes That Caught My Attention

Watch out for people that will put you last but call you first when they have a problem.

Explanation

The quote “Watch out for people that will put you last but call you first when they have a problem” warns about one-sided friendships where people only reach out when they need something, leaving you feeling hurt and questioning your self-worth.

Action

It’s important to communicate your needs directly to your friends instead of assuming they will understand. Additionally, inclusive leadership that prioritizes diversity and inclusion can help build trust and a sense of belonging, where people feel that their uniqueness is appreciated. They have a voice in decision-making.

Be picky about who you let into your inner circle- it’s a privilege, not a right.

Explanation

Your inner circle is a special and safe space where you can be yourself, recharge, and reflect. Being selective about who you allow into this space is important because the people closest to us shape our mood, health, and success.

Being picky about your inner circle is not selfish but wise. The people in our inner circle are the ones we trust and rely on for support and advice. By being careful about who we let into our inner circle, we can create a safe space for honest conversations and deep connections.

Action

Set clear boundaries and standards for the people you allow in. Take the time to reflect on what qualities and values are important to you in a friend or confidant. Consider their past behavior and how they treat others. Don’t be afraid to say no to someone who doesn’t meet your standards, and don’t feel guilty about it. Remember, it’s a privilege to be part of your inner circle, and you have the right to choose who you let in. appreciated. They have a voice in decision-making.

It’s a Wrap!

That’s it for this week’s 1% Better Newsletter 🙂

In conclusion, this week’s newsletter explored the declining trend of church attendance among committed Christians, the controversy surrounding Louisiana’s prison system, and the proposed removal of the slavery clause from the state constitution. We also discussed the cancellation of Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Racial Justice and two quotes about cultivating healthy relationships by setting clear boundaries and standards.

These lessons align with the mission of the “Level Up: Equipping You to Get 1% Better in Life” YouTube channel, which provides practical tips, insights, and strategies to help viewers improve every aspect of their lives.

By prioritizing personal growth, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships, we can become better versions of ourselves and achieve our goals.

Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay inspired!

​

Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe.
If you didn’t enjoy the email you can Unsubscribe.
To change your email or Preferences manage your profile.
PO Box 6159, River Forest, IL 60305
​

3 Moves Churches Can Make to Thrive Post-COVID

3 Moves Churches Can Make to Thrive Post-COVID

by | Sep 3, 2021 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Current Affairs, Encouragement, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Success

Once, there were two pastors: one led a very successful church, while the other was never taken seriously. Neither pastor attended seminary, yet both had risen in ministry to lead their churches for years.

The first pastor led his church through covid-19, and his church is thriving; it has grown exponentially since covid-19, taking in new members. The church is thriving during covid-19 because of this pastor and his leadership team.

The second pastor's church has struggled since covid-19. After Covid, the church dwindled to a small group who sat in an empty sanctuary every Sunday. The church became so small that their attendees decided to meet in a house. Even though this pastor is still leading his church, he is not leading them very well.

Even if we don't want it to, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is a turning point for the church. The church's aim has not changed. However, execution of that goal varies during COVID-19 and will undoubtedly differ after the epidemic is over.

You can't usually do what you were doing previously in a crisis. The situation requires us to perform the task differently. That's all there is to it. It comes down to a simple choice: will you want to be a pre-COVID-19 church that refuses to recognize the pandemic's potential for innovative ministry or a post-COVID-19 church that views the crisis as an opportunity to revitalize its ministry?

An opportunity not only emphasizes the church's goal — to make disciples — but also calls attention to God's call on our lives. Is God inviting us into something new?

We need to be careful not to transfer nonessential practices from pre-COVID-19 into post-COVID-19, anything that jeopardizes our mission or vision. The church's disruption will be more long-lasting than COVID-19 if we continue engaging in nonessential activities and busyness.

Even if we don't want it to, the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is a turning point for the church.

