This morning I ate at The Breakfast Klub with Bruce and a long time friend. I had googled to find a restaurant that would be an easy commute for my friend and this one popped up. We had no idea what we were getting in to but now, with the meal behind us, I am already looking forward to my next visit...and I want to tell others about it!
And that got me to thinking....what brings people back? As a pastor's wife, we are constantly looking for ways to get seekers in the door and then back again. So I thought I'd take a closer look at what I experienced and why I think people keep coming back (or not).
1. I decided on the place because when I googled it, it came up with 4.5 stars....so I knew quickly that it must be good.
2. They had an online presence. I browsed the menu to be sure it was going to have something for all of us. The menu was easy to find and easy to read.
3. The location was in a part of Houston that appears to be revitalizing. Parking was terrible.
4. We had to stand in line outside because the crowd inside was so large.
5. There was a nice African American woman who gave clear and direct instructions about the menu and what would happen when you entered the building. She even told us where the restrooms would be located, where the drinks and condiments would be and how to order from the menu. She was nice, well spoken and energetic.
6. We waited outside about 20 minutes.
7. Once in the building we were greeted by another man who took our order before we got to the counter. He also pointed out the drinks and restrooms and was very friendly.
8. We paid with a debit card and signed electronically.
9. Did I mention it was crowded? After we got our drinks and silverware we found our own seat.
10. Within 10 minutes our food was served by 2 different waiters who were very friendly.
11. About half way through the meal the general manager made his way around to us and chatted for 3 minutes or so. He returned 5 minutes later and told us we HAD to have some fried chicken since it was our first time. He gave us each a piece...on the house. It was scrumptious.
12. The bathroom was spotlessly clean, but the toilet didn't flush without a good jiggle of the handle.
13. Tables were busted quickly by plenty of servers and waiters.
14. The atmosphere was multi ethnic...mostly African Americans of the business sector. I didn't feel intimidated or uncomfortable at all. Everyone was so FRIENDLY.
15. We paid more than we usually do for breakfast. It was so worth it.
16. The music was loud and some of the art work was a little more "soul-full" than I am used to.
So the question is....would I go back? You betcha...and here's why...
1. I am an information kind of gal...I liked knowing a little about the place before going.
2. The friendliness of everyone we encountered was overwhelming and made the few things that could have been a big distraction seem so small in comparison.
3. Knowing the food was going to be delicious made the wait more tolerable.
4. Did I mention how friendly everyone was?
I also think church is a lot like restaurants.
People listen to other members reviews....how do we talk about our church?
People look for friendliness...are our greeters familiar with where everything is so they can direct guests to the right classes, restrooms, nursery? Are they smiling and excited to be there? A grumpy greeter can be a big turn off when looking for a church.
People are willing to compromise some things if the main thing is good. What is the main thing?? Jesus and His message. However that is communicated needs to be top notch. The best we can give.
Are our people eager to serve. Those waiters and servers at the Breakfast Klub were anxious and ready to do their jobs. They were serving current guests and making room for the next guests. They had a lot riding on their shoulders. Do our servers in our churches serve with that same passion and understanding that they are the visual message of the church?
Did I mention how friendly everyone was? The general manager was making the rounds, making small talk, shaking hands and making everyone feel loved and appreciated. How important is that when we are welcoming guests into our churches.
The important lesson I learned today was it's not always the best building, best parking situation, best seat in the house that gets people coming back. It's the atmosphere. WHOA.... and what I learned today is we have a part in that atmosphere. How we enter God's house not only reflects our relationship with Him but also can affect others around us as they seek to worship God. A smile goes a long way and I can easily forget about a toilet that had to be jiggled a little if the Holy Spirit is moving in the atmosphere.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Friday, March 8, 2019
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Why I Go To Church
I read a statistic that 54% of people are interested in increasing their relationship with God in 2016. This could be because of unsettling things that are happening in the world, or just the new year with more thought turning towards things that are important or eternal or it could be that mankind is looking to fill the large size hole in life that only God can fill. But whatever the case...chances are these people will be looking toward the church (the people or the building) in some way to figure something out about their walk with God. So this statistic got me to thinking a little about why I go to church.
So, you that know me might be chuckling...Duh, Gina...you're the pastor's wife, you gotta go to church. But as true as that might be...that's not why I go...because if you only knew...sometimes because I am the pastor's wife, I don't want to go. Sometimes I'm tired, sometimes I am hurt by others, sometimes I need a break, sometimes I don't like the hypocrites (lol), sometimes I'm spent. Just like you. Just because I have a sweet little title doesn't make it different...sometimes I just don't want to go.
But I still do.
