Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 2

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 2 “Confidential Report (For Your Eyes Only)

First, let me say I am learning so much from reading these two books I have been sharing with you about.

Today there are some very interesting insights in what I share. He conducted a survey about the “stand and greet” portion of a worship service.

Here is the essence of what he found: “we church members are often clueless about what our guests are thinking and experiencing.” I understand that I have visited churches in the past and in fact I wasn’t sure how things were done at Asbury when I arrived.

He refers to a couple who visited a church for the first time after not attending for a decade.  Their story was this. The church had a great website, getting to the church and parking was a “breeze”, the signage was clear for guests finding the guest parking places was easy. The people were genuinely friendly. So far, an overall good experience. But once they got into the worship center no one recognized them or spoke to them. His conclusion “Guests are most often overlooked in the few minutes before worship service.”

VERY FEW CHURCHES CONSIDER GUESTS DURING STAND AND GREET

“Both majority of the members and the guests would like to see “stand and greet” go away. Nine out of ten do not like it. Most guests found it a way for members to connect.

MANY GUESTS SEE AN ABUNDANCE OF HOLY HUDDLES IN CHURCHES

In one church of seven hundred he said he found twenty-seven “holy huddles” of members clustered together talking to one another. He went on to say in twenty-six of the twenty-seven “holy huddles” no one spoke to him.

“WHERE’S THE BEEF”

Here he refers back to Wendy’s commercial of the 80’s. His question is “Where is the information?” He suggest having a central location for information about the churches, and having Bibles available for people should they need one.

THE SILENT KILLERS

“The particular assignment for which I was retained (he said) was to help churches learn why first-time guests were not returning. He interviewed twenty-four first time guests who had not returned. In order to be consistent he said he developed a checklist of questions to insure consistency.

He said he received a lot of positive feedback:

  • The people were friendly,
  • The lead pastor’s sermons received rave reviews,
  • The signage was clear and simple,
  • And they were able to find the welcome center and the children’s area easily,
  • The worship center was equally easy to find.

His initial reaction was “these people really liked the church.” Why did they not return? He said he got silence and hesitation from some. But finally received some responses:

  • The worship center was “too dark.” She could not read her Bible; she could not see other people well.
  • I am quoting here to be clear “Indeed, I interviewed all twenty-four of the guests, the sound issues and the sound problems came up all but three times.”

“As I conducted hundreds of consultations over the next three decades, I heard many first-time guests mention issues with light and sound.”

I will take up the next very interesting topic in this chapter tomorrow. A hint “Too Friendly.”

Bible Study April 25

April 25. 2023

Today we go back to 1 Chronicles reading in chapters 3, 4, and 5. There are more genealogies to read about today.

Chapter 3 –

These comments focus only on the length of David’s reign. Additional reading is found in the book in chapters 10 -29. Bathshua is Bathsheba by name, minus any reference to any sin David committed with her. He only focuses on the fact that he was chosen by God. The list of the descendants of Solomon could also be called “The Kings of Judah.” Jehoiakim who ruled Judah was an evil king although his father Josiah had been faithful to God.

The list traces the Davidic line from the exile to when it is written.

Chapter 4 –

Jabez asked God to turn any curse associated his name means – He Will Cause Pain” into a blessing – God did so we should always consider human prayers are important.

Anytime Israel was defeated God never forgot about them He always sent judges to rescue them. Caleb who is mentioned is the one sent into the promised land. The writer also has us see where the linen workers and potters skills apparently associated with particular clans or guilds.

Chapter 5 –

This chapter describes the tribes who were to cross the Jordan. The first tribe is Rueben since he was the first born. A them of both 1 and 2 Chronicles is that when the people cried out to God in battle, He listened because they put their trust in Him. Still the were prone to forget when they approached the next battle.

Becoming a Welcoming Church – Chapter 1

I am beginning to add a new book review / recap to our website. This book is also 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.

Chapter One – Are We As Welcoming As We Think We Are?

“Many churches need a wake-up call. Many members think their churches are healthier than they are.”

He goes on to ask some questions:

  • Are you willing to set aside your preconceived notions about church?
  • Are you willing to look at your church more honestly and more clearly?
  • Are you willing to do what it takes to be a welcoming, gospel-centered church?

