THE CHURCH

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."  (Luke 19:10 NIV)

In God's benevolent economy, the church… provides a place of solace, a hotbed of godly values, a stage for spirited worship, an organism of relationships, and all the bountiful benefits Christians enjoy. But the church isn't the church so that we Christians can experience those perks. The church is the church so that other people can meet Jesus Christ and be captured by the Spirit and be incorporated into the Kingdom for eternity. A church exists, like Jesus, "to seek and to save the lost." The church is not in the business of coddling the cozy but rather of finding the fallen, and will inconvenience itself in order to reach out. The church exists to do what Jesus valued -- and did, Himself.

-- James D. Berkley in a sermon at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, Washington


#4614

TELLING THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”  But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.  (Romans 10:13-17 NLT)

Telling the good news about Jesus is the unique business of the church. The YMCA has excellent camping and recreation programs. There are many effective social service agencies in our communities. Multitudes of clubs and organizations welcome our people's participation and involvement. We can offer those around us only one thing that these organizations do not already offer -- JESUS CHRIST. We must be careful not to water down the message with a vague theism.

-- Michael Slaughter in Beyond Playing Church


#4045

CRUISE-SHIP CHURCH VS. RESCUE-SHIP CHURCH

On a Cruise Ship people expect to be served.
      On a Rescue Ship people expect to serve.


On a Cruise Ship the staff takes care of the passengers.
      On a Rescue Ship those on board take care of one another.


On a Cruise Ship gratification comes from the comfort and the beautiful scenery.
      On a Rescue Ship gratification comes from participating in the mission.


On a Cruise Ship relationships are superficial.
      On a Rescue Ship relationships are close-knit and meaningful.


On a Cruise Ship not much is expected of the passengers.
      On a Rescue Ship every person has an assignment and participates in the mission.


On a Cruise Ship the thrill comes from the food, service and entertainment.
      On a Rescue Ship the thrill comes from accomplishing the mission.


On a Cruise Ship you hear, "I like this" or "I don't like that."
      On a Rescue Ship you hear, "How can I help?"


On a Cruise Ship the energy is put into those who are "on board."
      On a Rescue Ship the energy is put into those who are "out there."


On a Cruise Ship the captain responds to the people's requests.
     On a Rescue Ship the people respond to the captain's orders.


On a Cruise Ship everyone rejoices when they get to sit at the captain's table.
      On a Rescue Ship heaven rejoices when even one who is lost is saved.


What kind of ship is your church?


-- Rev. Dave Wilkinson, adapted from Paul Kaak in New Directions for Small Group Ministry

#3734

THE MOST LIKELY PATH

"Do you, as the way opens, share Christ with people who do not know Christ?  Do you witness to your faith by letting your life speak?"  These questions, adapted from a Quaker covenant, remind us of the gentleness, simplicity, and persistence that underlies effective invitation.  Many people with no church home are respectful, curious, and open to spirituality in general.  Others are hostile, resentful, or suspicious of religion, perceiving church people to be offensive and hurtful.

Even people who are not particularly open to church are nevertheless open to their friends, and to the experiences that their friends value.  The most concrete and personal way God reaches out to invite people into faith is through friends who invite friends.

Most people who have no church have at least one friend who practices the faith, and that person provides the most likely pathway to the spiritual journey.  Are you that person?

-- Robert Schnase in Five Practices of Fruitful Living


#3316