Not because I have a legalistic husband who demands my presence, not because I feel guilty for missing, not because I can't be replaced. No...I still go because God says go...He says go because you will find strength and encouragement together as the time of my return gets closer. He says don't forget, don't forsake, don't neglect the body of Christ. (Hebrews 10:25)
I have experienced the great benefits of being faithful to God's house and His people. Things like deeper relationships, feeling God's presence as it moves through the congregation, hearing the congregation sing out their praise and worship, watching people serve in humility one towards the other, experiencing forgiveness and grace when I fail someone and returning that forgiveness and grace when people fail me. I go because I know me....I know the woman who needs to hear God's Word regularly, I need to collectively worship with my family (both blood related and not), I need to humble myself and in the quiet of a service allow God to work in my life. Because...I have not arrived. After 38 years of relationship with God...I still stumble, fall, doubt and fail God. I go to church because the church is Christ's bride and if Christ loves the bride (and He does) then I want to love the church too. I also see how the church is affecting the world...no other organization does as much as churches do for the world. Humanitarian efforts - check, Social issues- check, Spiritual change - check. The church is faithful to put their money where their mouth is. I am proud to be part of my local church and part of what God is doing through the obedience and faithfulness of flawed people willing to walk in grace, humility and love for each other and the world.
I understand why people don't attend church...I do...but that doesn't mean I agree with them. I understand that you can get fed up with leadership and disappointed with people. I understand how good it can feel to stay home and rest and relax on a Sunday morning. I understand the temptation to believe that you are not needed, unimportant and insignificant....because I have felt all those things before....But let me assure you of one thing...these are traps the devil lays for you. Traps to concentrate on yourself, traps to feel neglected, traps to be self-centered. I know...because I've been there. And I've been on the other side too and can assure you that what God has to offer you through your church is far better that the enemy's trap to keep you from there. Is the church perfect? No...largely because people like me attend. Is the church going to meet every need you have? No, that's God's job, not the churches. Is the church going to feed you spiritually? They better...but unless you can make it the whole week on 2-3 meals, I sure hope you can read and feed yourself. Is the church going to disappoint you? Yes. Yes. Yes. The staff isn't perfect, the deacons aren't perfect, the music guy isn't perfect and neither is the nursery worker or the maintenance person. But I don't know too many of these people that aren't trying with all their heart to serve the Lord with their availability and their obedience and their gifts.
So...I'm going to keep going to church...I mean it would be a little weird for me to stay home after writing this article...but it's more because I know that Christ gave His life for the church...and He's coming back for the church...and I want to be with those He loves...His bride...His beloved. I want to be busy being obedient to what He asked His people to do.
I have experienced the great benefits of being faithful to God's house and His people. Things like deeper relationships, feeling God's presence as it moves through the congregation, hearing the congregation sing out their praise and worship, watching people serve in humility one towards the other, experiencing forgiveness and grace when I fail someone and returning that forgiveness and grace when people fail me. I go because I know me....I know the woman who needs to hear God's Word regularly, I need to collectively worship with my family (both blood related and not), I need to humble myself and in the quiet of a service allow God to work in my life. Because...I have not arrived. After 38 years of relationship with God...I still stumble, fall, doubt and fail God. I go to church because the church is Christ's bride and if Christ loves the bride (and He does) then I want to love the church too. I also see how the church is affecting the world...no other organization does as much as churches do for the world. Humanitarian efforts - check, Social issues- check, Spiritual change - check. The church is faithful to put their money where their mouth is. I am proud to be part of my local church and part of what God is doing through the obedience and faithfulness of flawed people willing to walk in grace, humility and love for each other and the world.
I understand why people don't attend church...I do...but that doesn't mean I agree with them. I understand that you can get fed up with leadership and disappointed with people. I understand how good it can feel to stay home and rest and relax on a Sunday morning. I understand the temptation to believe that you are not needed, unimportant and insignificant....because I have felt all those things before....But let me assure you of one thing...these are traps the devil lays for you. Traps to concentrate on yourself, traps to feel neglected, traps to be self-centered. I know...because I've been there. And I've been on the other side too and can assure you that what God has to offer you through your church is far better that the enemy's trap to keep you from there. Is the church perfect? No...largely because people like me attend. Is the church going to meet every need you have? No, that's God's job, not the churches. Is the church going to feed you spiritually? They better...but unless you can make it the whole week on 2-3 meals, I sure hope you can read and feed yourself. Is the church going to disappoint you? Yes. Yes. Yes. The staff isn't perfect, the deacons aren't perfect, the music guy isn't perfect and neither is the nursery worker or the maintenance person. But I don't know too many of these people that aren't trying with all their heart to serve the Lord with their availability and their obedience and their gifts.
