By John Mueller Nowell
Over the years as I have talked to clergy and lay leaders in existing congregations, I have often made the following observation: When congregations have been in existence for 20 years or more they tend to reach a plateau of perceived self-sufficiency, and their primary ministry focus tends to turn inward (on the needs of members) rather than outward (on the needs of the community members around them). When that begins to happen, the congregation’s hospitality is extended primarily to people who show up on Sunday morning and look, sound and smell like them. Now this is not necessarily a conscious decision, but it is a reality. Sure the congregation may continue to support “missions” by sending a portion of their money away to allow someone else to do ministry on their behalf (and that is a good thing), but they no longer understand themselves to be the ones sent by God to do God’s work in God’s world across the street.
Congregations involved in intentional missional ministry empower their members to explore what it means to be those sent by God in Christ’s name. Those congregations begin to realize rather quickly that ministry today is indeed a cross-cultural missionary enterprise.
Congregations that understand that God is sending them into the communities around them do indeed begin to take on the look, and sound, and smell of those to whom they are sent.
This reality was wonderfully reinforced in a story that a minister friend, Jackie Qualls, recently told me. The context of the story is built within the Southside Church of Christ in Mineral Wells, Texas, a congregation involved in the Partnership for Missional Church (PMC) process…a congregation that is working hard to understand what it means for them to be missional where they are located and live into that vision. Here is Jackie’s story in his words:
On Wednesday nights our building has begun to smell different. This new smell was not a pleasant one at first. God's "preferred future" for our congregation was to reach out into our own backyard to the people in our community that no one else wanted. One of the ways this call is being answered is in a Wednesday night tutoring ministry in which around 40 students from kindergarten to high school are bused to our building and are met by their own personal tutor/mentor that range in age from high school teens to 77. Most of the children that come to be tutored/mentored live in households that are below the poverty level. They are dirty, full of energy, and are not "church broke."
Helen (not her real name) is in third grade and never misses Wednesday night tutoring. Helen's family does not have running water at home and because of this she is always dirty. To make things even worse for this sweet little girl, she also wets her pants several times a day. There is a very unique smell to her and most of the kids that come. Every Wednesday she runs off the bus and into the building because she can't wait to get started. She is very affectionate and gives everyone a big hug. At first, the smell was overwhelming in a negative way but now it's different. We are not only accustomed to the unique smell, but we welcome it. This smell has become for us the smell of Jesus, "for whatever you did for one of the least of these . . . you have done it for me." God is showing us that He uses broken things. He chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.
On Wednesday nights our building smells different and when we smell that smell it brings a smile to our faces because we know Jesus is near.
“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes." (Ps 118:22-23)
WOW! Makes me wonder: What would happen if all congregations would allow God’s Spirit to use them to reach out to the children around them who are not “church broke”? What would happen if more congregations could associate the smell of poverty with the smell of Jesus? What would happen if I allowed myself to be sent into situations where a dirty, sweet third-grader named Helen would want to give me a hug because she knows I love her and I am a person she can trust to love her too? Would I let her? Would I hug her back?
John Mueller Nowell is director of client services at Church Innovations.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Experimenting on the Journey of Spiritual Discernment
The Second Year in the Partnership for Missional Church
By Jannie Swart
This article is a continuation of the newsletter series on the Partnership for Missional Church (PMC) and gives a brief overview of the second year of PMC.
The first year of PMC focuses on the growing sense of awareness in the local congregation that cultural change is necessary. Through deep listening, the local congregation discovers partners on its journey of spiritual discernment. The second year takes the listening and discovering into a phase of experimenting. The focus shifts from the imaginations and actions of the early adopters and innovators in the congregation to those thoughtful, progressive leaders who can get things done and who are willing to take risks and experiment.
