Are you praying for the church? Are you praying for those who are not yet here? Have you made a list of who you will invite October 31st to try out the service and give us feedback?
Sunday morning, we discussed shaping a new place for new people by focusing on the needs of others. Worshipers who are experiencing church for the first time, or the first time in a long time, may appreciate learning about the rituals of the church during the service. We also discussed how a multi-sensory approach to worship (using music and visuals) may be more relevant to younger church goers.
In Robert Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, he describes Radical Hospitality "as a genuine love for others who are not yet part of the faith community, an outward focus, a reaching out to those not yet known, a love that motivates church members to openness and adaptability, a willingness to change behaviors in order to accommodate the needs and receive the talents of newcomers."
We have also been challenged to find people in our daily lives to extend an invitation to. Schnase also reminds us that "by God's grace, people may be more ready than we realize to accept the invitation and initiative of Christ that comes through gracious hospitality." And, that "God's grace activates an interest and eagerness for relationship." It is encouraging to know that God is already working in us to create a place for new people to connect to Him, and that God is already working in hearts of our friends and coworkers so that they might desire a relationship with Christ.
Pray for our church. Pray for the people God has placed in your path. And just invite them! Be encouraged that God has been working on them already.
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