So...I'm going to keep going to church...I mean it would be a little weird for me to stay home after writing this article...but it's more because I know that Christ gave His life for the church...and He's coming back for the church...and I want to be with those He loves...His bride...His beloved. I want to be busy being obedient to what He asked His people to do.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Day #1 Beautiful Feet
When I think about beauty, I'm gonna be honest and say I don't usually think about feet. I mean, even with the latest and greatest buffers and scrapers and files and soaks and polishes...mine still look wide...with a side of bunion. Truly, not my best feature. And of course add a case of a summertime flip flop addiction and you also add a side of plantar faciiatus...and maybe even a heel spur. It's ugly.
So, I always get a little tickled when I come across the verse in Isaiah 52:7 that says:
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
and the one in Romans 10:15 that says:
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
But as I was thinking about all the things in the world that are beautiful...I thought about the people in my life that have taught me about the good news of Jesus Christ, the ministry personnel, both past and present that we have been honored to work with and the missionaries worldwide that are shouting these words to nations "Our God Reigns!"
They're running the gospel to hospitals and schools and nursing homes and desserts and Sunday School classrooms and home groups. They're proclaiming to children and senior citizens and empty-nesters and newlyweds and homosexuals and cancer victims and liars and adulterers the Good News...the Gospel...the only hope. They are beautiful.
These are the feet of some of the many beautiful feet I know... They work more hours than they are paid for, they run on coffee and high speed internet....and they work inside our church body and outside, in our little community, to share the good news...the gospel...the greatest story ever told. They preach with their lives...they preach with their actions...and with the word of their testimonies.
So, today...on day 1 of 31 Beautiful Things...I honor and thank those beautiful feet that keep our church running each week. Thanks for your endless hours of work, your good attitudes, your servant's hearts, your faith. Thank you for sharing your stories, your testimony, God's message each week. You are worth more than you will ever know. You're priceless...and your feet...well, they're beautiful.
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Disclaimer: Beautiful feet belong to anyone who shares the gospel. You don't have to be called a minister or pastor or director of any church program to share your story of salvation...your testimony. If we all did that...there would be no need for spiritual pedicures, would there?
So, I always get a little tickled when I come across the verse in Isaiah 52:7 that says:
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
and the one in Romans 10:15 that says:
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
But as I was thinking about all the things in the world that are beautiful...I thought about the people in my life that have taught me about the good news of Jesus Christ, the ministry personnel, both past and present that we have been honored to work with and the missionaries worldwide that are shouting these words to nations "Our God Reigns!"
They're running the gospel to hospitals and schools and nursing homes and desserts and Sunday School classrooms and home groups. They're proclaiming to children and senior citizens and empty-nesters and newlyweds and homosexuals and cancer victims and liars and adulterers the Good News...the Gospel...the only hope. They are beautiful.
These are the feet of some of the many beautiful feet I know... They work more hours than they are paid for, they run on coffee and high speed internet....and they work inside our church body and outside, in our little community, to share the good news...the gospel...the greatest story ever told. They preach with their lives...they preach with their actions...and with the word of their testimonies.
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| Mitchell Nguyen- Mission's Director |
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| Donnie South- Senior High Pastor |
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| Cody Chester- Junior High Pastor |
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| My hubby- Bruce Stinson- Pastor |
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| Mike Hasten- Associate Pastor |
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| Melinda Henderson- Children's Director |
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| Loren Carter- Music Director |
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Disclaimer: Beautiful feet belong to anyone who shares the gospel. You don't have to be called a minister or pastor or director of any church program to share your story of salvation...your testimony. If we all did that...there would be no need for spiritual pedicures, would there?
Monday, June 17, 2013
Book Recommendation!
This short and to the point book is an easy, yet convicting read. Bruce picked it up at a recent trip to BBC and I read it after he left it on the kitchen table one morning. If you're a church member...you should read it...and if you're not....you should read it. I think that just about covers everyone! It's only $5.....$5???? I know! I can't believe it either!
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I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference By Thom S. Rainer / B & H Publishing Group I Am a Church Member seeks to remedy the outbreak of inactive or barely committed church members. It addresses--without apology--what is expected of those who join a body of believers. When a person's attitude is consistently biblical and healthy, matters of giving, serving, and so forth will fall into place more naturally and Rainer's practical work unpacks what that should look like. Six compelling chapters with study questions guide this more-important-than-ever discussion: 1. I Will Be a Unifying Church Member 2. I Will Not Let the Church Be About My Preferences and Desires 3. I Will Pray for My Church Leaders 4. I Will Lead My Family to Be Healthy Church Members 5. I Will Be a Functioning Member 6. I Will Treasure Church Membership as a Gift Buy it HERE !!! It's only $5 today! That's a bargain! |
Thursday, May 23, 2013
What Happened on Wednesday
Church dismissed at 7:30pm. Or so I thought. What I didn't bank on happening was that Bruce would want to stay and throw a game of spades with some of the guys (is a pastor supposed to throw spades after church, at church ...that's another blog post). So as I meandered to the parking lot I ran into a couple of moms....and for the next hour and 15 minutes...we had...dare I say it, an extended church service.
