2016-02-20 THRIVE

[Kent Ross]

THRIVE MINISTRIES
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February 20, 2016 – Saturday Morning E-Devotional

"THRIVE As a Vibrant Church or a Sagging One" - Kent Ross (Ohio)

I was wondering today about church ... the church I attend and the one you attend. I was reflecting on what I would like my church and yours to always be. Maybe that seems unreasonable, but I don't think it has to be.

"Why do you think people leave your church?

We know there are general reasons people stop attending church. Here are common examples:

     “I just didn’t get much of anything out of the messages.”

     “The church and pastor let me down in my time of need.”

     “My kids didn’t feel like the children and student ministries was working for                     them.”

     “The worship music wasn’t the style I like and it was too loud.”

     “The pastor seemed too busy for me. 

Candidly, comments like these come from churched people who we hope in time will consider looking beyond their own wants and desires and begin to invest in the lives of others. It is true: churches do let Christians down, and it’s important that you and I do our best for those who call our churches home. 

When I was a pastor, I heard all the five above. Sometimes I and the church could address them, but sometimes we could not ... and sometimes they and the ones who spoke them, though almost always behind my back, was consider just petty.

The three reasons for unchurched, and first time visitors may not be back are:

1) Apologetic Expressions

     They want to know what we believe and if we really believe it and if they will be accepted—and they test you about your resolve.

     Not everyone will come to your church, but those who do come don’t want      soft answers or apologies. They are looking for people who really believe what        they are offering. They want bold leadership. They want to know if we’re the real deal and if we’ll drink our own Kool-Aid.

2) Tentative Impressions

     First impressions are everything. When people drive into your parking lot, your         guest services teams need to be prepared and on their A game. One grumpy    usher or an ill-prepared nursery leader can determine in seconds if someone will      return or not.

     It should be unacceptable for your first impressions team to falter or be      uncertain or timid because of lack of training or passion for the mission of the      church. Your first impression team members need to be sharp, energetic and      cause people to feel like they made a good decision to get out of bed and come       to your church that morning.

3) Insincere Connections

     Good first impressions are vital, but they must move quickly from a warm smile       and a cheerful welcome to genuine opportunities for connecting with new friends

Tomorrow, what will you find at your church? Can you be part of it being a vital church, or are you causing the sag?