First Church had been declining...
First Church had been declining in membership and attendance for years. Twenty years
ago worship attendance was 220, but had dwindled down to 53. Every three or four years
they would receive a new pastor. With each new pastor they hoped he or she would be
able to bring new members into the church.
Across the street from the church was a bowling alley. Over the years, the people in the
church complained when beer cans were found in front of the church. On Saturday night,
the bowling alley would be filled with people. One pastor challenged the congregation to