Oh, the conversation actually started with talk of my new ride. Humbly I got to share again how good God was to give us such a blessing...(thanksgiving). Then one of the moms started talking about mom stuff...you know, kids, school, discipline, parenting, struggles, failures, concerns. In my heart and with my voice I too admitted some of my "stuff" and how God was teaching me some of those very uncomfortable lessons. Each of us casually shared verses and encouragement and wise counsel (edification). We talked of God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, God's patience with us as we learn our way, His Spirit guiding us (worship). And after an hour of sharing and listening and admonishing each other to stay faithful to this eternal job of parenting and mothering and womanhood, I left feeling blessed, encouraged and motivated. And hopefully they did too.
Sometimes you just need the after church church service. The one that takes place in the parking lot or the church foyer or at Dairy Queen eating an ice cream cone. Sometimes you need those iron sharpens iron conversations...the ones that aren't meant to condemn, but to create an atmosphere of motivation to do better...do your best...get focused. Sometimes you need a good swift kick from a friend to get your act together, to get back on track, to high tale yourself out of a sticky situation.
God isn't limited to meeting with us within the walls of our auditoriums in our church buildings. I love gathering corporately with my church family. I enjoy the time we spend together in worship and fellowshipping and teaching and preaching. But, forbid it Lord, if I miss YOU in the parking lot, where three moms happen to meet after church. Help me to see Your timing as a means to minister and be ministered to, instead of an interruption. God's busy all the time...He does not slumber or sleep....
I'm keeping my heart more open to where and when He wants to meet with me in unexpected places.
Oh, the conversation actually started with talk of my new ride. Humbly I got to share again how good God was to give us such a blessing...(thanksgiving). Then one of the moms started talking about mom stuff...you know, kids, school, discipline, parenting, struggles, failures, concerns. In my heart and with my voice I too admitted some of my "stuff" and how God was teaching me some of those very uncomfortable lessons. Each of us casually shared verses and encouragement and wise counsel (edification). We talked of God's faithfulness, God's wisdom, God's patience with us as we learn our way, His Spirit guiding us (worship). And after an hour of sharing and listening and admonishing each other to stay faithful to this eternal job of parenting and mothering and womanhood, I left feeling blessed, encouraged and motivated. And hopefully they did too.
Sometimes you just need the after church church service. The one that takes place in the parking lot or the church foyer or at Dairy Queen eating an ice cream cone. Sometimes you need those iron sharpens iron conversations...the ones that aren't meant to condemn, but to create an atmosphere of motivation to do better...do your best...get focused. Sometimes you need a good swift kick from a friend to get your act together, to get back on track, to high tale yourself out of a sticky situation.
God isn't limited to meeting with us within the walls of our auditoriums in our church buildings. I love gathering corporately with my church family. I enjoy the time we spend together in worship and fellowshipping and teaching and preaching. But, forbid it Lord, if I miss YOU in the parking lot, where three moms happen to meet after church. Help me to see Your timing as a means to minister and be ministered to, instead of an interruption. God's busy all the time...He does not slumber or sleep....
I'm keeping my heart more open to where and when He wants to meet with me in unexpected places.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
I'm pretty sure....
Sometimes all you can do is laugh at yourself...or cry...
I'm pretty sure there's a chance that I flashed the whole choir at church today....thanks to a good friend who came to my rescue...I'm not entirely sure....and just so you know...if you're reading this and you do know if I flashed the choir or not...I don't want to know. I think it's just good for me to get it out there and admit that it might have happened and I'm pretty sure it did...and I don't want to talk about it because...the laughter might turn to crying....and I'm so so sorry.
I'm pretty sure I was fighting tears as I heard my hubby preach tonight at church. There are times he makes me very proud. Tonight was one of those times.
I know I was tearing up at the Burger King today....even though it should have been over the amount of calories I was consuming...it was over one of my preschool students.
I am convinced that if Tucker doesn't stop practicing his cowboy manners (the tilt of the cowboy hat with a "howdy") I may die laughing. He's also calling me his "beloved"....I'm telling you, he is hilarious.
Clothing a nine year old girl is going to also bring me to tears! Savannah's wardrobe is 100% bigger and way cuter than mine....and yet....If I hear "I don't have anything to wear" one more time....well let's just say I may need a trip....a long extended stay trip somewhere!!!
