Challenges & Conversations (03/15/16)

Sunday morning service.  After an adequate greeting time, the announcer attempts to bring people back together.  Congregants keep talking.  He tries again. Congregants keep talking.  He tries again. Congregants keep talking.  The announcer starts a video clip, thinking that congregants will finally stop talking.  They don't.

The uncomfortable look on the guest's face says it all.  Do not scratch your head next week, wondering why he or she did not return.

Hey, the person on the stage might not have a pleasant  voice that you enjoy hearing.  I'll grant you that.  When someone is talking from the platform, however, it is rude to keep going on with your conversation.  

May this never happen in your congregation.  If it did, how would you handle it?

The A-B-C's of Churchgoing

• Am I accepted? Do I feel welcomed?
• Do I belong? Do I feel wanted? Do I “fit” here? Does this feel like “my church” or is it just “a church I attend”?
• Am I connected? Is there relationship with anyone beyond Sunday morning? Does friendliness on Sunday extend into caring Monday through Saturday?

What does that mean for us who have been here a while? 

1. Just because someone attends regularly doesn’t mean he feels a sense of belonging
2. Friendliness is not enough. Ask the next question. Take the next step. Caring is always a “do” posture.
3. People come to church looking for relationships. What we believe is important. However, people don’t care what we believe until they experience value and significance.
4. Those who have experienced acceptance, belonging, and connection must be committed to helping those who haven’t. 
5. We must provide acceptance, belonging and connection so the local bars won’t have to.

Guest Packets Are Almost Done

I've been thinking through what should be included in a guest packet. A sample will be available this Sunday. Your input is welcome.

• A full length book (The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel)
• A data CD (an audio greeting from me, a Word document explaining our vision, and a brief evangelistic video clip)
• A good quality pen
• A thank-you card

Preparing for Company

Just learned today that my parents will be visiting January 2-4. It will be great seeing them again. This follows a 3-day visit from Lisa's parents, who will be with us December 30-January 1. Lots of company in the Korzeniowski household. We dont mind!

When you know company is coming, you prepare yourself for whatever it takes to make them comfortable. You'll sleep on an air mattress, if it means giving company your bed so they can sleep better. It means you may be staying up later or getting up earlier. Whatever it takes, you willingly do it because you can't wait for company to arrive. You understand the window of togetherness is so small. No sacrifice seems too big. You're soon to be with family.

How prepared are we for company at church? Are we excited new people may visit with us? How willing are we to go out of our way to make our guests feel welcome, wanted and comfortable? Would you get up earlier so you can give someone a ride? Would you be willing to sit in a different seat? How uncomfortable would you be willing make yourself if you knew company was coming? If you believe God wants His church to grow, then you must believe company is coming.