Paul wrote to the church at Rome in Romans 12:13 …pursue hospitality.” Paul told Timothy that the leaders in a church must be hospitable.

He captions one paragraph with these words “The Myth Of The Welcoming Church.” Churches perceive they are friendly because the members are friendly to each other. They do not look at their facilities, their parking, their website, or their friendliness from a guest perspective.

He lists several reasons why people did not return to a particular church. Here are their reasons:

  • The stand and greet time in the worship service was awkward and unfriendly. (A good reason not to do it – Larry’s comment). Either they were totally ignored, or inundated with what they perceived were superficial greetings.
  • Unfriendly church members. The church members usually retreat to the comfort of the holy huddles of the people they know.
  • Unsafe and unclean children’s areas.
  • No place to get information on the church. There was no central welcome point for them to connect.
  • Bad church website. (I like ours any ideas we can utilize to keep it current are welcome). The church website is now the front door of the church.
  • Poor signage.
  • Insider church language. Are members saying things first time guests would understand?
  • Boring or bad church services.
  • Members telling guests they were in the wrong pew. (I hope I never hear that one).
  • Dirty facilities. One comment “Restrooms were worse than a truck stop.”

To The Happy Guests

  • Someone asked the guest to sit with her.
  • People introduced themselves to the guest,
  • There was clear signage.
  • There was a clearly marked ‘Welcome center.”
  • The kids loved the children’s area.
  • The children’s area was secure and sanitary.
  • Guest parking was clearly visible.
  • The church doesn’t have a “stand and greet” time.
  • The members were not pushy.
  • The guest card was simple to complete.

He then add points to ponder:

  • Why would guests and church members have such varied views about the friendliness of a church?
  • When is the last time you spoke with a guest about his or her first time visit to the church?
  • Look at your church website from a guest perspective. Be brutally honest what do you see? Is it guest friendly?
  • Do you think members in your church regularly invite guests? Why or why not?
  • How do you think a guest feels in your worship service? Explain with a bit of detail.

Bible Study April 24

April 23, 2023

Today we are back in the book of Psalms reading from 43 – 45, 49, 84-85, 87 these Psalms are by the sons of Korah. Korah was a Levite, a cousin of Moses, and a man of ability and influence. Though appointed to the service of the tabernacle, he had become dissatisfied with his position and aspired to the dignity of the priesthood. He was jealous of Aaron, and secretly opposed him and Moses.

Psalm 43 –

Worship blesses God. It is also one of the highest things a person can do when they are sad, fearful, or distraught.

Psalm 44 –

The salvation of the Israelites during the Exodus – like salvation today, was only by the grace of God and His actions. His right hand is a sign of power. Remembering God and keeping His covenant are closely related.

Psalm 45 –

In ancient time the groom was more celebrated than the bride. The grand march was played his arrival not the bride’s. Myrrh, cassia, and aloes were spices used both at a wedding and those taken to anoint the body of Jesus. The bride if not an Israelite was to leave her family and be joined to her husband as we are to Christ.

Psalm 49 –

The dark saying is a perplexing question in this psalm. Why does God allow the rich to oppress the poor?  

Psalm 84 –

My heart and y flesh cry out for the living God is not a planned excitement but it is the reality of living in the presence of God.

Psalm 85 –

David Jeremiah shows us six verbs in the first three verses of this Psalm. They are been favorable, brought back, have forgiven, covered, taken away, turned from – these high light God’s redemptive work in Israel’s history.

Mercy literally means “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love.” When a person sins, it is comforting to know that God allows them to seek further grace and forgiveness.  

Psalm 87 –

The psalmist reflects on the city of God…. Jerusalem. The temple was where the glory of God was manifested. When Christ returns people from all nations will gather at Jerusalem to worship and honor Him.

Bible Study April 23

Sunday April 23, 2023

We go today to the book of 1 Chronicles chapters 1 and 2 and read of the genealogy of Adam to Abraham, the twelve tribes of Israel, and the descendants of Judah.

Both chapters contain the reading of the genealogies many of the names you may be able to say but that is okay we discipline ourselves by reading them.