Beyond Grand Plans to Experimenting
The natural tendency for congregations is to move very quickly into a mold of strategic planning for the future. So many times we want to start addressing the challenges and fixing the problems by borrowing from visioning models and long-range planning tools. However, in CI’s more than 17 years of experience working with congregations, we’ve discovered that they often “hit the wall” in this approach, because it does not consider some important dynamics in congregations’ cultural change. In the second year of PMC, we deliberately focus on these dynamics and the polarities that come with them.
The Polarity between Early Victories and Long-Term Change
The second year in PMC focuses on cultivating an environment in local congregations where it is possible to manage the important dynamic between those who can achieve immediate success and change in the congregation and those who understand the long-term, deep, cultural engagement needed. It helps congregations to empower both the sprinters to achieve early victories and the long-distance runners who can endure the challenges of long-term change. Congregations need both the sprinters and the long-distance runners on the journey of spiritual discernment if they want to move beyond merely becoming armchair critics of their cultural environment to achieving effective change for the sake of God’s mission in that environment.
To accomplish this, we introduce Missional Engagement Teams (METs) and Plunging Groups into this second phase of PMC. Through the discernment and action of both the METs and Plunging Groups, as well as the interaction between the learnings from both, local congregations start to engage themselves with those people in their environment to whom God is sending them and experiment with one or two particular aspects within their system for the sake of that engagement. The ultimate goal is to form new Christian community with those to whom God is sending the congregations and to bring about the cultural change necessary within the congregations’ system to develop and sustain this new, emerging community.
The Polarity between Technical and Adaptive Change
In achieving the above, congregations need both technical and adaptive change. There will always be the kinds of challenges on this journey that simply need change of a technical nature that entails the solving of an easily identified “problem” by using existing competencies in congregations. However, the more difficult part is to address the kind of change that is of an adaptive nature and which requires a deep engagement with the entire system of the congregations. This is the kind of change for which congregations do not have readily available answers or fixes and ask for an experimenting approach as the way of discerning how to deal with these challenges. The METs are intended for these kinds of experiments, but are doing it in such a way that any failure will not threaten the whole system of the congregations. During this period, congregations learn how to take risks and that it is fine to sometimes fail while experimenting.
The second year brings a willingness to move beyond the fear of failing to trusting God’s promises to the church, and therefore to be prepared to try something new for the sake of God’s mission in the world. Failing to risk is a guaranteed failure; trusting God’s promises of mercy and future for the congregation is the way of discernment in and through risk and failure.
By Jannie Swart
This article is a continuation of the newsletter series on the Partnership for Missional Church (PMC) and gives a brief overview of the second year of PMC.
The first year of PMC focuses on the growing sense of awareness in the local congregation that cultural change is necessary. Through deep listening, the local congregation discovers partners on its journey of spiritual discernment. The second year takes the listening and discovering into a phase of experimenting. The focus shifts from the imaginations and actions of the early adopters and innovators in the congregation to those thoughtful, progressive leaders who can get things done and who are willing to take risks and experiment.
Beyond Grand Plans to Experimenting
The natural tendency for congregations is to move very quickly into a mold of strategic planning for the future. So many times we want to start addressing the challenges and fixing the problems by borrowing from visioning models and long-range planning tools. However, in CI’s more than 17 years of experience working with congregations, we’ve discovered that they often “hit the wall” in this approach, because it does not consider some important dynamics in congregations’ cultural change. In the second year of PMC, we deliberately focus on these dynamics and the polarities that come with them.
The Polarity between Early Victories and Long-Term Change
The second year in PMC focuses on cultivating an environment in local congregations where it is possible to manage the important dynamic between those who can achieve immediate success and change in the congregation and those who understand the long-term, deep, cultural engagement needed. It helps congregations to empower both the sprinters to achieve early victories and the long-distance runners who can endure the challenges of long-term change. Congregations need both the sprinters and the long-distance runners on the journey of spiritual discernment if they want to move beyond merely becoming armchair critics of their cultural environment to achieving effective change for the sake of God’s mission in that environment.
