As I read through a few blogs this morning, I came across an interesting post titled, “Should I go to church today?” It provides an interesting perspective on reaching out to those outside the church.
The part that caught my attention said ….
- “I don’t know any non-Christian who wakes up and thinks, “Gee, I should go to church today.” Churches need to find ways to make people think that very thought–whether it’s through billboards or outreach events or the incredible example of their members (or all three and more–my point, don’t get hung up on the method). If churches aren’t getting people to think that, then what are they doing? Unfortunately, too many churches have settled for the status quo, the steady stream of Christians who do wake up thinking they should go to church, and for some churches that’s good enough.”
I think we can all learn and grow from each others experiences, good or bad. So, how does your church attempt to reach beyond its walls?
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
Its funny because several friends who we’ve invited over and over say that they do indeed think that very thing on Sunday morning, right before they roll over and go back to sleep.
Peace
Neva
Our church is beginning a “Celebrate Recovery” program.
We are still visiting a Community church, and they are really pro-active about getting into the community. We have a ton out outreach programs (tutoring, childcare, recovery programs, divorce programs and more). We also try to get involved in other churches. We have a kingdom prayer every Sunday where we pray for a need of a local church, and then for an area of mission work.
Great thought, Trey, thanks for borrowing it.
We are currently focusing on the use of small groups to reach out to the community. Many of us are utilizing the H2O video series, which is one of the best I have ever viewed.
If you haven’t seen the series, you need to check it out as I would almost guarantee you that you would love it.
This is a sad subject.
K
Kathy,
I don’t think it’s a sad subject. One that just hasn’t been addressed much. We’ve kind of sit on our hands and just thought “Oh, well.”
We just need to find some answers, ideas or thoughts.
We’ve been using … VBS, Friends Day, WATS (We Are The Sermon) and other programs.
We gain a handful of families each year through our pre-school program.
Any activity that draws in the youth has the potential to reach their families as well.
Trey,
We meet the needs of those who need it. The poor families in town. It is easy to do in a small town of around 900-1200. It might be diapers, clothers, food, etc.
Showing others the love and mercy of God is what we striving to do as a family of God.
Great post brother. I hope you have a great weekend.
Trey, we have 2 friend days (April, November), spring break door knocking campaign (Heritage Christian University), food pantry, and we are going to mail out 5,000 DVDs (Searching For Truth from World Video Bible School). We also have a youth program, VBS, Back to School Bash in September, family retreat (camping in October), and other assorted events where we encourage members to invite their friends. Plus I do chapel at the Christian Home and Bible School hoping for the kids to get to know and introduce me to their parents when they see me at the grocery store.
I wonder what early Christians would think of our programs??
not trying to be critical, just curious
brian
I think that’s an interesting question Brian. Do you think they’d recognize us? I think they’d wonder why we’re not out doing more!
I agree. I think they’d wonder why we don;t sell all our “stuff” grow closer to each other and teach people that they are the church and that worship should be a way of life not a couple hours of our week.
Good post.
Maybe if we ourselves quit saying, “I have to go to church today,” and rather “I get to go worship with my spiritual family today,” those outside the body might see us differently from denominations. The only difference may be that we know a few more people in the church than those in denominations do in their church group. Although I do believe outreach programs are useful, especially for those of us who find it hard to do personal outreach, still it has to become personal, one on one with our friends and neighbors, to be effective for bringing lost souls to Christ. Jeanne M.
I am sorry for bothering you! Lord forgive them for I have ben forsaken!
Brandon Voss
ps. SeyA
I want to direct you folks to a blog by Lisa’s mother, but I don’t know how to do it so please go to Lisa’s blog site and click on Mom. She has experienced something that I think we all need to consider – how do visitors see us? She asks for comments as to how we go about making visitors welcome. Please go there and help her. Thanks. Jeanne Mohundro (Lisa’s Nana)
I have decided to creat my own site dedicated to the church of christ members, I will let you know the name of it when I get enught money togeather to order webhosting for the name. I guess I have to do things alone?
Brandon Voss
Now Trey, didn’t I say above that I was Lisa’s Nana and directed you to Lisa’s Mom’s blog site. No, I do not have a blog site, and you don’t want to see my picture.
Others, please go and add comments to “Mom”‘s site. I think there needs to be some good comments to help in greeting visitors and making them feel welcome.
paula-
First of all that would mean that brian and I would be in the same room
———-
trey,
People, people, people- not trying get anyone’s attention… that’s the key ingredient. People(yes using some programs) get people to “church”.
I’ve been blessed by God in that the have had four major hurricanes since I moved here. There isn’t a household in this area that doesn’t know us, about us, and most think highly of us. We have the best rep and recognition of any “church” in any area I know …. BUT it still simply takes one on one exampleship and encouragementship and doingsomethingaboutmychristianityship.
OK that last one was too long.
Jeanne … oops.
AW … thanks for your imput. I’m not sure about the “blessed” part. Is that tongue and cheek?
After reading the comments, it was heartening to see that most understand it is not a matter of “getting people to church” but of getting out to the people where they live. There is no such thing as a “worship service” in the New Testament. Assemblies are the time we fire one another up as we glorify God together. Then we take that fire to the community and, as did Jesus, gain credibility through our good works. Then we proclaim the good news to the new friends we have made.
dwhitsett.wordpress.com
Dwight … it’s all about relationships. That’s how outreach is done.
87% of new church members come from a previous relationship. Only 6% walk in off the steet. It’s all about relationship-evangelism.
Too bad we can’t get 90% off the street?
Brandon Voss
Brandon Voss