The Woodmont Word

E-Newsletter

A Family of Faith on Mission

February 2016

If you have visited the church office lately you will notice that the doors are locked. Recently we installed a security system on our office doors. With these uncertain times we live in, we realized that anyone could walk in without warning. We now have an intercom button that you push to talk to the receptionist. She can then push a button to allow entry. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thompson's Text

The Top 10 Most Fiercely Defended Traditions in Churches

From a recent study by Thom Rainer some interesting observations were made about church traditions.

"Of course, by "traditions," I am referring to those extra-biblical customs that become a way of life for many congregations. A tradition is neither inherently good nor bad. Its value or its distraction in a given church really depends on how members treat the traditions.

With that in mind, I began noting the most frequently defended traditions in churches. As a corollary, these traditions can also be a potential source of divisiveness. They are ranked here according to the frequency of the comments.

Worship and music style. Though I have noted elsewhere that this issue is not as pervasive as it once was, it is still number one.
Order of worship service. Thou shalt not change any items in the order of worship.
Times of worship service(s). The first three most frequently defended traditions are related to worship services.
Role of the pastor. The pastor is to be omnipresent and omniscient. Many church members have clear expectations of what "their" pastor should do.
Committee structure. Many congregations continue committee structures long after their usefulness has waned.
Specific ministries and programs. The healthy church constantly evaluates the effectiveness of its ministries and programs. That's good stewardship. Other churches continue their ministries and programs because that's the way they've always done it.
Location of church facility. A church relocation can be an issue of fierce debate, even contention, in many congregations.
Use of specific rooms. Some of the more frequently named rooms are the worship center, the parlor, the gym, and the kitchen/fellowship hall.
Business meetings. Traditions include the frequency of business meetings, the scope of authority of business meetings, and the items covered in business meetings.
Staff ministry descriptions. Some churches insist on having the same staff positions with the same titles with the same ministry descriptions even though the needs in the congregations may have changed dramatically."

What do you think? Are these or any of these traditions at Woodmont? I would love to have your opinion, you may email me at sthompson@woodmontbaptist.org.

Under His Grace,

Steve

Reese's Pieces

Kevin

Student Ministry

Super Bowl Party

February 7, 2016

5:00 PM

@ East Campus

Food, Fellowship &

Special Video presentation during halftime.

Upcoming Events:

February 10 - One Night Unite - Doors open @ 6:00 (Speaker: Coach Anderson from Shoals Christian)
March 4- 6 - Unite Weekend (Speaker: Antjuan Marsh)

Jarod

Praise the Lord we paid off our note on the East Campus. On Sunday, January 10, 2016 we had a note burning to commemorate this accomplishment. Denise Olive, Chairperson for the Stewardship Committee and Kyle Green, Chairman of the Deacons burned the note.

Singles Ministry

Upcoming Events:

January 30th- Singles working the Soup Kitchen

Singles Mission Trip to Guatemala in October. The exact dates are not set but the later part of October is the plan. The trip is for 7 days to work with the Building Believers in Christ ministry there. If you are interested in more info on this trip, contact Belinda Green.

February 21- Singles Monthly covered dish lunch in the gym following the service. Please bring a casserole, vegetable dish or dessert.

Belinda

Family Life

Belinda

55 and Older Join Us For These Upcoming Events...

Game Day has been extended to two days a month. We will meet the first and last Thursday of the month for game day. Bring a finger food and join in the fun and fellowship. Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 4 & February 25.

Thursday, February 18 will be our monthly luncheon. Mark your calendar for the third Thursday of each month and enjoy the wonderful food, decorations, devotionals, and speaker or entertainment. We have wonderful fellowship and hope you will join us for the 2016 year and become a part of this vibrant and encouraging group of believers.

Frances Moore

New Members