How to grow the congregation? Strippers versus Church ... a New Beginning.

A Pastor is glad that his Church in Ohio - New Beginnings Ministries is growing and the members united as neighbours come every Sunday from the nearby strip club to protest the opposition of the church to their trade...and risk to their livelihood. Meanwhile – as they come to protest they listen to the gospel and receive tracts. CNN Belief Blog 

The modern day “Paul” Pastor Bill Dunfee is causing a mini-riot reminiscent of the apostle in Ephesus. Plainly put, though his methods are somewhat brazen - I wish I had his guts. Often I’ve felt the Church has come under a dont-bother-me and I-wont-bother-you spell and would rather tackle grand national big-ticket political issues like corruption, abortion etc...in the media and at sensational rallies etc while fierce demons next door have a field day.

Churches in Nigeria march to protest corruption and bad governance...in Washington rallies hold – and we retire to a good night’s sleep as nocturnal workers resume their beat under our windows. NOT so for Bill Dunfee. It would take some courage to disturb legal livelihood of others in a tough Recession - where legal livelihood conflicts with the word of God...in a society that cares more about human rights and sensitivities than pleasing God.

The Riot in Ephesus

Acts 19[23] About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. [24] A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in no little business for the craftsmen. [25] He called them together, along with the workmen in related trades, and said: “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business. [26] And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. [27] There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited, and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.” [28] When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” [29] Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius * and Aristarchus, Paul's travelling companions from Macedonia, * and rushed as one man into the theater. [30] Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples * would not let him. [31] Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

[32] The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. * Most of the people did not even know why they were there. [33] The Jews pushed Alexander to the front, and some of the crowd shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defense before the people. [34] But when they realized he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” NIV

Paul seemed to have this disturbing anointing ... his motto was “True Revival or Riot”...Any city hosting him for a rally would just have to choose one or the other. Either way – the gospel of Christ could not be ignored.

Matthew 5[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

One thing about salt is that it stings when applied to wounds but it does cleanse the wound, It was also found during the treatment of WW II fighter pilots suffering burns , that those who were rescued from the English Channel healed better due to the sea water. The gospel will sting and offend and especially more in times of Recession ... it will be more difficult to refuse a gift, exit a line of business that is not helpful to faith as alternatives seem bleak...But there is greater opportunity for healing by the Holy Spirit.

Sin and all its affiliates are wicked, and offer the society nothing – even at its best - but cruel wounds, now or in the future. How far should we go to rescue a family, marriage, victim or prevent spiritual and physical disease and even death?

Proverbs 12 [10] A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Isaiah 48[22] There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

I see beginnings of new healing in the "Fox Hole" as the “salt” continues its work... new ministries birthed... fresh victories in the wars of faith.

God bless you – Bill. Lord help me not have a faith that is at peace with wickedness at my doorstep.

Amen

Also read The Problem is not Islam ,Wars of Faith

(Author's Blog)