Asbury Chapel

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 4

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.

SAFE CHURCH – CLEAN CHURCH – CHAPTER 4

The author begins by sharing an illustration from the first church he pastored. “The first Sunday I was serving as pastor, I asked one of the members a pretty basic question, Where is the restroom? He did not answer. So I asked again. He looked down at the floor and this time responded meekly, ‘We don’t have one.’

“Second, how does a church function without a restroom? I decided to ask the same member another question. “What do you tell guests where the restroom is? I asked. He responded, “We don’t have of those.”

That’s a terrible commentary on a church – no guests.

ARE YOU PREPARED

They obviously expected no guests he writes. I imagine we would agree if they had a guest, they were unprepared for them. He says many churches he visited were cluttered, dirty, and unsafe. Sometimes we can become so familiar with our surroundings we miss the obvious.

THE SAFE CHURCH

Here he simply asks questions such as are rugs and mats in good shape, are fire extinguishers visible, any frayed electrical cords, things along those lines that keep us safe.

THE SAFE CHURCH AND THE CHILDREN

“While many boomer kids were free to roam their neighborhoods and ride their bikes to school and the movies, the iGen kids are supervised at almost every moment. Their millennial parents, for the most part, do not want them out of their sight.

He suggests a comment on the church website explaining how we protect children at church.

THE SLOPPY CHURCH

Here are some of the most repeated comments from first time church guests:

Clutter, I felt like the place was a storage house for everything members didn’t want or forgot.
Scarcity of garbage cans, I had an empty coffee cup I took home because there was no place to dispose of it.
Odors, “There was s a weird musty smell.
Unstocked restrooms, “I checked the stalls there was no toilet paper in any of them.”
Paper signage, just tacky.
Out of date information, was two months old.
Dirty carpet,
Faded paint,
Torn and dirty pew cushions.

WHAT SAFE AND CLEAN CHURCHES DO

“As a prefatory note, I see no relationship in the size of a church and the safety and cleanliness of church facilities.” His thoughts follow:

They see the issue from a gospel perspective. Many visitors are not followers of Christ they want to see a demonstration of care.
They find champions, a person who is both passionate and accountable to ministry.
They focus on three distinct areas: cleanliness, safety, and security.
They have regularly scheduled check-ups in all three areas.
They listen to a secret guest.

If you have guests that do not return – there is a reason.

POINTS TO PONDER

If you were tor ate the cleanliness of our church on a scale of 1 to 10, with q0 the highest, how would you rate it? If not a 10, what would you do differently?
How can cleanliness and safety be a gospel issue?
What do you think millennial parents think of a church facility when they bring their children to church? What do you think the results are or would be?
Has your church had a thorough safety inspection?
Look at this verse in Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not the people. How do you relate this verse to the above notes?

Bible Study May 1

May 1, 2023

We start May off with ten verses from 2 Samuel which are also captured in 1 Chronicles in our reading for today.

1 Chronicles 10 –

The focus abruptly shifts from the history of Israel to their exile in Babylon (586 BC) and then goes back to the reign of King Saul. Little is known about Saul here most likely people knew all they wanted to know and now David was more popular. We know Saul’s three sons were killed one lived he was Esh-Baal whom Abner later made king. He was not even mentioned, David was the one to take over Israel.

Saul sought out a medium to give him guidance which was forbidden by God – Saul was simply unfaithful. God judged Saul who took his own life after a battle. Saul’s life depicts a person who does not take God’s word seriously.

Chapter 11 –

David was the king of the southern territory for seven years before becoming king over all the territory. Davis had a great following and at times men would pledge their support for David. Three men mentioned in verses ten and eleven who fought for and with David during his time of hiding from Saul. No matter how great the soldiers were it was God who brought them the victory. This story of these three men indicate who people supported each other and their loyalty.

Chapter 12 –

A complete account of David at Ziklag can be found in 1 Samuel 27. While David was hiding from Saul, he had a following that was capable of being great warriors with bow, an arrow, and a sling. The sling was a shallow pouch with two cords attached to it when filled with stones was a deadly weapon.

People were drawn to David, even the Gadites followed him while eh was running from Saul and fought with him they were trained in mountain warfare. As you read verses 3 – 38 you will see the widespread support that David had. In the day of the Old Testament the Spirit spoke to and through God’s chosen. We see that again at Pentecost. We see in verse 39 there was a feast at David’s coronation something we see at the end times when evil is conquered.

Bible Study April 30

April 30, 2023

Psalms 102 to 103 are three very different Psalms. As you read them name some differences and look how each could be useful to you.

Psalm 102 –

Over and over again the Bible depicts the brevity of life – that there a few short days to walk in this world, they slip by quickly. The psalmist emphasizes the suffering and discipline often associated with sin. The lament rose out of the situation where the godly, together with the wicked, were exiled from the land.