To accomplish this, we introduce Missional Engagement Teams (METs) and Plunging Groups into this second phase of PMC. Through the discernment and action of both the METs and Plunging Groups, as well as the interaction between the learnings from both, local congregations start to engage themselves with those people in their environment to whom God is sending them and experiment with one or two particular aspects within their system for the sake of that engagement. The ultimate goal is to form new Christian community with those to whom God is sending the congregations and to bring about the cultural change necessary within the congregations’ system to develop and sustain this new, emerging community.
The Polarity between Technical and Adaptive Change
In achieving the above, congregations need both technical and adaptive change. There will always be the kinds of challenges on this journey that simply need change of a technical nature that entails the solving of an easily identified “problem” by using existing competencies in congregations. However, the more difficult part is to address the kind of change that is of an adaptive nature and which requires a deep engagement with the entire system of the congregations. This is the kind of change for which congregations do not have readily available answers or fixes and ask for an experimenting approach as the way of discerning how to deal with these challenges. The METs are intended for these kinds of experiments, but are doing it in such a way that any failure will not threaten the whole system of the congregations. During this period, congregations learn how to take risks and that it is fine to sometimes fail while experimenting.
The second year brings a willingness to move beyond the fear of failing to trusting God’s promises to the church, and therefore to be prepared to try something new for the sake of God’s mission in the world. Failing to risk is a guaranteed failure; trusting God’s promises of mercy and future for the congregation is the way of discernment in and through risk and failure.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Plunging
As the summer winds down, we need to turn our thoughts toward beginning again. It never seems there is enough time to finish or even get started with the things we feel we need to do. I know my summer has raced by and it is hard to imagine that I really am back at work.... already. The kids aren't there but I still need to work to get ready for them. Maybe it's just me, but I often have to remind myself that the pressure of time I feel, or the lack of time, is really a tool that Satan uses to keep me flustered. If only I could.... If I just had more.... They seem like harmless statements but underneath them lies a snare waiting to make us feel inadequate for not getting done what we should have had done last week. If I continue to stress, feel rushed, etc... then I am not as effective as maybe I could be. On the other hand, we do need to move forward with deliberateness and intelligence. We need to plot a course and not allow ourselves to become distracted with the crows in our life. (Thanks to Tom for that imagery. It has stuck with me and been very relevant.) The reality is that there are always going to be crows. We need to only stop when our spirits need to reflect with The Spirit about our journey. So, get on yer boots, pull on your work gloves, and of course remember to hold your mouth right (at least that's what dad says). "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going." (NLT)
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. The Lord is our Victor!
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. The Lord is our Victor!
Article of Interest
Here is a good article I found on "What is a Missional Church?" It may help add more talking points, points of consideration. Enjoy.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/16.56.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/march/16.56.html
Thursday, August 6, 2009
PMC-Northwest Cluster Event #8
WHEN: November 13-14, 2009
WHERE: Vancouver Church of Christ (Map)
WHO: Elders, Ministry Staff, Steering Teams
LODGING: There are several hotels within a short drive from the church building. Also, Bonnie Miller (bonniemiller@vanchurch.org, 360-696-0548) will be coordinating housing for out-of-town folks with Vancouver members. She says they typically have several families willing to serve as hosts, so contact her early with your housing requests.
WHERE: Vancouver Church of Christ (Map)
WHO: Elders, Ministry Staff, Steering Teams
LODGING: There are several hotels within a short drive from the church building. Also, Bonnie Miller (bonniemiller@vanchurch.org, 360-696-0548) will be coordinating housing for out-of-town folks with Vancouver members. She says they typically have several families willing to serve as hosts, so contact her early with your housing requests.
