As we begin to think outside the box, so to speak (and a pastor friend of mine asked if there was a box), what is the difference between a real change to reach those no one is reaching and what is merely a tweak? Are these tweaks or real changes? What tweaks and what real changes can you suggest? My blog says I am willing to do what no one else is doing, that I might reach those no one is reaching for Jesus. Put me to the test to see if we can think of things that no one else is doing to reach those who no one else is reaching for Jesus!
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When Quoting Scripture Inflicts Harm
6 years ago
4 comments:
Mt Oak certainty offers many, many of the items listed, as well as in the city of Bowie there are many houses of worship that offer various worship approaches. So it appears not any more can be done, (it's always a good thing to examine what else), I think only God can soften those harden hearts, to come to Jesus.
Every one of your suggestions has the same underlying common factor: they are all based on an environment that you control. If you are trying to reach people who would otherwise not come to church (because the unspoken and erroneous assumption seems to be that you have to come to church in order to hear about Jesus), then GO and reach out to them where THEY are, instead of building another "thing" and expecting people to magically appear. If the very people you are trying to reach are those who would not otherwise darken the door of a church, there isn't a program in the world that will get them into your environment, you have to go instead into theirs.
Didn't someone say somewhere "GO into all THE WORLD and preach the gospel"? When did this get changed to "STAY in a specific location and HOPE that folks will trickle in on their own accord"?
The bottom line is that it depends on what you want to build. If you are trying to reach out to people, then throw away the gameplan. If you are trying to feather a nest and make it cozy for the current inhabitants, then tweak away.
I do think an occasional change of venue might be a good thing...like the old tent revivals in a different part of town. Sometimes people who feel a church would collapse if they walked in will attend those and they can learn the only difference between "churched" people and them is Christ.
A "real change", aka "innovation" is tough to realize. However, progression can be achieved. My whole perspective of "contemporary" worship is based on the "come as you are" principle. Do we really get to people who are still afraid to "come as they are"? Occassionally switching up the venue is a great idea -- how about a Spring worship at Allen Pond? A fund raiser night at IHOP or Chik-fil-A. That said, it's wonderful that the church does so much already -- Streetreach, the various ministries, etc.
Social networking technology is all the rage -- keep the twitter, explore facebook, meet the people where they are.
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