ANOTHER TRY…11.23.09
by SteveA good many of you have asked me why I am not posting more entries on the blog site. Here’s the thing: the idea of a blog is for it to be a conversation, a dialogue, not a one-man-show. I would like nothing better than to write a daily entry, but unless you respond with your comments, short or long, there is little to encourage me to continue. But…I’m willing to try it again for a few days to see if you’re up for it and willing to do your part. If participation is good, look for it to continue. If it is not, there are better ways for me to use my time. Here goes:
Mary K. Sellon, with the Alban Institute, shared the following recently:
Here’s the hard truth. If you’re a layperson in a congregation that’s experiencing decline, whether or not the congregation thrives is ultimately up to you and the other members. Your pastor can teach, guide, lead, support, inspire, and even cajole. But in the end, congregational health is a function of how people in the congregation relate to each other, to God, and to their community…. A congregation that is truly being church brings people into a loving, life-giving relationship with God and others that is transformational…. Although a pastor can teach and preach this message, the message has power only to the extent that the people in the congregation live it and practice it with one another. Practicing loving, life-giving relationships transforms congregation members. Witnessing such benefits draws others who want something similar for themselves and their families.
I would no longer describe us a a congregation in decline, because we are seeing excitement and new growth, but what Mary says is the gospel truth. I can get new people here…it’s up to you to keep them by drawing them into your small groups…SS, UMM, UMC, Chicks, choir…all those groups that change lives by being in fellowship and mission together. “Think on these things.”
An excerpt from an email I got today shows me we’re on the right track:
We love how welcoming the church is and we
found out last week that another church in the area was discussing how
anyone is welcome at UGUMC. It was a baptist church in the area and in Sunday School they were talking about what they would do if an interracial couple came to their church (Go figure….should
that not be a given? Why does that even need to be an issue to discuss?). Anyway, they talked about what they would do and apparently some people had a problem with being inviting and then my
grandmother talked about how inviting we are. At my dad’s church, here in Union Grove, the same topic came up and he began “boiling” on the inside. Apparently there were statements made that cut pretty deeply and he stood up and said I have grand children that are bi- racial and I am concerned about their soul, not their skin color and he walked out. He did go back, but he had to leave for a bit.
Being inviting should not be something special about UGUMC. That should be the norm for all churches, but since it is not, I am grateful to have found a church that welcomes diversity.
Amen!
RSS
I agree that getting someone to stay at a church is a responsibility of the congregation and I think the people of UGUMC do a great job of making people feel at home.
There are so many exciting programs taking place at UGUMC, old and new, that nearly everyone should have a spot in a small group, if they would like to be. Sometimes the only thing keeping a new-comer from attending, is a personal invitation from someone besides the Pastor. Maybe those who are in small groups could say hi to someone they haven’t spoken to before and just ask, ” are you interested in exercising, crocheting, etc.” If they happen to say yes, then encourage them to join you, take them under your wing and make them feel welcome. Sometimes people need a little push (warmer than the morning announcements during the 11:00 service) to give them the courage to jump into a new group of folks. How about giving a person a nudge… with a personal invitation and a smile?
Hey Steve,
I don’t often comment, because I only feel like about a half-member of the church. While I feel its my home church, its too far from MY home for me to attend often
But I wanted to let you know I’ve enjoyed reading your blog posts.
Please keep it up!
Jessi.
(Steve & Alese Reams’ daughter)
Mykel is right. It is up to the members of the small groups to invite others into them. As for the “interracial” couple issue, we should only see couples that need the communion with God through the church. Only when be can look at all couples as “couples” and not as (insert description) couples will we truly be acting as our perfect example, Jesus, acted.
I agree Mike. A couple needs Christian love, not a prefix.
Now that’s more like it, ya’ll. I got a response from our DS to this, and I quote: Union Grove is “a marvelous, Christ-like community.” Nice compliment! I’m hoping for our first African-American member to join on Dec. 13!