Monday, July 6, 2009
POCOC – PMC Meeting Notes, 29 July 2009
POCOC – PMC Meeting Notes (my feeble attempt anyway) :)
29 June 2009
Attendees:
Governance Board (Elders) – Dale & Lori Sanders, Ray and Connie Switzer
Steering Team – James and Connie Greer, Becky Byrd and Mike Chavez
Missional Engagement Team – Lisa Bratcher, Brandon Karn & Rachel Greer, Greg Perkins, and Laura Gerard.
1. Prayer
2. Some open discussion around the make up of the Steering Team in light of John & Maria’s and Connie & Rhico’s situations. We all agreed that Becky would take on the role of Steering Team Leader. Additional discussion on “Where are we now”, what are where were we when we stalled? Time to Reorient!
3. Most likely, Ray, Melvin, Laura and James will attend the next cluster event on July 10 and 11.
4. Time Line discussion. All agreed that we are not on the time line scheduled in the PMC guideline.
5. Action Items:
a. Steering Team will re-visit and/or re-establish the communications plan.
b. Steering Team will reconsider the successor process.
c. (Mike) Talk to John regarding the MET team plan for plunging/plungers and ask Lisa to brief on the process (options/strengths, etc. Feeling ignorant about the MET Team.)
d. Elders will take on the task of educating members one-on-one about the Partnership for Missional Church.
6. Next meeting is on 6 July 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Switzer home.
29 June 2009
Attendees:
Governance Board (Elders) – Dale & Lori Sanders, Ray and Connie Switzer
Steering Team – James and Connie Greer, Becky Byrd and Mike Chavez
Missional Engagement Team – Lisa Bratcher, Brandon Karn & Rachel Greer, Greg Perkins, and Laura Gerard.
1. Prayer
2. Some open discussion around the make up of the Steering Team in light of John & Maria’s and Connie & Rhico’s situations. We all agreed that Becky would take on the role of Steering Team Leader. Additional discussion on “Where are we now”, what are where were we when we stalled? Time to Reorient!
3. Most likely, Ray, Melvin, Laura and James will attend the next cluster event on July 10 and 11.
4. Time Line discussion. All agreed that we are not on the time line scheduled in the PMC guideline.
5. Action Items:
a. Steering Team will re-visit and/or re-establish the communications plan.
b. Steering Team will reconsider the successor process.
c. (Mike) Talk to John regarding the MET team plan for plunging/plungers and ask Lisa to brief on the process (options/strengths, etc. Feeling ignorant about the MET Team.)
d. Elders will take on the task of educating members one-on-one about the Partnership for Missional Church.
6. Next meeting is on 6 July 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Switzer home.
PMC Cluster Meeting July 10 and 11 2009
Hi all,
Just a few more days until we gather in Bellingham, WA for the Phase 3 Kick-Off in the Partnership for Missional Church. In the very unlikely event that this email is the first you've heard of this gathering, let me remind you that we'll be at the Sterling Drive Church of Christ (558 Sterling Dr., Bellingham, WA) on July 10-11.
And in case you didn't get the notebook reminder yet- Bring Your Notebooks! Someone on your Steering Team should have copies of these ready to go, so please bring these with you as we'll likely be making extensive use of them during our time together.
Additionally, please remember to bring $5 to help cover the costs of the Friday night BBQ.
Thirdly- please remember to invite your Steering Team members, your ministry staff, your elders *AND* your MET Team members. As Chairman Mark says, "the success of the cluster is not just what (you) learn, but what others learn from (you). Everyone's experience matters."
We're looking forward to being with you all soon, especially those of us who have dealt with several 103-degree days so far this summer!
Peace,
Greg KB
=========
Greg Kendall-Ball
325.201.3178
Just a few more days until we gather in Bellingham, WA for the Phase 3 Kick-Off in the Partnership for Missional Church. In the very unlikely event that this email is the first you've heard of this gathering, let me remind you that we'll be at the Sterling Drive Church of Christ (558 Sterling Dr., Bellingham, WA) on July 10-11.
And in case you didn't get the notebook reminder yet- Bring Your Notebooks! