Growing churches

It's not surprising to hear that several churches in our region are growing. New church buildings are popping up and expanding all over.

It's refreshing, though, to see how Gospel deliverers are changing tactics. As one pastor recently said: You can't change or improve the Gospel. But you can change how it is presented.

To reach those individuals who may not have grown up in church, area congregations, in keeping with national trends, are making the Bible and faith a lot less intimidating. Church bands are using music that nontraditional worshippers are more familiar with. Messages are filled more with hope and the positive messages of Christ rather than fire-and-brimstone messages of past generations. The result has been a renewed and much-needed lift.

Churches have more energy than ever before. Traditional churches are still needed and appreciated. But it's good to see congregations overhauling their methods in order to reach the world.