Everyday we have choices on how we are going to handle things. Some days I laugh at the same thing that the next day will make me cry! Thankful...as I was reminded in our sermon this morning at church, God NEVER changes. He is the God of the present tense...I AM. His presence is with us today...and when your tomorrow becomes today. He's there. Through the ups and downs...the laughing and the crying...the joys and sorrows. Whether you flash the choir...or you're trying to reach a goal or break a bad habit or want to cry in Burger King.
Thank you Lord!
So....'fess up....ever been a time you had to choose between laughing and crying? Especially if you flashed the choir....I gotta know!!!
I'm pretty sure there's a chance that I flashed the whole choir at church today....thanks to a good friend who came to my rescue...I'm not entirely sure....and just so you know...if you're reading this and you do know if I flashed the choir or not...I don't want to know. I think it's just good for me to get it out there and admit that it might have happened and I'm pretty sure it did...and I don't want to talk about it because...the laughter might turn to crying....and I'm so so sorry.
I'm pretty sure I was fighting tears as I heard my hubby preach tonight at church. There are times he makes me very proud. Tonight was one of those times.
I know I was tearing up at the Burger King today....even though it should have been over the amount of calories I was consuming...it was over one of my preschool students.
I am convinced that if Tucker doesn't stop practicing his cowboy manners (the tilt of the cowboy hat with a "howdy") I may die laughing. He's also calling me his "beloved"....I'm telling you, he is hilarious.
Clothing a nine year old girl is going to also bring me to tears! Savannah's wardrobe is 100% bigger and way cuter than mine....and yet....If I hear "I don't have anything to wear" one more time....well let's just say I may need a trip....a long extended stay trip somewhere!!!
Everyday we have choices on how we are going to handle things. Some days I laugh at the same thing that the next day will make me cry! Thankful...as I was reminded in our sermon this morning at church, God NEVER changes. He is the God of the present tense...I AM. His presence is with us today...and when your tomorrow becomes today. He's there. Through the ups and downs...the laughing and the crying...the joys and sorrows. Whether you flash the choir...or you're trying to reach a goal or break a bad habit or want to cry in Burger King.
Thank you Lord!
So....'fess up....ever been a time you had to choose between laughing and crying? Especially if you flashed the choir....I gotta know!!!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Church of Today
This morning I was up early and browsed through a whole long list of facebook status updates from the last couple of days. I saw 4 post that where nearly identical. You know what they said? .....thanks for asking...I'll tell ya....They all said something like "Pray for my child or so-n-so's teenager...after all they are the church of tomorrow".
I've heard this said many a time before and each time it hits on a bit of a nerve. Does it you? I mean, really, our kids...our teenagers...the church of tomorrow? I think I am just about ready to stand up and say NO!
Kids and teenagers who know Christ are part of the CHURCH OF TODAY! They are vital to what is happening today in the church. They don't need to wait until they are 18 or 21 to wake up and say..."oh, right, now I am a part of the church of today". Their worth is as great today as it will be in 10 years. If you don't think kids and teens are part of the church today, I would strongly urge you to take a trip to your child's Sunday School class, AWANA, children's church or other Kid-friendly program. You will see kids actively and aggressively participating in worship, learning and scripture memory and reading. If we added just a touch of their excitement for the things of God to our worship services on Sunday we might get a glimpse of what the church of today could really be!
I've seen teenagers who serve the Lord more faithfully and more joyfully than adults. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying we don't need adults. I am saying that we don't need to wait until teens become 20's to welcome them into the church of today. They are valuable, moldable, teachable and most of all ready to commit to a wild adventure with God. They don't know about being careful instead they take risks. What better time to let them know we are counting on them TODAY to do something for Christ?
The trend for church raised kids is to stray from the church during their 20's. Let's stop the cycle. Let's move in a direction to mentor and grow youth to a deeper understand of their position in Christ and the church.
I promise I am stepping off the soap box right now. Finished for today.
I've heard this said many a time before and each time it hits on a bit of a nerve. Does it you? I mean, really, our kids...our teenagers...the church of tomorrow? I think I am just about ready to stand up and say NO!
Kids and teenagers who know Christ are part of the CHURCH OF TODAY! They are vital to what is happening today in the church. They don't need to wait until they are 18 or 21 to wake up and say..."oh, right, now I am a part of the church of today". Their worth is as great today as it will be in 10 years. If you don't think kids and teens are part of the church today, I would strongly urge you to take a trip to your child's Sunday School class, AWANA, children's church or other Kid-friendly program. You will see kids actively and aggressively participating in worship, learning and scripture memory and reading. If we added just a touch of their excitement for the things of God to our worship services on Sunday we might get a glimpse of what the church of today could really be!