Psalm 103 –

God removes the barrier that separates people from Himself by canceling the debt of sin (all our iniquities) so that anyone can enjoy a loving relationship with Him. God’s love removes a person’s sin as though it never existed (103:12). The major difference between divine love and what often passes for human love is justice. God’s love for His people is like a father’s love for a wayward and rebellious son, He waits anxiously. Life is like a flower in the field that grows up one day and is gone the next.

Psalm 104 –

As the Creator and Master of all things the whole universe exists to serve God’s purpose; the storm clouds are His chariots. He uses the wind for transport, the storm blast His messenger.

The order that exists in creation testifies to the magnificent wisdom had in designing such a place.

Bible Study April 29

April 29, 2023

1 Chronicles 7 – 10 today we read more about the descendants of the tribes, the sons and chief of the men of Benjamin, those who returned from the exile and the death of King Saul.

Chapter 7 –

This chapter primarily covers the northern tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin, while not a northern tribe, is included here. Chapter 8 will provide information on this important tribe. The woman named Sheerah founded three cities – an unusual detail in the genealogy of Ephraim. While scripture is silent about the character of Asher, the rabbinical literature of the day reports that he was an honest man, who spent much time keeping peace between his quarrelsome brothers.

Chapter 8 –

Verses 1 – 40 give us more extensive genealogy of Benjamin that reminds readers the Saul, the first king of Israel descended from the tribe of Benjamin.

Chapter 9 –

The focus shifts to the group of people who returned to Israel after being deported to Babylon – the first inhabitants who dwelt in their possession. This passage from verses 10 -32 recounts the return of the priests and Levites along with describing the Levites responsibilities, including the role of gatekeepers. These reliable men, appointed by David guarded the tabernacle at each of the four gates to preserve its holiness. They would also prepare the House of the Lord for worship.

Chapter 10 –

The focus abruptly shifts from the history of Israel to their exile in Babylon (586 BC) and then back to the reign of Saul and his demise.

The three sons of Saul were all killed n battle. The Philistines worshipped the god Dagon, their god of grain. The temple of Dagon was the place where Samson died killing three thousand Philistines. Saul consulted a medium although he knew God forbids it. Apparently, God ultimately judged Saul because he did not obey Him. The story of Saul should paint a clear picture of what it means to disobey God. There are consequences to disobedience.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 3A

This is part two of chapter 3. “SIGNS AND SITES”

As promised, this is the second part of chapter three.

THE FRONT DOOR WE OFTEN FORGET

His first question under the above caption is “What led you to visit our church?” He says it began as an innocent question to one couple. Out of the dozens of churches near them, what was the main factor that prompted them to return? He says “the answer surprised me. We visited the church’s website.”

He said he heard from seven out of ten first-time guests. That is the primary factor they used in choosing to visit the church was the website.

“Okay, if the church website is truly the front door of the church, how do you make the front door most accessible?”

Address and worship time difficult to locate – Asbury is on the first page,
Outdated information – we strive to keep it current,
Lack of clarity about beliefs and doctrine – I need to add this more clearly,
Incomplete or total lack of information about children’s ministry or student ministry,
Poor graphics and copyrighted images,
Hardly visible contact information,
No photos of pastor, staff, and other leadership,

We need to add a place we can call “How to Become a Christian?”

“It’s not just about signs and sites, it’s about the message of hospitality. And the message of hospitality becomes the pathway where we can share the message of the gospel with people.”

POINTS TO PONDER

Look at the five myths about church signs and websites. Do you think any of these myths are in our church?
Review Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 2:2-3, and Titus 3:7-8. As you see the repetition of the word hospitable, do you see your church’s signage and website as truly hospitable?
Review your church’s website again. Does it show clearly the most important information? Ours can be accessed by asburyumcfoley.org if you have not looked at it I invite you to do.
What does it matter if your church has it’s beliefs on the website?
Does looking at this make you view our church differently? Why?

Bible Study April 28

April 28, 2023

From the Book of Psalms we read today in chapters 81, 88, 92 – 93.

Psalm 81 –

This psalm or song was for the new year and the Festival of Shelters in the autumn. The new moon was the beginning of the festival, the full moon was its ending of the festival. God’s deliverance from Egypt was intended to be a testimony.

Psalm 88 –

This is possibly a poem by the sons of Korah for Heman (1 Kings 4:31) who was gravely ill with what may have been leprosy. The term pit in this verse six is another word for grave. A soul in bereavement does not have the same perspective as faith does. Although he appears to be oppressed, he remains persistent in prayer pleading to God.

Psalm 92 –

Every morning and evening animal sacrifices were offered with praise under the Mosaic system. The use of instruments were sanctioned in the scriptures. In the Old Testament a fool is not merely a simpleton but a confirmed sinner. Be scattered literally means ‘shall scatter themselves.”

Psalm 93 –

This is a royal poem after other things are swept away by floods of adversity (vs. 3) hostile nations, or evil powers, the Lord and His throne stand from time immemorial and His word cannot change. God’s house is one of holiness which Paul reaffirms in 1 Corinthians 3:17.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 3

This is part one of chapter 3. “SIGNS AND SITES”

This chapter is all about signs, directions, websites, and helping people find their way.