The genealogy is based on Genesis 5 and was recorded to show who Israel is and how she relates to other nations.

A genealogy outlines a clear sense of who lived in what generation and how the generations were connected. A genealogy can be organized in many different ways. In 1 Chronicles the writer deals with three of the tribes Judah, Levi, and Benjamin.

In reading we see some interesting comments added such as: the mention of Nimrod which includes a short explanation: he began to be a mighty one on earth.

There is more on the Philistines in Judges 13 and 1 Samuel 4.

More can be found about Abraham in Genesis 11;26 – 25:10. Most of the genealogies listed the names of the male descendants. The story of the sons of Israel can be found in Genesis 29:32 – 50:26.

The inclusion of Boaz in verses 11 and 12 would have reminded ancient audiences of David it recalls his descendant Jesus.

Bible Study April 22

April 22, 2023

Saturday brings us back to the book of Psalms and chapters 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, and 20 these are all Psalms of reflection.

Chapter 6 –

Psalm six is the first of the penitent Psalms. David prays the words of this Psalm when he is deeply troubled. Mercy in this situation is not deserved but is urgently needed. The word translated mercies describes the deeply significant, loyal love of God. Many Psalms use this word to describe why God is worthy of praise.

Chapter 8 –The theme of this Psalm is How Excellent as we see from start to finish. God’s fingers set the stars in place, He needed only His fingers. He greatness of God is impossible to grasp for the human mind. He thinks of His people and cares for us.

Chapter 9 –

God is our refuge is the recurring theme in Psalm 9. The needy and the humble are people who suffer oppression for the Lord’s sake, bearing the affliction with a godly spirit.  Death is depicted like an earthly city where people are held captive – the reference to the gates of death.

Chapter 10 –

The question why always signals to a feeling of frustration or forgiveness. The Psalmist calls on God to punish the unbridled disrespect and scorn of the wicked. He concluded with a triumphant assertion that faith, despite all seeming challenges, the Lord is King and He does hear and answers the prayer of the oppressed.

Chapter 14 –

The Hebrew word in the Old testament for fool is one who is morally deficient. God has promised to be a present refuge for the righteous – a secure place for the Godly while developing hope for those who trust Him.

Chapter 16 –

These verses indicate three different names for God: Elohim, (the powerful creator God), Yahweh (the covenant – giving God), and Adonai (the Lord and Master of Life).  The word lot means circumstances or the place where God has put a person. Sheol is the abode of the dead or the grave. Holy One points to Jesus’ resurrection.

Chapter 19 –

This Psalm points out two places where God has chosen to reveal Himself: The heavens refer to what appears in the sky above, the firmament means the expanse of God’s creation. God has placed the sun in the heavens and is supreme over it. Testimony, statutes, commandment, and judgements are synonyms for God’s law, the Bible.

David’s rhetorical question expresses that without God’s Word, it is difficult for His people to know if or when they violate God’s will.

Bible Study April 21

April 21, 2023

We begin our reading in another book of the Old Testament today with 2 Samuel reading in chapter one through four. We will read of two primary issues; David learns of the death of Saul and the problems between David and Saul

Chapter 1 –

Second Samuel picks up where First Samuel left off with the immediate events of the death of Saul. Adversity is the test off faith, prosperity is the test of integrity. David could handle adversity but now as king of Israel he would be prosperous – how will he handle that?

The Amalekite tried to find favor with David taking credit for killing Saul but he actually found the body of Saul his false claim cost him his life. David was distraught over the death of Saul even though he had pursued for years trying to kill him it was David’s belief he was God’s anointed.

God’s instructions for dealing with the Amalekites was specific and it was David’s responsibility to carry it out. David was sorrowful over the death of Jonathan as he would his brother.

Chapter 2 –

The moment David had prepared for fifteen years finally arrived. He did not rush to be king but sought God’s counsel on the matter. He would cause great risk if he moved on his own. Samuel anointed him king but public recognition would allow others to recognize his calling.

Abner’s aim was to prevent David from gaining more influence north of Judah. Joab became a prominent figure in David’s reign.

