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EvangeLectionary
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On a recent visit to the United Church of Christ Church House in Cleveland the Reverend Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity UCC in Chicago, offered his thoughts on many aspects of vitality and discipleship in congregations and the world. In these video clips he speaks on growing vital congregations, reaching new generations, connecting hip hop and faith, nurturing leadership, planting new churches, inspiring generosity, supporting Our Churches' Wider Mission and facing tough times. Visit this link at the UCC Church Vitality site to view these clips.
Almost every church you drive by these days says, “Welcome.” But how does a church do more than just “say” it? How can a church actually follow through on what Mother Theresa once said, “Let them see what we do?”
A church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has found the answer, at least for them. Once a month the church provides a free meal for the community. It’s called simply the “New Day Meals” program. It was inspired by Isaiah 58:7a “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen…Is it not to share your food with the hungry?” Members of the congregation build relationships with people who come regularly. Spiritual talk comes naturally and opportunities to pray with and for them abound. “They feel our love and respect and they are responding with openness to God,” says Lyle Zumdahl, the pastor of Bethany Reformed Church.
“Tired of paying movie prices, but still like the big screen? Come on Friday, January 16 for this FREE Movie Event. Make it a date night; invite a friend, neighbor or co-worker. Nursery will be provided, and the kids will get to watch ‘Wall-E.’” The adult feature: “Fireproof” from the creators of Facing the Giants.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (12) Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." - Romans 12:10
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Methobapterians. No, you’re not reading a spelling error. On the contrary, this article’s title is actually a contraction for phenomena that is happening with the current generation of “church-goers.” Today the question people are asking is not, which church do you attend but whether or not you go to church…period. Today people interested in a faith community are choosing a church based not on the denominational tag, not even on location or architectural style or liturgy, but on services they provide for the whole family, single individual, divorcing, or remarried person. The day of competitive or theological comparisons between churches is no longer relevant to people. Those for whom the church still occupies a central spiritual and social place are choosing a church with affinities that interest them. Many — maybe even most — people today are not interested in church but are utilizing weekends and Sunday mornings for marathons, iron-man and woman competitions, children’s’ sports activities and other affinity groups of a non-religious nature.
Written by Jeff Glass |
Stickiness: what an interesting concept! (I first learned about it in the book, The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell.) How sticky is your church? What do you do to promote stickiness to your visitors? Once upon a time, when I was a pastor, Bring-a-Friend Sundays were very popular. I got pretty good at promoting this idea and getting the church to draw a big crowd. Sometimes, we would almost double our worship attendance for that Sunday! The church people would get excited to see such a crowd! But the following Sunday, maybe a few would come back. Within a few Sunday’s, no one was returning. Though we had an exciting day, it was depressing that we didn’t find anyone who really wanted to be a part of us. |
This is one of the things that a community church in Phoenix, Arizona, is doing to reach out to its changing community. At a time when the economy is threatening jobs, pinching family budgets, stressing family life and challenging lifestyles, the church, which is situated on a very busy thoroughfare, is attempting to provide a healthful opportunity for the people all around it.
Here in this wonderful scripture, Apostle Paul reminds the church of their responsibility and great need for hospitality. This expression means that they should readily and cheerfully entertain strangers. This is a duty which is frequently enjoined in the Scriptures. Hebrews 13:2, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." 1 Peter 4:9, "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." Paul makes this especially the duty of a Christian bishop: 1Timothy 3:2, "A bishop then must--be given to hospitality;" Titus 1:8. Hospitality is especially enjoined by the Saviour, and its exercise commanded: Matthew 10:40,42, "He that receiveth you receiveth me," etc.
I just received a flyer in the mail, advertising a conference to help churches retain their visitors. The conference is called, “Sticky Church”, and promises to help churches “close the back door”.Evangelism in Images |
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