Click to Tweet

What We Do is not as Important as WHY We Do What We Do

As we try to figure out how to function post-Covid, the "why" might disappear amid the endless logistics of moving from old ways of doing church to new. We have to stay focused on the church's original purpose, its mission.

In addition to reminding ourselves about why we do what we do, it would be wise of us to make a list of post-COVID-19 intentions and purposes that are essential for our churches' health. We need to prioritize the list. And then we have to ask ourselves: are these priorities or activities essential?

The importance of the "why" cannot be overstated. Now more than ever, the "why" is crucial. The church is fragile, but its "why" has a long reach. The church's why has staying power.

If the church and pastors are not careful, we will revert back to our old ways of doing church post-pandemic. We do not want that to happen because Covid-19 provides us with a golden opportunity to clarify our mission and explore innovative ways of doing ministry.

If the church and pastors are not careful, we will revert back to our old ways of doing church post-pandemic.

Click to Tweet

Remember The Past, Don't Re-live It

Pastors and church leaders who wish to return to the way things were before the pandemic, there is no indication that they have learned any lessons.

Uncertainty is the only sure thing. It's wise to expect the unexpected because we rarely get what we desire. We can be fortunate and figure out why something has occurred. However, the greatest lesson we can take away is that a person may discover a lesson and learn from it, which is preferable to being lucky any day.

Maybe we've been asking the wrong questions all along. We used to rely on in-person worship and small groups before COVID-19.

"When are we going back to in-person services?" "When can we have Sunday school or small groups again?" These are the wrong questions to ask. Instead, we should be asking questions such as:

- How can I serve my community during covid-19?

- What are some innovative forms of ministry that will engage the church?

We need to embrace change and try new things. We have to do what is necessary to adapt to covid-19 circumstances. And then we have to be creative.

Pastors and church leaders who wish to return to the way things were before the pandemic, there is no indication that they have learned any lessons.

Click to Tweet

Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing

COVID-19 has given some people an opportunity to rediscover gratitude. Others have learned the significance of generosity and perseverance. But what is the purpose?

Gratitude, generosity, and patience are all lessons taught by the church in response to the crisis. Most churches focus on protecting the community and maintaining the status quo, often at the expense of excluding others. But how can excluding individuals help those who are doing it?

Before the pandemic, making disciples was hard. Why? People use social media and other things to talk about things that are not good for their faith. Keeping the main thing (our mission) is good because it will keep the leaders from being distracted by things that cause division.

COVID-19 has generated new questions about the church, but it is not a crisis in itself. The church was born to keep people focused on Christ during every crisis and challenge. COVID-19 provides an opportunity for the church to reflect on its mission again.

The church's disruption will be more long-lasting than COVID-19 if we continue engaging in nonessential activities and busyness. This pandemic has given some people an opportunity to rediscover gratitude. Others have learned the significance of generosity and perseverance.

God gave us this opportunity to rediscover and uncover what we've taken for granted, such as giving and gratitude. At the heart of it all, you will find mission-focused, Christ-like leaders who possess a deep conviction toward the mission of God.

A new breed of church leader will emerge post-covid-19, able to lead in the power and love of Jesus Christ over all obstacles. They will be mindful about what matters most while enduring hardship so that others also might make it through.

Are there additional moves you see that the church must make in order to thrive post-Covid? 

The church was born to keep people focused on Christ during every crisis and challenge. 

Click to Tweet
The Price of Pleasure: How Ministry Pornography Destroys Your Church

The Price of Pleasure: How Ministry Pornography Destroys Your Church

by | Feb 16, 2015 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Goals, Humor

Lately, a lot of “so called” experts believe the church is in decline. I don’t.

As a result, there are plenty of conferences offering their latest and greatest pitch to stop the church’s decline. Each year we’re invited to hear “celebrity” pastors share God’s plan for the church and how we ought to adopt it and be large and successful like them. Frankly, I’m surprised that there hasn’t been a venue to really address how and why churches grow.

