Heart of the Matter

Greetings from Pastor Wade E. Butler

Hello. These audio files came to life at Trinity Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana while I was the Senior Pastor. You will find them a great benefit to you, for Bible Studies, Elder Training and Council Retreats.The Introduction and the Conclusion are the same audio file. This is intentional. Hearing it at the beginning and after the episodes will sharpen your focus.Read by Mrs. Loreen Baggett. Enjoy! 

Part 1 - Introduction to the Heart of the Matter

We think we have good reasons for attending church.But most of those reasons ring hollow when we ask, “Why, really, do I come tochurch?” It would be just as easy to go to another church, one with more of this or lessof that. Tradition and involvement are not the reasons I keep coming back, even cravecoming back when I occasionally have to miss a Sunday.I found out the real reasons to attend church and so will you.Loreen Bagett

Part 2 - Why We Attend Church

Now, picture someone asking you in a non-confrontational way, "Susie, Mike, I know you attend church every Sunday and you seem like a very religious person. Would you mind telling me why you attend church all the time? Why do you do that?"It has been my experience when I ask a church-goer why they go, they do not have a ready answer to my inquiry.Decide to change that! 

Part 3 - Examining Our Reasons for Attending Church

People usually attend church for three basic reasons: Organizational, Relational and Contentual. When people attend for organizational reasons, it is because they like, feel comfortable with or are emotionally vested in the organization or the place where the organization meets.Relational? They like the social arrangement.Contentual? They believe in what is going on!Or, a mix.....

Part 4 - How Far We Have Fallen!

The difficult truth is, Organizational and Relational reasons for attending church are totally, woefully inadequate and selfish. These motivations reduce church to a club of nice people where “something religious” goes on in the middle space between all of the great organizational opportunities and the wonderful time with friends afterwards. Consider thinking of a good fellowship as a bonus. How far we have fallen from the days of the Martyrs!

Part 5 - Revamping Our Motives for Attending Church

If we discover we have been attending church for less than optimal reasons, revamping our reasons is easy and beneficial. Change your mind. With knowledge comes responsibility and with responsibility comes accountability. Change your mind about church attendance. Or, if you are already attending church for the right reasons, reinforce your own reasons and commit yourself to a renewed sense of devotion and service to Jesus and His people and Sacraments.

Part 6 - What God Delivers at Church

What does God deliver to us spiritually when we attend church? What do we expect to receive from God? God has promised to deliver specific spiritual blessings and benefits when we gather around His Word and Sacraments in the local congregation.This episode of the "Heart of the Matter" series reminds everyone what God has promised to deliver to those who seek Him in His house where Word and Sacrament are offered according to His promise and command.

Part 7 - How God Delivers Spiritual Benefits in Church

You attend church for spiritual benefit unless you attend church for a less-lofty reason. When you attend church, how does God deliver the spiritual benefits to you?In this episode of the "Heart of the Matter Series," you will reaffirm and discover how God delivers the spiritual benefits that attending His house assures.

Part 8 - The Only Reason to Attend Church

In this part of the "Heart of the Matter" series, you will be exposed to the only reason that really matters to attend church. Ideally, you have rethought why you attend church and have already chosen to make church attendance a spiritual matter. Solidify your new commitment to make church attendance a matter of the heart.