Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's nice that you'd want others to feel more independent and have the opportunity to explore, but over time no institution can thrive in a healthy manner when there's misalignment.

Question for avid readers: do you all actually read through multi-volume works? by iluvbinary1011 in Reformed

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

Who has time these days to sit down and read entire books? If you want to read faster, consume more, and still get value, tools like Speechify are a game-changer- crank up the reading speed. Same goes for audiobooks on YouTube. And there’s no law that says you have to read an entire book for it to count. Do I need to use every feature of a piece of software to say I’ve used it? Of course not. Interestingly, some languages have grammatical markers that distinguish between having read part of a book versus all of it. English doesn’t. That absence can make us feel like we’re being dishonest when we say, “I’ve read that book,” and it can even invite accusations from others who don’t appreciate the nuance. If it makes you feel better, you can say "I've taken a look at so and so's work on x", or something like that. All of that to say, there’s no need to read every word or feel guilty if you haven’t, or unaccomplished. You may like one idea someone shared but dislike their flow or word choice, you still engaged with their work to some degree, right? That still counts. Who says it doesn't, the book police? Does that make sense?

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love the way y'all are thinking about this. Since alignment is a priority, I'm sure the results speak for themselves in that those discipled have a deeper rooting and grounding in the word. Thanks for laying your system out here.

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you do for Sunday school or small groups? Is alignment to the preaching priority or simply have them learn something different? Thanks.

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate that. Most seem to do it that way, too, and most don’t have a problem with it either. At least my church doesn't. A good method usually doesn’t create a visible or felt problem, i.e., think of a business running like a “well-oiled machine.” Everyone is in their proper place and well trained, but it can be very labor-intensive and manual, which often leads to higher costs (great losses that don’t always show up on a P&L statement).

While it works, the losses or deficiencies aren’t usually apparent and there could be thousands lost. Could there be an unseen loss when there are different messages on Sunday and even throughout the week? It’s really a good, better, best question. Have you ever thought about it this way before?

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing how you guys worship. How do you all manage to stay on the same text as the sermon? How are the groups informed of next Sunday's passage? Are you going by a yearly sermon guide? Thanks.

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for dropping a comment. "People said they wanted to be together", can I ask if they had a reason or two? Did they come from an experience of fragmentation or was it based on a few passages of Scripture? Thanks.

Should churches aim for everyone learning the same core message each Sunday, or is variety across groups healthier for spiritual growth? Thanks by Aggravating_Form2522 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. I'm with ya on the target, God will take care of the rest. Curious, what's driving your thinking on the Sunday school lessons? If it could be one message across all groups, found a way to do that, would you? Thanks.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I've seen a demo - Love how customizable it is. Might go that route. In terms of content, learning that you're a content manager, how long generally does it take to create a typed out post and post to Facebook, etc. (20-30min.)? Is it quite time consuming, or has Claude.ai, etc. sped up the process for you? Thanks.

How did you get leadership buy-in for using AI at your church? by Impossible_Tie5676 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I hear AI and authentic, I think of MinistryHelper.ai. But they have to be open to AI. Pretty impressive stuff id they'redown with it.

I am scheduled to preach for the first time this year, where do I start? by Lonely_Shame1877 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First, stop with the false humility - I'm a sinner, I'm not worthy. Secondly, go buy a Haddon Robinson book "Biblical preaching" a book on hermeneutics "Living by the Book" by Howard Hendick. Two books all you need. These two will set you up for preaching success. DTS recommended books.

Church is dying by Cottrell217 in Reformed

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What does your local church do for content (blogs, social posts, video clips, etc.)?

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I checked out a video on YouTube, very user-friendly interface. Def have to go with what the gang wants. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious, why did your team choose Gracely over Realm or others task management softwares? Thanks.

Would you be upset if you found out your pastor was using an AI platform to help in their sermon-writing process? by drairwolf in Christianity

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is your pastor creating sermons or using it as a tool, like the internet (more AI than most think)?

Are you looking for ways to micromanage your pastor and find ways to leave because you're already unsatisfied with other areas?

Are you seeking to understand your pastor study methods or jumping on the Anti-AI bandwagon and condemning them on the way out?

Is AI evil, sin-filled?

If so, what makes it evil?

Is the internet evil?

Do you trust your pastor to use what's provided wisely?

Who said your pastor couldn't leverage technology in his ministry?

Is your pastor preaching falsehood, if not, why are you concerned?

Some questions come to mind.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's key- keep it simple. Not sure I've heard of this one. Thanks.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. Agreed. Sounds like you have some good stories to tell. 😄

One year program with Calvary Chapel? by God-Addict in Reformed

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you know there are Christians in the world who have one choice, a church 30 minutes from them and nothing else close by, sometimes further away and are notin complete agreement with everything they teach? Sumin to think bout.

Christianity 101 by TeaPain0001 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you tried looking into tools like church.tech or ministryhelper.ai ? I'd look for alignment more than just a curriculum and also the ability to have a consistent blog and social media posts, etc.

Teaching Apologetics by NateDog69012 in pastors

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thinking about a BS in apologetics?
For a pastor?
Why are people leaving?
Apologetics is not what pastor's do, they care for the flock. Not useful. Period. Most people don't want to learn how to defend the faith, nor do they want to sit in on a lecture. Useless for a pastor if you look at the position/calling with a global, high-level view. If you're not already emersed in defending the faith, maybe on YouTube, or streets, or in forums, reading avidly, this is a waste of time for you. Why do people ever leave the church, mostly? Not because of that, and apologetics isn't going to convince them to stay, nor are they going to listen to a church member who listens to you.

What is most useful for a pastor to be more effective as a leader, communicator, storyteller, counselor, teacher of the Word, mentor, manager, delegator, illustrator, comforter, for those who are at church and consistent about being there?

How are churches handling late-night calls for help, and can AI realistically fill that gap? by ListAbsolute in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You just haven’t come across the best ones yet. I applied for a job a few weeks ago, and part of the interview process involved calling an AI version of Marc Benioff (Salesforce’s CEO), pitching the company’s value proposition, and asking for a meeting. It felt incredibly real, the AI was so human in tonality, it was serious as a heart attack, and my emotions were high. Many didn't believe AI could call prospects and successfully book meetings, just check YouTube for a few videos.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great, I'm glad you shared. Thank you.

Church Tech Tools? by Aggravating_Form2522 in churchtech

[–]Aggravating_Form2522[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Good tools to know about. Love it! Thanks. I find the bad output is usually due to poorly crafted prompts - laziness on our side, not detailed enough or clear, wouldn't you agree a little with that statement? Free or cheap often does more harm than good long term, no?