I've seen teenagers who serve the Lord more faithfully and more joyfully than adults. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying we don't need adults. I am saying that we don't need to wait until teens become 20's to welcome them into the church of today. They are valuable, moldable, teachable and most of all ready to commit to a wild adventure with God. They don't know about being careful instead they take risks. What better time to let them know we are counting on them TODAY to do something for Christ?
The trend for church raised kids is to stray from the church during their 20's. Let's stop the cycle. Let's move in a direction to mentor and grow youth to a deeper understand of their position in Christ and the church.
I promise I am stepping off the soap box right now. Finished for today.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Games, Gimmicks and Good Gravy
I've heard of a few gimmicks about getting people to come to church recently. It sort of gets my blood pumping when conversations start about it, so what better place for me to lay it all out there, but here....my beloved blog. ----and Warning 1- it's all over the place!
I've heard people say things about youth groups that offer pizza, candy, giveaways and other "bribes" to get the teens to come to church. I've heard about churches giving away TVs and cars and gift cards to get people into the doors of the church. Here's my take on it....and (WARNING 2) you're probably not gonna like it.
I think it's sad. Good gravy! I think it's shameful. I think it's absolutely embarrassing....but for reasons other than the obvious. In Bible times people came to hear Jesus for all different reasons....some just wanted to be healed...they had no other purpose, had no idea what He could really do for them. Some were skeptics and went to see Jesus so they could prove Him wrong, they had no idea what He could really do for them. Some came because they were invited....or perhaps someone came because they heard that He might feed them....He had turned the water to wine and multiplied 5 loaves and 2 fish- maybe they came thinking they might get something to eat. Some came because they had a loved one who needed healing. They had heard about Him and wanted to see if He could do the same for them. Anyway....it wasn't important why they went....many of these people were change forever- eternally- because they came for the wrong reason.
So, I don't really care about what it takes to get someone inside a church to hear God's Word. What I do care about is why it is necessary. 2000 years since Christ came, shouldn't the church (in general) be doing an extraordinary job of sharing Christ, being His hands and feet, loving on people, meeting the needs of the poor and sick and hurting ...that people are wondering what is different and we then lead them through the doors of the church to share with them this wonderful, fulfilling, healing, comforting relationship that they can have with Christ too? Shouldn't our lives be different enough that when someone comes to the place that they realize they are empty and broken, that they know they can come to us and we will share the answer- JESUS- with them?
I don't know about you, but for me, the sad part about the gimmicks used to draw people into church, is that it just shows that Christians aren't doing, being and living out our faith. If we were, people would be wondering in amazement about this JESUS we say we love. They'd be curious that we could forgive so easily, love so freely and be so generous. They'd be knocking on our doors asking for directions. Times is too scarce to worry about how we are getting people into the church. Make haste! Start living out your faith...don't wait til Sunday or Easter or Christmas to invite someone....they may look at you like they are surprised you even attend church. Do it now....live it now...talk it now...be the church...at home, work, play, school. We have the antedote to sin....share it however you have to.
Don't worry....any games we play have already been played. Daily in most of our lives....old habits, addictive behaviors, gossip, lying, cheating, tearing down the church, envying the size 6 figure of another woman, yelling hateful things to our spouse. I don't know....just seems like there's more game playing going on with people personally that we don't have a lot of room to be pointing our fingers at the church.
PS- I've personally been involved in the lives of many people who came to church because we gave them food. I'm convinced that if the church was busy taking care of the widows, orphans, impoverished and indigent that God would bless. Obedience to His New Testament Commandments would make National Healthcare, Foodstamps, Medicaid and other government assistance programs unnecessary. ---and we would be filling our churches with changed lives....people who understand their need for Christ and His Bride.
Stepping off the soapbox.
I've heard people say things about youth groups that offer pizza, candy, giveaways and other "bribes" to get the teens to come to church. I've heard about churches giving away TVs and cars and gift cards to get people into the doors of the church. Here's my take on it....and (WARNING 2) you're probably not gonna like it.
I think it's sad. Good gravy! I think it's shameful. I think it's absolutely embarrassing....but for reasons other than the obvious. In Bible times people came to hear Jesus for all different reasons....some just wanted to be healed...they had no other purpose, had no idea what He could really do for them. Some were skeptics and went to see Jesus so they could prove Him wrong, they had no idea what He could really do for them. Some came because they were invited....or perhaps someone came because they heard that He might feed them....He had turned the water to wine and multiplied 5 loaves and 2 fish- maybe they came thinking they might get something to eat. Some came because they had a loved one who needed healing. They had heard about Him and wanted to see if He could do the same for them. Anyway....it wasn't important why they went....many of these people were change forever- eternally- because they came for the wrong reason.
