The New Testament Baptist Church of Butler, Pennsylvania

Sunday, August 4, 2013

3 Ways To Be Unsatisfied With Your Church

1. Dont participate, merely consume. A consumer culture is one thing hindering the 21st century American church. Weve come to expect that the latest technology comes standard in our cars. Our local fast-food restaurant has to provide free Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, we think our church should be no different. Just like the movie theater, we come when the production starts, sit in our seats, are entertained, and think we should leave satisfied when its over. Oftentimes those most unsatisfied in the church are those who just show up on Sundays (sometimes). There is little to no participation in Sunday School, small groups, service projects, or teaching and serving within the church. 2. Criticize your leadership. I once heard about a couple who didnt like their pastor because he told stories about his family in the pulpit before beginning his sermons. Quirky? Yeah, kinda. Unbiblical, sinful, illegal, harmful?! Definitely not. Weve really need to understand the difference. Its also not fair to compare your pastor to the celebrity pastor on the other side of the country whose book we just read and now believe that every church everywhere should be run like that celebrity pastors church. Remember that celebrity pastor is in a completely different context. He doesnt know your church, and he also doesnt come to your home when you have a tragedy or celebrate with you when you have a baby or other joyous life event. Were hard on our pastors. We would do well to remember that our pastors/church leaders are human beings like us, full of quirks and wrestling with sin and struggles just like we do. If you have a legitimate concern, approach your leader about it, and dont talk about them behind their back. Be kind, be loving. 3. Dont spend time with your church family outside of the church building. Most of our churches corporate gatherings serve a great purpose. We worship together and we learn together, but most arent very conducive to getting to know each other on a deeper level. This isnt a failure on the part of our leadership. Its just the nature of a larger gathering. You learn more about a person over 30 minutes of sharing coffee, than you did attending church with them for several months.

Weekly Service Schedule

Sunday: 10:00 AM Adult & Childrens Bible Study Classes 11:00 AM Morning Preaching 6:00 PM Choir Practice 7:00 PM Evening Preaching Wednesday: 7:00 PM Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Saturday: 10:30 AM Bus Visitation

Today
Today in Sunday School is when some children are promoted to a new Sunday School class depending on their school grade. Children and young people will attend these classes until next year. Sunday School is a great time to learn the Bible!

724.282.2494 437 North Duffy Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16001 www.VisitNTBC.com Youre invited to listen to our internet radio station, GlorifyRadio.com, on your computer, smartphone, or iPod/iPad.

Thank you for choosing to worship at the New Testament Baptist Church of Butler. Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred for the eternal as we sing songs & hymns that direct your heart toward Christ and challenge you through the preaching of Gods Word. There are friendly people at our Welcome Center in the lobby who will gladly assist you with any questions you may have during your visit. Allow us to make you feel at home during your visit. First-time adult visitors and families are asked to visit our Welcome Center to receive a hospitality bag with a gift card to Chick-fil-A.

First Time Visitors

Butler Farm Show Monday - Saturday, August 5-10

The New Testament Baptist Church booth at the Farm Show requires many volunteers. If you can arrange your schedule to help us, it would be greatly appreciated. Last year, many of our volunteers suggested getting matching patriotic polo shirts to add to the visual presentation of our booth. If you would like to purchase a polo shirt, you may contact Terry at 1-888-722-2695. There are mens and ladies shirts in various sizes.

The Bus Ministry Works & We Need Your Help

A recent State inspection revealed that one of our buses needed brakes replaced. The cost of this repair is about $2,000. Would you give a special offering to help with this expense?

Sword of the Lord Conference Monday, August 12

Your family is encouraged to travel to the Grace of Calvary Baptist Church of Erie, Pennsylvania, to hear Pastor Jeff Fugate. Services start at 7 PM. Travel with our Pastor to Santa Clara, California, and attend the Pastors & Workers Conference at the North Valley Baptist Church. Since we will be flying to California, we need to make reservations early. Check your schedule, and see if you can attend this church conference. Start saving money now. We will leave early on Monday, March 3, and return late on Friday, March 7, 2014.

Adult Ladies Bible Study Tuesday, August 13

Adult ladies are encouraged to participate in the Ladies Bible Study. Augusts Bible Study will be held at Mike & Kasey Fishers home. It will begin at 6:30 PM. Ladies are asked to bring a side dish to share with others. Dont forget your Bible and devotion booklet.

Food & Drink Items

In the spirit of worship, and as an act of courtesy, please do NOT bring food items, coffee, bottled water, or soft drinks into the Auditorium.

Electronic Devices
Cellular devices, pagers, and electronic devices should be turned off or placed in vibrate mode. We would ask that parents do not allow their children to bring electronic video game systems with them to church.

Out of respect for your loved ones and those in attendance, we ask parents to use our clean & well-equipped nursery. This free service is available for newborns and infants (birth through 24 months). Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. Assistance is available at the Welcome Center.

Parents with Infants & Young Children