The reason I pulled up Blogger to write tonight, though, is church related. It's about a saying, or a phrase, or an idea that has been around for a while: "If we do what we are supposed to do here in the church, God will send the people to us." It's been running through my head over and over again all week. It's like God is trying to tell me something - we are doing the right things. We are heading in the right direction.
If you are reading this, you might think I am referring to the Sunday morning worship services, which is where a lot of the focus about 'church' goes, but that's not really where my thoughts are. We have a lot going on during the week. Monday there are 2 small groups that meet. Wednesday we have a huge group activity night. Friday morning is a Bible study. We have the Men's group that meets monthly and the Women's group that meets monthly. We have First Friday Fellowship most months. We put on holiday/seasonal activities each year, and we have some great people out and about in the area spreading God's love wherever they go!
Somewhere in there God is liking what He is seeing. People are beginning to come to church. Kids are asking me at school if they can come to church. I have begun carrying my 'card' in my pocket at school so that I can hand out my information easily when a child or parent asks for it. God is moving.
This past Sunday we had 92 in our morning worship service. 30 of them were kids infant to 5th grade. That's a pretty good ratio! I have begun to track the attendance and we are reaching a lot of people. In addition to the 92 who were at church on Sunday, we also have a few kids who only come on Wednesday - putting our weekly 'touch' of the community to 100+! Wow.
The best part - the absolute bestest part - is how God is send these people. One gentleman walked in and said, "I just felt God lead me to come here this morning." I have kids at school who stop me in the lunch room to ask about church. I am not preaching it - they are hearing about it from friends in their classes! I love it!
I could never recreate it, or write a book about it - it is just happening. Well, I suppose I could talk about how God has led me to do this or that, but the bottom line is simply this: I walk around all day every day acting as if I were Jesus walking around wearing a 'Jill' costume. I look nicely at others. I try to do my best at everything I do. I recognize those who have authority over me and jump quickly when called upon. I look for ways to make things better or easier for myself and those around me and share the ideas I have or find. I want to be someone who makes another person say, "I want what you have" so that I can share all about Jesus. I believe that 2 and a half years of that has been rubbing off and now others are catching the vision. I believe that as more and more catch it, God will run with it and send more people our way often - but only if we continue to listen to the Holy Spirit's leadings and follow through with what we hear Him ask.
Want church growth? That's the plan... follow the Holy Spirit and do what He says. He will never steer you wrong!
You can't build a program without God. You can't grow a congregation without God. You can't increase your effectiveness without God. Learn to listen and hear. He will tell you each step of the way. Sometimes He will even help you remember things you didn't even know you had forgotten or would want later. Just listen - all the time - everywhere - in everything you are doing. He will guide the way.
I hope this has been an encouragement to you. I've enjoying writing it.
I'm so excited for the hope we have in the congregation these days. We are anticipating a good week... the washing machine and the iron have gone out already this week - the more appliances, the better the Sunday! LOL Wonder what might be next?
Come and find out for yourself!
No comments:
Post a Comment