Change is not something that most are comfortable with and most especially if you have been ingrained by tradition. I always keep in mind the attitude that Jesus took with the so called "religious" leaders of His time. I recall that they were the only ones that Jesus spoke harshly with. The reason was because they were supposed to be the examples for the people and lead them spiritually. Instead they were as Jesus said, "the blind leading the blind." I never want to be guilty of leading anyone in the wrong direction and at the same time I cannot sit back silently while being led by the blind. I believe Jesus' attitude and response to these men was to be an example for us to be aware of. In fact He warned His disciples of the "leaven" of the Pharisees. I have lost total respect for the institutionalized church and what it has done to Christianity. It is a travesty to the legacy that those such as the Apostles left us with. As I stated in the beginning, I can not imagine what they would say if they were to witness what we have today. I know that what I see in the book of Acts is nothing similar to what we have today. I also know that there are many out there that are tired of this ritualized church as much as I am.

Can the church be reformed? Yes, but only when enough of those that are fed up with being starved and being slaves to this institution stand up and be counted. The traditional rut has allowed other organizations to perform the church's job.

•    The Salvation Army and Rescue Mission are shining examples of where the "Traditional" Church has dropped the ball.
• True, some churches have soup kitchens set up, but in the remainder of their structure they fall into the same "Traditional" bondage.
• Most churches have "token" missions that they support or sponsor so that they can say they are mission minded, yet never step outside their buildings to help their own.

• Have a constant training program where people are being instructed on the proper etiquette of witnessing and knocking on doors. Such as, not going to a door and the first thing out of your mouth is, "I am from such and such church and we want to invite you…" GAG… that is exactly what will keep them away. The first interest should be with them personally, is there anything you can help them with, can you pray with them for something, do they know Christ.
• Services or gatherings must become more interactive and not what we see today. They must allow for each person to be able to contribute and be used as God equips them. The church must at all costs get back to the pattern left to us by the first church.
• Have someone set aside to instruct and train new converts, regardless of age. They need to be trained in how to study, what to study, and how to use it as a witnessing tool. Be able to use current events to enter into witnessing and how they agree with Scripture.
• There has to be a constant discipleship program as well as evangelism.
• Have someone to instruct (not baby-sit) the children that are not old enough to go with the adults out on the streets.
• Train people to minister to each other so they can effectively go out and minister to the lost on the street.
• Have the body meet for times of worship, praise, and prayer before going out. Why do we have the mindset that our congregations need to be preached at two to three times a week? Why do we subject them to Bible studies that do not benefit? Why do we restrict our activities to within the four walls of our beautiful monuments we have constructed and put the body in debt for? Why aren't our resources used to benefit the lost, instead of making it more comfortable to stay in our buildings?
• Incorporate more prayer with and for each other during the services so the people will become more comfortable with praying for others. Prayer has to become a comfortable and regular interaction among the people. Teach them to not be afraid of prayer.
• Training and equipping is what the church is supposed to be used for and not entertainment and what we see today. We need to be equipping the saints in spiritual warfare so that they recognize the spiritual battle that rages. They will not learn by listening to a great orator for years on end but by personal experiences and practical applications.
• It would be good to incorporate a door to door program on a regular basis maybe in place of the Wednesday service or alternate it between Wednesday's and Sunday nights.