“We all need directions.”

FIVE MYTHS ABOUT CHURCH SIGNAGE AND WEBSITES

Myth #1 – Everyone knows where the church is.

Myth #2- Our church is small we do not need signs for people to get around.

Myth #3 – Church websites are really not that important.

“Please hear me carefully: most people go to your church website before they ever set foot on your property.”

Myth #4 – It’s easy to get around our church.

Myth #5 – Signs and websites are human-centered methodologies.

A PRIMER FOR CHURCH SIGNAGE

“Good church signage is a statement of your church’s hospitality. It means you are expecting guests, it means you desire guests to come to your church. Bad or no signage is a sign of a lack of hospitality.” Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of someone who has not visited our church before.

Signage is not for members. “Strive to have “outsider eyes” when evaluating your signage.
Quality signage is very important.
The primary external church sign is also very important.
The parking lot should have clear signage.
The should be clear signage pointing to the entry points of the church.
The two “must” signs are handicap and guest parking.
Internal signage must have three basic characteristics: good quality, readable font, and right height.
All signs should be friendly and communicate an attitude of hospitality.
All signage can be very helpful for guests and for the church.
Church leaders should conduct a sign audit once a year,

THE FRONT DOOR WE OFTEN FORGET

Tomorrow, we look at the church website.

Bible Study April 27

April 27, 2023

The tribe and descendants of Levi are found in our reading for today from 1 Chronicles chapter six.

Chapter 6 –

The first section chapter six verses one through fifteen records the line of the high priests from the sons of Levi prior to the exile. The next section verses sixteen to thirty outlining seven sets of the two generations and one set for (Kohath) for ten generations.

You may remember from our previous reading of the godly following of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and the ungodly following by Nadab ana Abihu.

The lengthy list of temple musicians shows the role of music in the worship service. Aaron and his family along with other Levites, did not possess specific territory like the other tribes rather they lived on land provided them throughout Israel.

There is also another reference to cities of refuge that God told them to establish for a safe haven after accidentally killing someone.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Part 2A

This is part two of chapter 2. “Confidential Report – For Your Eyes Only.”

TOO FRIENDLY

This was a surprise to me. He said “about seven out of ten guests told us they did not return because were to friendly. Some mentioned the ‘stand and greet” while others mentioned it was an issue all over the church. ‘

Justin said, “I came away from the visit to the church the people were allover us, they seemed desperate to get us.” Rainer says this was a common point from people who did not return. For some it came across as desperate or disingenuous.

WHAT’S NEXT

Many of them really desire to see if the church is a place for them and their families. Some of these guests were not Christians and struggling with their faith, a clear indication of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Many guests expressed lack of clarity about next steps, where can they get information about the church? What are the next steps to becoming a part of the church? What are some ministries that impact them? They simply want to know “what is next?”

He says if we want our church to be a truly welcoming church it will take prayerful effort to do the things he advocates in his book.

POINTS TO PONDER

Review each of the surprises listed which one surprises you the most?
What are ways your church can answer the question “What’s next?” to our guests.
Look at Hebrews 13: 2 “Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Read 1 Peter 4:9 “be hospitable to one another without complaining.” What is the significance of the last two words: “without complaining?
What can you do personally to make guests feel more welcomed just prior to the beginning of the worship service?’

Bible Study April 26

April 26, 2023

Psalms 73, and 77 – 78 are today’s readings. These are all Psalms of Asaph.

Asaph was a Levite appointed by David to minister before the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chron. 16:37). When David brought the ark to Jerusalem, Asaph was among those who led the celebration and song. He was faithful and obedient to the law; he had a pure heart and innocent hands. But there was a time when he could not perceive the goodness of God. At a point of pain, pressure, and problems in his life. This bothered him so terribly that it created a deep resentment in his heart. He came close to slipping off the foundation of his faith. while he understood that God had been good to Israel, he could look around and see life and see things did not make sense.

Psalm 73 –

Asaph is bothered by the profanity of the wicked as much as their pride and prosperity. They mock God and they mock Asaph for trusting God. God’s presence reminded Asaph that he did not in fact, purify his heart in vain, for nearness to God surpasses anything else. A resolve to stay near God strengthened his heart in difficult times.

Psalm 77 –

Even though the psalmist is now confronted with distressing circumstances his hand is outstretched to the Lord. In times of despair that is exactly what we are to do by remembering the past works of the Lord. God is the ruler of every storm the great waters will not overcome His people. They are no obstacles for Him.

Psalm 78 –

By recounting the history of Israel within this Psalm Asaph hopes the present generation will not repeat the sins of the past ones.

He summarizes God’s judgement and Israel’s reactions to them. Even the repentance of Israel was shallow and therefore not a cure for their sins. The same thing repeated itself. As a leader of the nation David put into practice the skills he learned as a shepherd.