A Living Church always has parking problems; a dead church doesn't.


A Living Church has lots of 'noisy' children; a dead church doesn't.


A Living Church often changes the way things are done; a dead church, NEVER!


A Living Church often asks for money for the missions and the poor; a dead church tries to keep plenty of money in the treasury.


A Living Church asks people to 'open up' and risk involvement; a dead church plays it safe and never takes risks.


A Living Church sees challenges and opportunities; a dead church sees only problems and dangers.


A Living Church often apologizes, forgives and seeks forgiveness; a dead church never makes mistakes.


A Living Church uses its traditions and facilities to serve people; a dead church uses people to preserve facilities and traditions.


A Living Church believes in God's guiding Spirit and 'let's go with faith'; a dead church believes only in the past and is satisfied merely to 'hold on'.


A Living Church is filled with committed givers; a dead church is filled with 'tippers'.


A Living Church dares to dream - great dreams for God's Kingdom; a dead church has only nightmares.


How do you see yourself? Your vision of 'self' affects what you are and what you will become.


How do you see Church? Your answer effects our relationship with God and one another.


In either case, it's truly a matter of Life and Death. Above all else, the real Life and Death question is: HOW DOES GOD SEE US?


Hopefully, each of us will hear those wonderful words from our Father; 'Well done, In you I take delight. Welcome home. I'm happy you are here'.