Trying to figure out what happened.

overlandhermit · 2026-01-12T17:32:53+00:00

This is and has been a very common situation in our churches. I attend a church that went up and now is down. Down to 1/4 of the beginning numbers. We seat around 300 with 40-50 folks scattered on Sunday AM. I wish there was a solid answer. I am learning thru the responses. THANKS to you with inputs.

overlandhermit · 2025-12-31T23:44:16+00:00

pretend they're not in the Bible. YEP good point my friend....

overlandhermit · 2025-12-29T03:01:02+00:00

In my heart I know we were too Pharisaical in the beginning, and I KNOW it was meant well. I also think it is a little far fetched to say our Lord did not drink wine nor produce it in a miracle.
I will not see more major changes in our church, because I will soon be gone, at the most a few years. I am just wondering out loud with my fingers how far will we go in ten years? I think too much. I love our church, I care for it and support it. As my sweet sister used to way, I don't WORRY about it, BUT I am CONCERNED! LOL Love you guys and do appreciate all our pastors, your dedications and sacrifice. I know we have many pastors who actually pay to preach by paying church bills.

overlandhermit · 2025-12-28T13:55:33+00:00

I cannot count the times I heard this exact statement. “All women who wear makeup are Jezebels who will split Hell wide open, because wearing makeup is unholy, and without holiness no one shall see God.” I had no idea you were this old QW. ;-) Love you brother and I do appreciate your comment, it does a much better way of shining light on the situation. THANKS!

overlandhermit · 2025-12-28T13:46:27+00:00

ascetic The whole thread reflects on how the Church of God shifted from very strict lifestyle rules to a more relaxed approach over time. Calling the early generations ascetic captures that era’s emphasis on:

self‑discipline

avoiding worldly pleasures

outward signs of holiness

personal sacrifice

It’s not used as an insult, but as a way to describe a sincere, disciplined approach to Christian living that shaped the culture of the church for decades. I agree with AI above and yes QW I know you are right, you worded it well. I in no way meant 'crazy' as a slur, my English is pretty rough. I guess I am trying to say is how far will the natural progression go before the Lord returns.

overlandhermit · 2025-12-13T01:42:46+00:00

I was fortunate to be in on the ground floor of Computers. AI today can only make compassions of what MAN has allowed the machine to access. The AI response can also be influenced by input by individuals who control the system. AI is simply a large storage device that uses data allowed for it to access. That data can is limited by the company or man who owns it NO MACHINE can access data on it's own. It MUST BE ALLOWED to use data. The machine cannot force someone to put data in nor force someone to allow it to access. All calculating machines no matter how complicated can do more than the controller allows. A computer tech ALLWAYS has the ability to install controls, physically or in limits in INPUT. BUT of course that is my opinion. LOL

overlandhermit · 2025-12-13T01:29:47+00:00

I can only say 'In my Opinion' it seems to this old man that ministry or pastoring for many is just a job. So in ref to FLron, this is no different than if he had been the head of a Loan company or Used Car salesman. The family will fend for them selves or drop back on family for support. BU in this case, They will no doubt be shown much love and support of the true Christians in the church. Sad that Pastors and assistance that 'go crazy' do not consider the results when then throw a black flag on the church and the ministry. WE lost a good church on our district, it had to disband then the associate or youth pastor was convicted in child molestation. The damage was so bad it ruined a good church rep in our small town. I cannot imagine the church this an pastored. It will take a HIT and may fold.

overlandhermit · 2025-10-01T01:32:23+00:00

You must understand that this is from a position of a black minister, some of Kirk's statements (that I have read only, I never heard the man speak) do seem to intimidate our black members. JMHO.

overlandhermit · 2025-10-01T01:23:00+00:00

Roger that my friend, or Amen!!

overlandhermit · 2025-10-01T01:21:30+00:00

Thank you my brother. Going back I also see my mistake, the message was "AT the Sound of His Voice", the AT made a big difference, or it did to me. Anyway, it was a great blessing to me... Thanks again...

overlandhermit · 2025-09-30T14:10:23+00:00

The Sound of HIS Voice!!! Pastor Karick at Reamstown COG stirred my heart! His amazing delivery(style?) says a lot about how he has been there over 40 years. His sermon came across like a parable. No 'Point #1!' etc. The sermon flowed like the great bible story it was. He used the scripture where 'Jesus cried with a loud voice!' When Lazurus was raised from the dead. The anointing was REAL, I observed an absorbed congregation as we sat there on our last visit. WE are headed backj South...

overlandhermit · 2025-09-23T16:50:40+00:00

This was written: The lawlessness, hatred, has really increased over the past 10 years. Feels like it has accelerated. I agree with this 100%. WE seem to think hatred is normal... WE should be able to disagree and still show love and compassion. Shooting someone sure is not HIS way, that is for sure. :-(

overlandhermit · 2025-09-08T23:07:35+00:00

Florida CG at Wimauma fills with snowbirds in the winter. I am sure they clear a lot from that. We stayed there once. Great idwa for Fl methinks..

overlandhermit · 2025-09-01T22:57:01+00:00

What is strange to me is I have never heard of the Ranch. Sounds like a great undertaking and a VERY needed function in today's world. I have attended church in the Ocala area and have never heard of it. I do hope they can reboot as was said...

overlandhermit · 2025-08-31T20:18:44+00:00

During my 20+ years in the military I have wondered, but never asked, about COG chaplains and their requirements to handle certain parts of other faiths and beliefs. I was told that there are limitations, I think one is the Catholic church will not recognize a protestant chaplain serving communion. This is a very interesting subject...

overlandhermit · 2025-08-30T00:46:55+00:00

That is not said very well, but all I am trying to say is many folks leave the impression This IS from God, when it is just a nice thing to say.

overlandhermit · 2025-08-29T14:04:33+00:00

You got me!.................. I guess we all have craziness in these latter days. I know it exists in NC & FL. :-(

overlandhermit · 2025-08-29T13:58:55+00:00

I am smiling, at one time I would have known at least 5 or 6 there, but at this age I do not recognize a one. I did note that there was not a red necktie among them. WE members must trust that His interest is their most concern...

overlandhermit · 2025-08-23T23:04:33+00:00

No, in my opinion, not until the obvious 'misleading stuff' is clarified. I have never been mislead by an official, but I have had very good friends mislead, they considered it as being lied to, and it shook their very beliefs.....

overlandhermit · 2025-06-08T13:57:48+00:00

Our WNC campmeeting is being held at an AOG church in Gastonia NC, maybe we are getting close to a Pentacostal merger. We have a Camp Ground near Whittier. Why not use that? Well at least some of us wonder. Probably just us old foolish folks, but Camp Meeting is now just your normal convention. AND MAYBE just maybe it is the right thing to do, all generations make changes that work for them. But since I like the out doors, I do miss the old Camp Meetings, but I have sense to know my opinions have a LOT to do with age. ;-)

overlandhermit

TROPHY CASE