Becoming A Welcoming Church Chapter 6

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

CHAPTER 6 THE PATH TO BECOMING A WELCOMING CHURCH

A question to begin chapter six with is asked by the author. “Allow me to ask you a rhetorical question. Would you return to a place you did not feel welcome?”

I think that’s a great question. He goes on to say, “Here is the reality: what takes place in the first ten minutes when a first-time guest arrives at you church will largely depend whether he or she returns.”

“Think about, for example, an unbeliever visiting your (our) church. When non-Christians feel welcome, they return. When they return, they have more opportunities to hear the gospel preached and to develop relationships with believers in the church. And those relationships are often used of God to bring people to His Son.”

He says the first step to becoming a welcoming church is to grasp how important ministry truly is.

MAKE THE WELCOMING CHURCH A LEADERSHIP PRIORITY

He says we begin with the Bible. The first priorities are spending time in prayer and the Word of God. Then what? He says there are three “Gs.”

  1. The first is “going” – the church leader should always be prayerfully leading the church to be obedient tot eh great Commission.
  2. The second is “groups.” The spiritually healthy church members are typically in small groups, the read the Bible, they volunteer more, they give more.
  3. The third G is” guests” –

GATHER A TEAM OF PASSIONATE SERVERS

Regardless of the size of your church you need several people to carry on the welcoming ministry well.

CHANGE SOMETHING EVERY QUARTER

Any relationship needs an intentional refresh on occasion. And most ministries do as well.

GIVE THE GUESTS SOMETHING TO REMEMBER THE CHURCH

a gift is an expression of gratitude and a reminder.

UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

Have two or three people in the church do a facility audit and compare notes, see what improvements need to be made. Conduct a guest audit once a year. See what a guest thinks of our church.

Final thoughts from the author:

  • Welcoming means going.
  • The welcoming church is more of an attitude or disposition.
  • A welcoming church is a going church (repeated).

Bible Study May 8

May 8, 2023

We’re back in Psalms today reading chapters 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39. References are from the NKJV.

Chapter 25 –

Because God is good, upright, loving, and faithful He teaches sinners and guides the humble, those who sense their need for divine help. Reverential fear of the Lord arises from an understanding of His holiness (Prov. 1:7). The person who fears God will conform their lives to His instruction.

Psalm 29 –

Other than it’s reference to the worldwide cataclysm in the days of Noah (Gen. 6-11) this is the only other time the word Flood is used in scripture.

Psalm 33 –

Five different expressions are used to call praise and thanksgiving. They are commands for the righteous, not options: Rejoice, praise the Lord, make melody to Him, play skillfully with a shout of glory. Every song sung in worship can reflect moment by moment appreciation for the grace of God in our life. The word of God is right which can be trusted, it is a powerful Word. God’s hand in creation exhibits His great power. God sees all and discriminates between those who love Him and those who do not.

Psalm 36 –

The Lord had given His prophet a special message – an oracle – concerning how the wicked look at life and how they live. The righteous person knows God and patterns his life after God. The comforting picture of God as a mothering bird sheltering her young beneath her wings is found throughout Psalms.

Psalm 39 –

A handbreadth is a measure from the thumb to the little finger. Because  every persons life on earth is short God’s people need to invest their time and days so they will count for eternity.

Bible Study May 7

May 7, 2023

Two very similar passages from two different books are our reading for today: from 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17.

2 Samuel 7 –

David was enjoying a time of rest and a dream was born. The context of his dream was peace, the concern was a place for the Lord to be worshipped. Nathan responded to David’s question out of turn before he received a revelation from the Lord and his first answer turned out to be inconsistent with God’s will.

David’s desire to build a house was not the call David had on his life, he was called to be a warrior not a temple builder. His idea was noble but God did not need a building to be worshipped in as other gods of the day. God wanted to raise up a spiritual kingdom among the people. Rather than allowing David to build Him a house the Lord told David He would build a hose for David that would last forever.  

God did not want a permanent temple until the people conquered the Promised Land. David prayed for God’s reputation to be praised for all generations through His work in the nation of Israel.

1 Chronicles 17 –

Ancient kings in this part of the world often built great monuments to their deities. David’s desire was to honor who had appointed him ruler over His people and made…a name for this former shepherd. God’s promise to David was that his descendants would be on the throne forever.

David’s humble response (Who am I) vastly different from that of his arrogant predecessor, Saul. God called David “a man after His own heart.”

Bible Study May 6

May 6, 2023

Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, and 132 are todays readings.

Psalm 89 –

There are three keys terms we see repeated in this Psalm: covenant, my servant, and throne. God’s promises to David are guaranteed. Once God gifts a person, He will not remove that gift. The joyful sound refers to the sound of God’s people. Jesus fulfills the promises of David’s covenant in His everlasting throne.  The discipline of God seemed to endure forever.

Psalm 96 –

God’s greatness will one day be declared in all nations. The gospel will be known among all peoples. Families are literally tribes. The psalmist invites Gentiles to submit to God and become worshippers.

