Change happens. Things appear. Things disappear. Which happens first? Which causes which?
This is an extremely common occurrence. As change happens among organisms/organizations like congregations, many people oppose the changes. Refuse to adjust to the changes. Blame someone for the changes.
What they are unwilling to admit is that change just happens. A new product, service, initiative, etc. rises and often causes something else to fall.
Print newspapers are disappearing. They have not failed. The Internet has succeeded and move from virtual space into real space.
One of the latest things to rapid disappear are toll free or 800 numbers. They are going, going, but probably a far distance from being gone.
What new initiatives caused this? One is cell telephones. Users do not need toll free or 800 numbers because they are still using their minutes when they call a toll free or 800 number.
Unlimited long distance packages on land lines are also causing the fall of toll free or 800 numbers. Land line users can just as easily pick up their telephone and call a regular number.
[BTW, land lines are falling and there will certainly be a day when they no longer exist.]
The organization I am affiliated with—The Columbia Partnership—has just eliminated its 800 number. No need. No use. No reasons to pay that monthly bill.
What are places you know where change is happening, no one intentionally is causing it, but we must all adapt to it?
Congregations do not like adapting, but they have no choice