Our Job as the Church
April 21, 2010 3 Comments
Every mission trip I’ve been on has, in some capacity, involved local churches in the area. What I’ve always enjoyed about this is the way these churches opened their doors for us. Even when it was something as simple as passing through and spending the night–not doing any particular work in that city–they accommodated. It was refreshing having that system of support wherever we went.
What do we expect out of our relationships with churches? This past Sunday night, I was driving with a friend and passed by several churches with evening services in session. I wondered what it would be like to pull into the parking lots of different ones at random and enter their services. Would it be an interruption? Would I be under-dressed? Would they be welcoming?
I’ve titled this post “Our Job as the Church,” but I don’t have a concrete description of that. As the Church, we have many jobs. What I want to know is what you think we can do to be more inviting to those passing by? How accommodating should we be? How does the Church go about being the hope of the world in everyday life?
Click here to share your thoughts.
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Matt, I’m glad someone is asking questions like these.
I end up at A LOT of churches throughout the year. Some are welcoming. Others are not.
It goes without saying that most of us don’t like being called out as visitors.
I’ve been to churches that seem genuinely surprised that someone would stop in. It’s almost like they’re so accustomed to the fact that church membership is in decline most places that it catches them off guard when someone takes an interest. A sort of overzealous, awkward introduction ensues. Not good.
The best I can tell, the most effective churches, at least in this sense of welcoming visitors, are the ones that make intentional introductions, but aren’t in the business of “selling” their church. Too often I’m left feeling as if THIS particular church believes itself to be THE way everlasting. That won’t do.
Which is only beginning to touch on your real question – the job of the church – but recognizing who we are, who He is, and living accordingly sure is a good start.
Thank you, Kelly, for sharing your thoughts! I’ve always been interested in visiting other churches, and think that can be a great part about what you do. It’s very good finding the ones who have the focus about who He is more than anything, and that spend time caring about the people who walk through their doors. It’d be nice to find that wherever, and not have doubts about visiting a place to worship. I always say a new Chinese restaurant is somewhere you never want to be the first to visit. You want to hear some word-of-mouth first. Haha. That shouldn’t have to be true about a church.
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