Psalm 100 –

Worship is characterized by an exuberance to God with their praise – a joyful shout. Worship should never be passive. The word mercy is associated with redemption in Jesus. His truth endures to all generations means He will always be with His people.

Psalm 101 –

David hints at the grand design of his kingdom by mentioning the city of the Lord.  The goal here is to reveal the king’s loyalty to God. Possibly it might have been used at his coronation.

Psalm 105 –

The psalmist seeks to excite the people’s gratitude by recalling God’s goodness to them in earlier times. The covenant is promised as Israel’s inheritance. My anointed and my prophets refer to the patriarchs. After calling God’s people to praise and thank Him he gives them the reason for obeying; that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws.

Psalm 132 –

Like every king before the King of kings has a footstool – the temple in Jerusalem. The heavens are His throne. The words the Lord  has sworn recall David’s covenant issued in 2 Samuel 7:8-16. Jesus is the anointed who ultimately fulfills these promises (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30).

Bible Study May 5

May 5, 2023

Today we have the joy of reading a variety Psalms including 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68.

Psalm 1 –

The word “blessed” means “happy” or “inward joy is theirs.” The Psalmist paints a picture of a pull toward evil. The counsel of the ungodly refers to advice given to people to do evil. To stand in judgement of God is a desired outcome here, a symbol of divine approval. “The righteous carves His name upon the rock, but the wicked writes His remembrance in the wind.” The righteous man plows the earth and sows which shall never be harvested until he reaches eternity.

Psalm 2 –

Plot communicates the activities of a people who complain and are discontent. God laughs at the very of people who think they can oppose Him. Rod of iron is the scepter that represents kingship, iron being a symbol of strength. The phrase dash them to pieces like a potters vessel illustrates the strength of the king over the nations.

Psalm 15 –

Tabernacle and holy hill are interchangeable terms that designate the dwelling of God. Abide refers to a temporary condition; dwell is a permanent position. Those who live according to the verses found here shall never be moved. Backbite is a word for slander, which means ‘to wander about the tongue.”

The Israelites were prohibited from charging interest on a loan and bribery was considered to pervert justice.

Psalm 22 –

The psalmist felt frustrated from God’s lack of response to his cries, Jesus quoted these words as He hung on the cross. David considers himself a worm expressing his feeling of worthlessness.  Apparently, his enemies were so certain he would die they were already dividing his clothing among themselves. “I shall not want” literally means “I shall not lack.” God’s loving care and protective care is eternal.

Psalm 23 –

What a great Psalm when we consider all is says and how it ministers to us. David recognized how much God watched over him when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The psalm is a picture of complete rest and peacefulness.  Humanity needs soul restoration because of carelessness, difficult circumstances, secret sin, and the world’s influence. Once we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have spiritual privileges.

David looks beyond the pasture of the future as we should to dwelling place of the Lord forever.

Psalm 24 –

God is overall because He created all, in the eyes of God the only acceptable worship is that from people who have clean hands and a pure heart. Lifting up the gates refers to raising the do the glorious God could pass through.

Psalm 47 –

The root word for gone up is exalted in verse nine.  The people of God will shout in triumph on the when the rightful King of the earth reigns.

Psalm 68 –

This psalm echoes the Song of Deborah in Judges 5. Verse 18 is quoted somewhat the same way in Ephesians 4:8-11 to describe how the exalted Chrsit distributed gifts to believers after His ascension. Here the focus is on God the conqueror, while Paul’s shares the benefits of Christ’s victory.

Sunday at Asbury

SUNDAY AT ASBURY UMC

This Sunday we are looking at “The Purpose of the Church” from Acts 2:40-47 and additional reading from Acts 1:4-8 & 2:1-13.

Last Sunday it was stated the church has a three-fold purpose:

•        the exaltation of God,

•        the edification of the saints, and

•        the evangelization of the world.

This week we are taking a look at an area the church should be involved in and a group that needs God’s care and concern. The theme of the message came from an idea our pastor had from a Beatles song. Join us Sunday to see which song and how it applies to us today as a church in our world.

We are located at 2704 South Highway W in Foley, MO. you can find us on Facebook at 9:00 AM Sunday morning.  I often think we have three addresses, our physical one, our website (asburyumcfoley.org), and our Facebook page.  

Bible Study May 4

May 4, 2023

Our reading today takes us to a couple of Old Testament books 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. In 2 Samuel we are reading chapter 5 verses 11 to 25 and chapter six verses 1 to 23 and in 1 Chronicles chapters 13 to 16.

2 Samuel 5:11 – 25 –

King Hiram was the first international king to recognize David as the leader of Israel. Tyre was dependent on Israel for food. The Philistines had become concerned that David’s reign was extending beyond Judah. When David was hiding from Saul he may have been in these regions before.

As he Philistines prepared for war David sought the Lord’s guidance and God gave him the go ahead to attack the Philistines that He would deliver them into David’s’ hands. God’s way was the only way he could secure victory. The Philistines carries their gods into battle only to have them burnt by David after his defeat of the Philistines.

