coffee

Today, the lead pastors of the United Methodist Churches in Marion met to discuss the possibility of having our congregations join together for a small group study in the weeks before Lent.  We began thinking that we would pick a study that would work for all of us, but quickly decided that we could develop our own study.

I learned two things today, or rather, I had two things reaffirmed.  The first is that gathering over coffee, especially at a local coffee house, is an environment that is much more conducive for creativity than a typical meeting room.  When I go to a meeting room, I am thinking about when I can get out.  We want to leave meetings.  I don't remember thinking that at Witte's End.  I had no problem letting go of my constant habit of checking my watch and just let the creativity flow.  So maybe, when our meetings need the time and space for creativity to flow, we should have them away from the church.  I'm not saying that we can't have productive meetings at church.  I'm just advocating for the freedom to meet where people can relax.  Of course, this isn't new thinking.

I also learned that there is some great wisdom in my colleagues.  I am a better person for spending time with Mike Morgan and Marty Schuhmacher.  It is a privilege to serve with them.  Thanks, guys.

Practice your faith every day

seeing the other side

Last week, as I mentioned before, I went to the Make a Difference Tour at the US Cellular Center.  Several people from Christ Community Church went to the concert and I've been getting feedback about it.  The organizers of this tour understand that to reach a wide audience, they needed to have a variety of musicians and music.  That's why TobyMac, Third Day, Michael W. Smith, and Jason Gray were all a part of the event.

By far, the artist that has generated the most feedback has been TobyMac.  He was loud.  He was, by far, the loudest of the acts.  Most of this was because he had the bass turned all the way up.  One of our people said that she could see her pants vibrating.

For most people, you either liked TobyMac or you didn't.  I liked him.  He's one of my favorites.  My family listens to him regularly.  But I understand why several didn't.  He's not for everyone.  But that's why there were other acts for people to see.

Tonight, a wise man said that while he didn't like TobyMac, he appreciated his ministry because he could see many people in the event center that were connecting with his music.  They were being ministered to by this loud hip-hop artist that he just couldn't relate to.

This is something that we need to keep in mind in the church.  Not everything that happens in the church is designed to reach everyone.  Ministries are targeted to specific groups of people, not everyone.  Children's ministries are for children.  Bible studies are geared toward adults.  They wouldn't be effective otherwise.

So, if something is proposed that you doesn't excite you, ask if it might excite someone else in the church.  And if it does, support it as much as you can.  On the other hand, it is appropriate to ask for ministries that appeal to you.  Variety in the church is important.

By the way, we will have a sponsorship event at Christ Community Church in December, where you will have the opportunity to sponsor a child through WorldVision.  Stay tuned.

Practice your faith every day.

First-time Guest

Today, the Jennings family worshipped in Boone, Iowa.  I was invited to be the guest preacher for their Consecration Celebration.  I noticed that Nathan didn't go up for the Children's Time.  In the car on the way home, I asked Nathan why he didn't go and his answer was very telling.

Nathan said, "Well, it was my first time there and I didn't know what to expect.  Next time we go to church there, I'll go up."

This is how I imagine most folks feel when they come to a new church for the first time.  I know that I feel the same way when I go somewhere I haven't been before, and it always helps when I know what to expect or can go with someone else.

I've seen some creative devices employed by churches to minimize the discomfort that comes with the unknown. Some put pictures of their entrances on their websites.  Some will put images of their worship on their sites.  I really like it when churches put video tours on their sites, with snippets of the music, the preaching, and the congregation worshipping so that potential guests can get a good feel of what they might experience when they come.

While these devices are great, nothing can beat the human element.  A vast majority of people visit a church for the first time after being invited by someone they know.  Inviting someone is the best way to reach out to new people and when you invite someone, that is the perfect time to tell them what they might expect.  Tell them what you wear to church.  Tell them what style of music they'll hear.  Tell them that they are welcome to participate in every part of the service, including communion.  Tell them what is available for their children.  Tell them why you go to this church.   This will alleviate their anxiety about coming for the first time.

But don't stop there.  Offer to pick them up, or meet them at a specific time in the parking lot and walk them in.  Introduce them to people so they'll know someone there besides you.  Introduce them to your pastor.

It doesn't end when the service is over.  Go to lunch and talk about the experience.  Give them an opportunity to ask questions.  Invite them to come again.

Help them to feel welcome before, during, and after worship.  Maybe this will help them to come back again and participate in the things they just weren't sure about the first time.

Practice your faith every day.