Chapter 3 –

Once David was anointed king, he did not pursue conflict with his opponents. He fought only when confronted. Taking a former king’s concubine was considered a power move for the throne. Abner usurped Ishbosheth’s authority so he made a false claim against Abner.

Fueled by anger at being accused by Ishbosheth Abner admitted David was the true successor to Saul. There is no indication what motivated him to do this. David had to distance himself from Joab’s murder of Abner so the nation would not be divided over it. He was successful in maintaining his innocence over it.

Chapter 4 –

With the death of Ishbosheth the only remaining heir to the throne was Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth but he was lame and not a likely candidate for the throne. He is introduced simply to show there is no conflict in David becoming king as far as the kingly line was concerned.

Apparently Recab and Baanah were not aware of the response by David to the death of Saul. They expected accolades for killing Ishbosheth but instead received the death penalty. He delivered the death penalty to anyone who killed in an unjust manner.

Sunday at Asbury

This Sunday at Asbury we are looking at the subject of the church. “A Vital Church Grows” if the church is to impact the community it serves it must be willing to do three things. First it must exalt God and who He is. Secondly, it must build up the saints by encouraging one another to do the work of ministry and thirdly it must be evangelistic.

Today too many churches are no longer preaching about the cross that Jesus bore for us. They are proclaiming a message that makes people comfortable and is socially acceptable. In fact many churches have turned their back on scripture. If the church is to be vital, we must get back to our scriptural roots.

We are beginning to take a look at the New Testament church and how it can function in today’s society. Our scripture is taken from Acts 2:40-47. I am including it here for you. “40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [f]to the church daily those who were being saved.”

Join us Sunday at 9:00 AM at 2704 South Highway 47 in Foley, Missouri through Facebook.

Bible Study April 20

April 20, 2023

Today we read six Psalms 121, 123, 125, 128 – 130, all are Psalms of worship and reverence.

Psalm 121 –

The writer of Psalm 121 is looking for help as he travels through the hills to Jerusalem. He looks up and finds his help. Traveling in the desert one could be scorched if they did not find shade. God’s care includes His unlimited ability to keep all of us from all danger.

Psalm 123 –

The writer here looks expectantly to God as a servant who looks to the hand of the master. Salves were usually dependent on their masters to meet their needs. The Psalmist is in expectation as he awaits God providing for his needs.

Psalm 125 –

Crooked ways means paths off the ordinary trail however it also alludes to those who sin and go off the path of righteousness. The writer is comparing the one who continually sins with the one who follows God’s path. One will be driven away while one will live in heavenly eternity.

Psalm 128 –

Blessed is the one who fears God and respects His power and grace. One will find contentment in God and His blessings as long as they remain faithful.

Psalm 129 –

After the Lord cut the cords that bound Israel (Zion) to their longtime enemies the writer prays that the oppressors will not prosper. In other words those who oppressed Israel will not succeed.

Psalm 130 –

In biblical times “hope’ was looked at as certainty today we see it as wishful thinking. The Psalmist is standing on God’s word, he knows his redemption has a price a price paid by Jesus on the cross.

Autopsy of a Deceased Church Chapter 13

Chapter 13 –

Today is our last installment from Thom Rainer’s Autopsy of a Deceased Church – 12 ways to Keep Yours Alive. I will share his thoughts as presented in his book for our consideration.

Tomorrow we will a new book recap.

My Church Is Very Sick: Four Responses

“Rarely does a church move from the category of “symptoms of sickness” to “very sick” overnight. And if the church waits till it is very sick, it is extremely difficult to get better.”
“So what are some indicators that a church is very sick?

  • Significant numerical decline over the past ten to twenty years.
  • Prolonged times of apathy, often times of intense conflict.
  • The church is not known in the community.
  • New members are rare.
  • Revolving door pastors frustration and conflict limit the pastoral tenure.
  • The “good old days” syndrome are typically twenty years past.
  • We’ve always done it this way so why change.

He says, “sadly it is rare to a very sick church reverse its course.”

Four Responses

  1. The church must confess its dire need. They refuse to acknowledge their condition.
  2. The church must pray for wisdom and strength to do whatever is necessary.
  3. The church must be willing to change radically.
  4. The change must lead to action and an outward focus.

The question becomes what will a church do and what is it willing to do?