Sermon Central
-
Cult Growth
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 30, 2008 (message contributor)
CULT GROWTH
Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) reported the largest membership increases in a year, according to the National Council of Churches’ 2008 Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses currently rank 25th in size with over 1.06 million members, they reported a 2.25% increase since the publication of the 2007 Yearbook. The Mormon church grew 1.56% and is listed by the NCC as the fourth largest "church." Others among the top 25 largest churches reporting increases include The Catholic Church at 0.87%; Southern Baptist Convention (0.22%); African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (0.21%); and the Assemblies of God (0.19%). The greatest membership losses were reported by The Episcopal Church (4.15%) and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) (2.36%). Both are currently wracked by theological differences and the issue of homosexuality. American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were also hit with large losses (1.82% and 1.58%). The United Methodists saw a 0.99% decrease but remains the third largest U.S. church body with nearly eight million members.
(Source: Christian Post, 2/20/08)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
In 1953 In Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross Was Getting ... PRO
Contributed by Guy Caley on May 25, 2003
In 1953 in Grimes Iowa, Violet Cross was getting sicker by the day. Finally her eldest son Frank insisted she go to the doctor. Eventually they ended up at the large teaching hospital in Iowa City. The diagnosis was devastating. Though Violet had never smoked she was dying of Lung cancer. One ...read more
-
A Cartoon By Joe Mckeever... PRO
Contributed by Aaron Householder on Sep 30, 2004
A cartoon by Joe McKeever... A smiling woman greeting a surprised pastor as she leaves church says, "All my life I heard pastors say they were ...read more
-
Note: I Do Not Show This Clip To Discredit Those ...
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Nov 3, 2004
Note: I do not show this clip to discredit those individuals who are genuine and are sent by God to go around the world and hold revival meetings. Illustration: From the Movie clip from “Leap of Faith” Clip: The one were they put their show of deception on for the first time. He tells them ...read more
-
During The Reign Of Oliver Cromwell, There Was A ... PRO
Contributed by Dixon Olu. David on Apr 26, 2004
During the reign of Oliver Cromwell, there was a shortage of currency in the British Empire. Representatives carefully searched the nation in hopes of finding silver to meet the emergency. After one month, the committee returned with its report. “We have searched the empire in vain seeking to ...read more
-
Let Me Tell You About Neroli Endacott. While ...
Contributed by W F on Jun 12, 2005
Let me tell you about Neroli Endacott. While others her age can kick back, relax, shoo the kids out the door, and consider retirement - - 59 year old Neroli (who lives on the Gold Coast in Australia), fills her days being mum to some of that states most "at risk" children. Since 1999 she has cared ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Leaving An Impression
Contributed by Lloyd Grubbs on Sep 10, 2008
Every Christian is leaving their mark on society. Even after were gone our lives will still be making an impact.
-
A Spiritual House - The Building And Purpose
Contributed by Duane Smith on Oct 27, 2008
The goal of this message is to help us understand that God dwells in us and that He has a purpose in the church being a living, vibrant community of believers.
-
Temple Without Walls Series
Contributed by Peter Loughman on Jul 28, 2009
The holy place of Jesus Christ resides not in any building, cathedral, or historical site, the holy place of Jesus Christ resides in your heart.
-
The Church Series
Contributed by Timothy Gardner on Nov 27, 2012
The word "Church" is so often used out of context. This sermon series helps the church (the people) identify how God defines church buy using seven different analogies found in the Bible. This is the introduction sermon to the series. There are eight serm
-
He's Coming Back Series
Contributed by Connail Johnson on Oct 23, 2012
Some of the most exciting periods of our lives are the times of anticipation. The times when we can't think of anything but what we are expecting to occur. When we are living with an attitude of expectancy our steps begin to quicken & our eyes brighten as