2 Samuel 6:1-23 –

After defeating the Philistines recently on two occasions David’s plan is to restore the ark of the covenant to a place of prominence in Israel. The ark needed to be returned to Israel since it was the central point of worship for them. The ark had been separated from Israel for fifty years. David disobeyed God on the proper way to transport the ark. He prepared a new cart to move it on but God had instructed them to move it by the rings placed on it with poles through the rings carried by certain chosen men. This is the way the Philistines moved the ark when they had it David was following the ways of the world not the ways of God.

As the ark starts to fall one of the men guiding it reaches out to steady which displeases God and He strikes him dead on the spot. David should have used this opportunity to repent for doing what he had done by moving the ark the way he commanded but rather he became angry and let fear direct his actions.

According to the parallel language in 1 Chronicles David is back in fellowship with the Lord – the ark is being transported as it should be. When they returned with the ark David is full of joy that he is found dancing and they are playing music in celebration of the event.

His wife, Michal, sees him celebrating and has contempt for his actions. She confronts David with her concerns and he responds why he was acting this way. As a result of her contempt she remains childless all her life.

Becoming a Welcoming Church – Chapter 5

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

GREETERS, WELCOME CENTERS, AND THE WELCOMING CHURCH – CHAPTER 5

WHY DO WE EVEN NEED GREETERS?

“We therefore need greeters for three reasons:”

  1. It’s a focused ministry. We need people in ministry whose sole focus at the moment is greeting people.  We need members who understand greeters do more than merely saluting people upon their arrival: we need them praying for the encounters they have each week.
  2. It moves people to strategic locations. A greeter is a leader in ministry.
  3. It commits volunteers to specific times.

STRATEGIC LOCATIONS FOR GREETERS

  1. The parking lot. Parking lot greeters are essential, their role may be to simply wave and smile.
  2. The entrance.
  3. The roaming greeter.
  4. The worship center greeters. We heard it said often “guests feel uncomfortable once they enter the worship center.” Typically no one sits with them, no one speaks them anymore.

COMMON MISTAKES OF GREETERS

You can learn from this book mistakes other churches made in greeting ministries.

  1. Holy Huddles – members only talking to each other,
  2. Arriving too late, leaving to early. Greeters should delay entering the worship center in order to greet late arrivers and then be available for greeting them on the way out.
  3. Failing to introduce yourself. Call them by name but be sure it is their name.

THE WELCOME CENTER

Every church should have a welcome center. No exceptions. None. The welcome center serves many purposes but should always be viewed rom the perspective of a guest.

  1. It can be simple,
  2. It should be manned when guests are present,
  3. It should have information about the church,
  4. It should have gifts, when a person takes home a gift, he or she is more likely to return.
  5. It should have pens,
  6. It may have treats, Rainer says if he gets chocolate from a church he is going back,
  7. No welcome center is complete without a “lot” of coffee.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION FACTOR

Greeters and welcome centers send a clear message to guests, “we are expecting you.” They are critical to a first-time visitor.

Greeters and welcome centers, however, say even more. They don’t just say. “We’re expecting you,” they say, “We want you here.” And a guest who feels wanted and welcomed is a guest who will likely return. It is really that important.

POINTS TO PONDER

  1. On a scale of one to ten how would you grade our welcoming teams ministry?
  2. Are there any changes you would make?
  3. In the early church culture, it was common to greet one another with a ‘holy kiss’ such as is portrayed in 1 Thessalonians 5:26. “Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.” (NLT). Why do you think the Bible exhorts us to greet all people.
  4. Pretend you are a guest at your church for the first time is the signage adequate for you find your way around?
  5. What do you see as the importance of greeters?

Bible Study May 3

May 3, 2023

Today we are reading Psalms 106 – 107.  Both of the psalms are Psalms of praised.

Psalm 106 –

There is joy in the forgiveness of Israel’s sin as recorded in this Psalm. The crossing of the Red Sea is recounted. Israel tested God with selfish desires and cravings. He gave them what they wanted but their craving ended in sickness. Their impatience led to a premature death. We also see the episode of the golden calf reproduced here as in Exodus 32.

No matter all the things Israel did in opposition to God, He never left them. We see a picture of a long-suffering God which is evident in the Psalm.

Psalm 107 –

Psalm 107 is one of deliverance we find in verses 1, 8, 15, 21, and 31. After the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity the Israelites were widely scattered. Thank offerings were a kind of peace offering that an Israelites could offer in gratitude. He recuses the poor from trouble sounds similar to that of marry in Luke 1:51 – 53.

Bible Study May 2

May 2, 2023

Today we have a very short reading from Psalm 133, a Psalm of unity and praise.

Psalm 133 –

God delights when His people live in unity things that are lovely, pleasant, harmonious are all things God loves in the body. Here we see David using similes to express the joy of brothers actually sitting together in harmony. Priests were anointed with oil when they took the office as a priest this served as an indication that God was blessing them.