So, I don't really care about what it takes to get someone inside a church to hear God's Word. What I do care about is why it is necessary. 2000 years since Christ came, shouldn't the church (in general) be doing an extraordinary job of sharing Christ, being His hands and feet, loving on people, meeting the needs of the poor and sick and hurting ...that people are wondering what is different and we then lead them through the doors of the church to share with them this wonderful, fulfilling, healing, comforting relationship that they can have with Christ too? Shouldn't our lives be different enough that when someone comes to the place that they realize they are empty and broken, that they know they can come to us and we will share the answer- JESUS- with them?
I don't know about you, but for me, the sad part about the gimmicks used to draw people into church, is that it just shows that Christians aren't doing, being and living out our faith. If we were, people would be wondering in amazement about this JESUS we say we love. They'd be curious that we could forgive so easily, love so freely and be so generous. They'd be knocking on our doors asking for directions. Times is too scarce to worry about how we are getting people into the church. Make haste! Start living out your faith...don't wait til Sunday or Easter or Christmas to invite someone....they may look at you like they are surprised you even attend church. Do it now....live it now...talk it now...be the church...at home, work, play, school. We have the antedote to sin....share it however you have to.
Don't worry....any games we play have already been played. Daily in most of our lives....old habits, addictive behaviors, gossip, lying, cheating, tearing down the church, envying the size 6 figure of another woman, yelling hateful things to our spouse. I don't know....just seems like there's more game playing going on with people personally that we don't have a lot of room to be pointing our fingers at the church.
PS- I've personally been involved in the lives of many people who came to church because we gave them food. I'm convinced that if the church was busy taking care of the widows, orphans, impoverished and indigent that God would bless. Obedience to His New Testament Commandments would make National Healthcare, Foodstamps, Medicaid and other government assistance programs unnecessary. ---and we would be filling our churches with changed lives....people who understand their need for Christ and His Bride.
Stepping off the soapbox.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
26 Days of Thanks
Day 5
I am thankful for the church. I'm not talking about my church in particularly, though I could; I am talking about God's church. Those faithful believers that are busy doing the work of the Lord all over the world.
I am thankful for preachers, teachers and workers who aren't ashamed to share God's Word. I'm thankful for believers who are active daily in their communities- meeting practical needs that are so obviously going unmet in our society. I'm thankful for those who can see past the faults of people and can get involved in their lives because they can see something more than an addiction, a welfare status or low income housing.
I'm thankful for student pastors and volunteers who are leading this generation to understand that being a Christian is much more than going to church, that worship isn't stagnant and that Christians aren't weak.
I'm thankful for nursery workers and children's ministers and teachers who care, love, rock and teach children from birth, while parents recharge their spiritual batteries in coorporate worship. I'm thankful for their committment to sharing Jesus in an age appropriate way that partners what I am teaching at home to the church.
I'm thankful for church leadership that is faithful and committed, not because of their title, but because of their Lord. I'm thankful for the love they show their pastors and the way they care for the man of God.
I'm thankful for members who stick it out, through building programs, business meetings, low offerings and tough times. For those who don't eat the church staff for dinner on Sundays and for those who care deeply about the little things.
I am thankful for the church. I'm not talking about my church in particularly, though I could; I am talking about God's church. Those faithful believers that are busy doing the work of the Lord all over the world.
I am thankful for preachers, teachers and workers who aren't ashamed to share God's Word. I'm thankful for believers who are active daily in their communities- meeting practical needs that are so obviously going unmet in our society. I'm thankful for those who can see past the faults of people and can get involved in their lives because they can see something more than an addiction, a welfare status or low income housing.
I'm thankful for student pastors and volunteers who are leading this generation to understand that being a Christian is much more than going to church, that worship isn't stagnant and that Christians aren't weak.
I'm thankful for nursery workers and children's ministers and teachers who care, love, rock and teach children from birth, while parents recharge their spiritual batteries in coorporate worship. I'm thankful for their committment to sharing Jesus in an age appropriate way that partners what I am teaching at home to the church.
I'm thankful for church leadership that is faithful and committed, not because of their title, but because of their Lord. I'm thankful for the love they show their pastors and the way they care for the man of God.
I'm thankful for members who stick it out, through building programs, business meetings, low offerings and tough times. For those who don't eat the church staff for dinner on Sundays and for those who care deeply about the little things.
Thank you Lord...for giving your Son...for the church.Are you thankful for the church today? How?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Search
Well, it's started. The search for a new church...and to be honest...this is harder than I thought it would be! Being in full-time ministry for the last 15 years has brought with it the luxury of NEVER having to look for a church...the church was always the one we were attending. In fact, for all practical purposes it's been over 13 years since Bruce and I sat together in a church service...because he's been the one preaching!!!
It was sort of cool when Bruce resigned at GBF and the church members asked if we would still attend until our house sold. That would certainly be the easy thing to do, but not necessarily the best thing for us or the church. We love that body of believers but they need to be able to move forward without the old pastor and family hanging out!
