Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out -
"Enjoying Church!"

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will do an article periodically called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out". He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices, and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

With the many visitors who attend Historic Trinity's worship services, take tours of the facilities, and attend special programs or activities, too often, one hears them talking about how they don't enjoy going to church anymore. Some say their congregations have lost so many members that they don't enjoy attending an empty church. Others remark that the financial conditions of their parish have gotten so bad, they post the church's bills on the bulletin board to be taken and paid by the members. All they hear is money, money, money problems. They say they have enough financial problems of their own, the last thing they want to hear about is more money woes. Others bemoan the fact of so many changes. Often change - just for change sake. They say if it weren't for their friends they still have at the church - they would be out the door. Some have just stop going to church because they no longer enjoy going to church.

We can say - tough. People need to realize that not all churches are full, not all churches do not have financial problems, and not all persons object to changes in worship or congregation style. Yes, there are some big very successful churches. But the majority of the nation's churches are small, in trouble, and on the verge of closing. This makes for a lot of unhappy persons who long to be able to go to church and enjoy it. They tried to adapt, but in the end it was more than they could handle. People say they are so upset when they come home for a church service, they are stressed out and depressed. They no longer enjoy going to church. Churches, you better listen up before you lose everyone.

That does not mean our sole purpose is make people happy and to feel good. The message of the church is one of love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness... a belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The style of worship - traditional, contemporary, blended, ethnic or entertainment, really is not what makes the difference. It is doing the best in whatever form of worship you use, let it fit the needs of your people, and enjoy providing the Gospel to everyone.

At Historic Trinity we enjoy a good church attendance at most worship services, we enjoy our niche of a traditional church in a cathedral setting, we enjoy a strong financial support, we enjoy the great mix of our memberships' age (medium 36 years old), we enjoy a diversified cultural and racial mix, we enjoy a wide economic status (from poor to wealthy), we enjoy many geographic locations (all of Southeast Michigan), and gender (50% Men, 50% Women). We enjoy an outstanding staff, (7 Pastors, 10 Staff Persons). We enjoy the depth of the talent, experiences, and friendliness of our 1800+ members. We enjoy the many, many friends of Historic Trinity who are so faithful in their support and participation. We invite you to Historic Trinity Lutheran Church where you can truly enjoy attending church!