Some time ago I shared THIS blog article with The Community Fellowship's leadership team. HERE is another article that is great as well. Lets take a few minutes to think about the place we worship on Sunday, the church we attend and the people we spend time with there and more. Some things may surprise you.
Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt) --- This is how the Lord responds:"If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!
Influence. How do we influence others to come to the church we go to? Take a step back. Act like you've never been there before. Would you be turned off by what you see, how you feel or what happens at your church? These are important questions.
Why? We get far too familiar and comfortable with our surroundings. We begin to let things slide and take for granted what is around us. Are we drawing people to our church? The first article I linked to in this devotion has a couple things to say about telling people to "get away from our church". Take some time. Think about it. Be honest. Are we telling people to get away by what we do or don't do?
Website (we do that). But does it work? Does it draw people AND give up to date, good info about the church and REALLY who you are?
Community minded (we are that). Is it done to reach people or out of a sense of obligation? When they show up at church, do they feel welcome?
Answering the phone (always, we do that). And my wife would tell you YES. I hate the recorded message (even when it is a must). People want to talk to people.
Misinformation (shhhhhhhh, we've done that). Communication is key to growth.
Sign (we have one). Do people know you are a church? Does your sign communication what you really are (social club, food pantry....)?
Plenty of space (we've got it). I love being in a shopping center. Not many folks are at the surrounding stores on Sunday mornings making for ample room to park. But does our building meet the needs? Ask that.
Visitors (we have 'em). But do they like us from the minute they walk in the door? People make the decision to return or not to return before they walk in the door, reports say. I want to do a better job of letting our guests know they are just that, our special guests.
Respond to questions (we try hard). E-mail, phone, people who stop by...we want to respond well and open our doors wide.
What we believe (we are clear). Its on the website. We teach it in our membership study. It comes in sermons and more. Let people know what you believe about God, the Bible, salvation, the church, sin and more, much more.
Tell lies (we don't want that). It may be petty, but do we share things we want to be true or things that are true about our church? Far too many times I hear good things about a church and then hear of the fights and problems that have over-run the ministry.
I know, I know. This is a long devotion today, but I want us to ask questions about who we are as a church family. Are we really about giving Jesus to the people we encounter?
1 Corinthians 9:22 (nlt) --- When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
Jeremiah 15:19 (nlt) --- This is how the Lord responds:"If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you!
Influence. How do we influence others to come to the church we go to? Take a step back. Act like you've never been there before. Would you be turned off by what you see, how you feel or what happens at your church? These are important questions.
Why? We get far too familiar and comfortable with our surroundings. We begin to let things slide and take for granted what is around us. Are we drawing people to our church? The first article I linked to in this devotion has a couple things to say about telling people to "get away from our church". Take some time. Think about it. Be honest. Are we telling people to get away by what we do or don't do?
Website (we do that). But does it work? Does it draw people AND give up to date, good info about the church and REALLY who you are?
Community minded (we are that). Is it done to reach people or out of a sense of obligation? When they show up at church, do they feel welcome?
Answering the phone (always, we do that). And my wife would tell you YES. I hate the recorded message (even when it is a must). People want to talk to people.
Misinformation (shhhhhhhh, we've done that). Communication is key to growth.
Sign (we have one). Do people know you are a church? Does your sign communication what you really are (social club, food pantry....)?
Plenty of space (we've got it). I love being in a shopping center. Not many folks are at the surrounding stores on Sunday mornings making for ample room to park. But does our building meet the needs? Ask that.
Visitors (we have 'em). But do they like us from the minute they walk in the door? People make the decision to return or not to return before they walk in the door, reports say. I want to do a better job of letting our guests know they are just that, our special guests.
Respond to questions (we try hard). E-mail, phone, people who stop by...we want to respond well and open our doors wide.
What we believe (we are clear). Its on the website. We teach it in our membership study. It comes in sermons and more. Let people know what you believe about God, the Bible, salvation, the church, sin and more, much more.
Tell lies (we don't want that). It may be petty, but do we share things we want to be true or things that are true about our church? Far too many times I hear good things about a church and then hear of the fights and problems that have over-run the ministry.
I know, I know. This is a long devotion today, but I want us to ask questions about who we are as a church family. Are we really about giving Jesus to the people we encounter?
1 Corinthians 9:22 (nlt) --- When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
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