Jesus is Lord
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
As we have said, especially in reference to the pivotal verse Romans 12:2 the appropriate metaphor for understanding change and growth is metamorphosis. Our instinct and intuition coupled with a close reading of scripture against two millennia of history lead us to believe that the church structures we have inherited are going through their own metamorphosis.
We hold that it is wrong to attempt to destroy the present structures, as it would be wrong to cling to them after new life emerges. With that in mind, then, we offer our suggestions for working within the structures we have inherited.
Don't throw it out with the bathwater.
If the Elder Rule boys have their way, you may lose the church, the property and the manse anyway.
Let's assume you have the brains and the courage to keep them out.
You can now settle down and look at managing the assets intelligently and in response to your own interface with your community and beyond.
Your church could be in for quite an adventure!
Get Set!
Are you sure your church wants to grow? (Don't answer too quickly!) If you do want to grow then you have to get set. Here are some thoughts on getting ready to grow.
Systems
How is your church run? Could it be better? Here are some thoughts on looking at your church's systems.
Sermon Tips
While we are not great fans of sermons we nonetheless recognize that they are not about to disappear. So, we offer some Sermon Tips.
Counseling Tips
Is your church involved in counseling? Do you think you might want to be a counselor? Or perhaps you are presently receiving counseling or one day might be. Here are some insights into Christian counseling.
The Interface
Remember sensitive dependence? Sometimes a small change in initial conditions can make a big difference down the road. In your church, do you examine the Christian/non-Christian interface? We offer some thoughts and suggestions which might be just the catalyst to help you get more out of your structures and practices.
The Foyer
Ever thought of putting your foyer to better use? Here are some ideas - based on scripture!
Spotters
Can you, do you see the same kind of people Jesus saw? Jesus sees? You are His eyes but can you see? You have hidden resources in your church. Recognize them. Empower them. But go back and read Get Set first, because you're going to grow!
The Prayer Mailbox
How is your church seen by the neighborhood? Are you just the people who mess up the neighborhood parking on Sundays? Or are you the only visible representatives of the living God? Here's an eye opening opportunity. Simple, effective but make sure you Get Set!
Care Manager
How does your church manage (yes, manage!) pastoral care? Do you solicit feedback? Do you do anything with the feedback? When do you close the file and decide you've done well? A Care Manager could be of significant benefit to your church.
Care Files
A simple aid to effective pastoral care. But use with discretion and don't violate any privacy laws.
Pastoral Care
The sine qua non for serious pastors. Speechmakers need not read this.