Porn button

Many pastors & church leaders make their annual pilgrimage to Catalyst, Saddleback Church, Willowcreek Association’s Leadership Summit, North Point’s Drive Conference, Greater St. Steven FGBC, The Potter’s House, etc. and come away excited and delusional with unrealistic expectations. Ed Stetzer calls it ministry pornography. (more…)

Don’t Miss Out: Controversies in Pennsylvania: Church Attendance, Prison Labor, and Racial Justice! Plus, much more…

Humbling Leadership Lessons In Change & Transition – Pt. 3

by | Apr 24, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership

Humility increases our appreciation for God. To respect God’s majesty, we must compare ourself to his greatness. When we look at creation, we often feel small by comparison. To feel small is a healthy way to get back to reality, but God does not want us to dwell on our smallness. Humility means proper respect for God, not self-depreciation.

In 2011 saw some exciting changes at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, my purpose was to share three humbling lessons learned. If you missed reading Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.

IMG_3400

Bishop's WP 7_000012

(Sanctuary Renovation – 2011)

So, what did I learn? (more…)

Don’t Miss Out: Controversies in Pennsylvania: Church Attendance, Prison Labor, and Racial Justice! Plus, much more…

Humbling Leadership Lessons In Change and Transition – Pt. 2

by | Apr 17, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Leadership, Mars Hill Baptist Church, Servant Leadership

I am surprised and humbled by the overwhelming response to this week’s post, “Humbling Lessons In Change & Transition.”  If you missed it, you can read it HERE.

renovation 4

 (Sanctuary renovation – 2011)

In 2011, I shared some new and exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist Church.  But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball.  I believe you can learn a lot from your failures if you’re willing to admit and learn from them.

Renovation 3

(Sanctuary renovation – 2011)

First, I learned  how buildings house memories.  Therefore, it is wise not to erase their significance. Parents have introduced their children to the church and sat Sunday after Sunday in the pews together. Others have said goodbye to loved ones and those last few words in that place were significant.  In addition to learning the significance of buildings, I also learned how change can happen quickly but, transition often follows more slowly.  (more…)

Don’t Miss Out: Controversies in Pennsylvania: Church Attendance, Prison Labor, and Racial Justice! Plus, much more…

Humbling Leadership Lessons in Change and Transition

by | Apr 15, 2013 | Church Issues, Decisions, Mars Hill Baptist Church

I’ll admit, as a leader it’s quite easy to get caught up with a vision. It’s natural because as leader’s we’re encouraged to look out for opportunities and then take the lead in making things happen. But sometimes we find ourselves alone out front, and wonder what happened to the people we’re leading? Why aren’t they with us?

Going Fishing – Who’s in?

Take a scenario of a group of people going fishing on a lake. Typical leaders get the vision, jump in the boat and are off to fish straight away. But the rest of the group may take a different approach. As the leaders look back they find that half the people are still on the river bank. Some are still prepping their fishing gear.

Some are just starting to launch their boats. Others are on the water but are heading in the opposite direction. Some are going in circles and still others haven’t yet even decided if they feel like fishing after all. That’s when you realise that only leading from the front doesn’t always help facilitate transition.

John Maxwell in his book Winning with People admits that patience is not one his strengths. He says:

“When I was younger I constantly cast vision for the people in my organization and then left them behind – not a good thing for a leader.”

2011 saw some exciting changes at Mars Hill Baptist. But as exciting as that vision of building was, we know now that in the process we left some people behind. There were parts of the process where as leaders we simply dropped the ball. During this three-part series, I’ll share three humbling lessons learned.

MHBC Before

Mars Hill Renovation (2011)

(more…)

Unlock Faith on The Fly

Just enter your details in the form below to get instant access to "Faith on The Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals" eBook.

 

Thank You! I appreciate your interest in "Faith on the Fly: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Growth for Busy Professionals." I am excited to help you integrate faith into your daily routine.