So, today we went to Church of Celebration located in Paloma Creek Elementary School. Savannah liked the cool fun money you earn in Celebration City. Tucker didn't cry when he went to his class and Bruce and I managed to make it through a service sitting next to each other!!! The pastor is in a series called PG Required- (Parental Guidance Required) and we loaded up on Biblical parenting tips.
The worship leader was Kris Allen's brother....well..not really...but he sure did look like him...and even sounded like him. We sang a song I hadn't heard before called "Who is the King". It was a little weird sitting with the congregation...but something I am sure I will get used to.
After the service, we grabbed a bite to eat with the pastor and his family (friends of Bruce's) and enjoyed some great fellowship at Villa Mexicano. Yum!
On a humorous note, on the way home today, we were asking the kids to tell us what they learned in their classes. They told us and then I told them what we had learned in our class..."We aren't spanking you enough". You should have heard the nervous laughter that rose from the back seat.....too funny!!!
We do ask for your prayers as we seek where God wants us during this time of transition. We truly desire to know the mind of Christ.
It was sort of cool when Bruce resigned at GBF and the church members asked if we would still attend until our house sold. That would certainly be the easy thing to do, but not necessarily the best thing for us or the church. We love that body of believers but they need to be able to move forward without the old pastor and family hanging out!
So, today we went to Church of Celebration located in Paloma Creek Elementary School. Savannah liked the cool fun money you earn in Celebration City. Tucker didn't cry when he went to his class and Bruce and I managed to make it through a service sitting next to each other!!! The pastor is in a series called PG Required- (Parental Guidance Required) and we loaded up on Biblical parenting tips.
The worship leader was Kris Allen's brother....well..not really...but he sure did look like him...and even sounded like him. We sang a song I hadn't heard before called "Who is the King". It was a little weird sitting with the congregation...but something I am sure I will get used to.
After the service, we grabbed a bite to eat with the pastor and his family (friends of Bruce's) and enjoyed some great fellowship at Villa Mexicano. Yum!
On a humorous note, on the way home today, we were asking the kids to tell us what they learned in their classes. They told us and then I told them what we had learned in our class..."We aren't spanking you enough". You should have heard the nervous laughter that rose from the back seat.....too funny!!!
We do ask for your prayers as we seek where God wants us during this time of transition. We truly desire to know the mind of Christ.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sabbath Rest
Life is busy...yours, mine...everyone's. Recently I had a few days off in a row and realized how energized and clear headed I was after taking those days off. Then it came...that strangely quiet conviction that comes over you when you gently realize that maybe you haven't been doing something right. Yes, I've been living a life with no Sabbath for quite a while. Shame on me...and I am serious!
What on earth convinced me that working 7 days straight for many months could produce anything but fatigue, discouragement and pride? When did I begin to know better than God? When did I discover that my body didn't need some downtime? What a joke!
After those few days off, I began to realize that my goals could all be accomplished in a much shorter time if I took time to stop, rest, worship and rejuvenate. WOW! What a difference the past two weeks have made. Since Sunday's are a little crazy in our house, I've chosen to enjoy a little time on Saturday's to rest. That coupled with Sunday worship and the fellowship of having others in our home really has made an amazing difference to my overall life.
God never intended us to fill our lives so full that we wouldn't have the time to take care of ourselves, worship, fellowship, relax, enjoy downtime...He set the example by taking the 7th day to rest....did He need it? NO! But the reflection of His love for us is evident by Him acknowledging that WE need it. He wants us to take care of this temple. He wants us to slow down and enjoy the things He has created. He wants us to embrace worship with all our hearts.
I'd love to hear how you spend your day of rest. Comment below and share your thoughts.
What on earth convinced me that working 7 days straight for many months could produce anything but fatigue, discouragement and pride? When did I begin to know better than God? When did I discover that my body didn't need some downtime? What a joke!
After those few days off, I began to realize that my goals could all be accomplished in a much shorter time if I took time to stop, rest, worship and rejuvenate. WOW! What a difference the past two weeks have made. Since Sunday's are a little crazy in our house, I've chosen to enjoy a little time on Saturday's to rest. That coupled with Sunday worship and the fellowship of having others in our home really has made an amazing difference to my overall life.
God never intended us to fill our lives so full that we wouldn't have the time to take care of ourselves, worship, fellowship, relax, enjoy downtime...He set the example by taking the 7th day to rest....did He need it? NO! But the reflection of His love for us is evident by Him acknowledging that WE need it. He wants us to take care of this temple. He wants us to slow down and enjoy the things He has created. He wants us to embrace worship with all our hearts.
I'd love to hear how you spend your day of rest. Comment below and share your thoughts.
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