Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Making a Difference
I've recently been challenged on the idea of making a difference. Of course, as a Christian it's been something I've been challenged on for most of my life -- but what to really do. Now as a parent I feel an even greater responsibility. How do I model a life that is impacting the world around me and teach them to do the same? How do I get out of my self-serving -- or even just family-serving mentality -- and realize that it is up to me to start consciously taking those steps every day and not just letting them happen when and where they may.
So we are starting something new at our house. We will do one thing every day -- whether big or small -- to make a difference in the life of someone that doesn't live in this house. I think most of us want to do that, we just don't know how. I don't know if I know how either, but we're going to try because I want to love and serve people like my Jesus did and I want my kids to do the same.
Yesterday was the first effort. It was a small one, but it was a step beyond giving lip service in appreciation to someone for doing something special for us. Nathan made a card for some people that picked him and Carleigh from the nursery so that I can stand with David at the end of the morning service. They didn't do it because they were asked, just because they saw a need. He actually wrote all the words (or maybe I should say the letters of the words) and drew all the pictures, picked out an envelope, sealed it, and delivered it. If you don't think giving someone a card to tell them you appreciate them makes a difference, try it. I guarantee that you'll see at least one smile. I saw smiles on the faces of the recipient and the giver as Nathan made his delivery.
Now, let's see what we can do today to make a difference. . .
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Something I've Noticed
For the past several months, I’ve been noticing a trend at our church that has my attention and should grab your attention as someone who cares about the health and welfare of our fellowship. Our overall Sunday School attendance has been on a downswing for a while now. Truly, I’m not one to sound unnecessary alarms and can be as patient as anyone while trying to diagnose the true underlying cause(s), but there’s really no good reason for a church with our resources and potential to have become such underachievers in this area.
Several years ago, I asked a church going through similar issues the same question I am asking each of you to consider at this point: “Is Sunday School worth our time and efforts to continue to invest in and support?” I hope you realize that this is somewhat of a rhetorical question, but if you need a little nudging to realize Sunday School’s importance, here are a few areas in which our overall church’s ministry is impaired:
- We have few opportunities to build kingdom leaders.
- The development of soul winners is greatly reduced.
- We cannot be organized to win the lost (A healthy Sunday School, by the way, has been proven to be the most effective organized evangelism activities a church can have).
- There is a decreased level of assimilation of new members.
- We are not mobilized for ministry.
The list could continue, but I don’t want to belabor the issue. Needless to say, if we are to live up to our potential in the kingdom of God, Sunday School should never take a back seat. Here are some points to ponder as you think about and prepare for next Sunday:
- If you are a teacher, show up early and make sure you’re ready to begin at 9:45. Nothing will kill a class quicker than a teacher who habitually shows up late or not at all. And nothing is a more certain guarantee of a guest never returning than for them to show up for a class when there is no class.
- If you are a student, show up on time so that 1) the class can start on time, and 2) you aren’t an interruption for a class that has already begun.
- Be faithful to your class, pray for them regularly, and contact those who are absent.
- Invite a friend.
- Be as warm, friendly, and open to new people as possible.
Again, the list could continue further. These are only a few short exhortations and a gentle reminder that Sunday School is among the most important things we do. There’s an old saying that states, “As the Sunday School goes, so goes the church.” I’m praying we can get back on track.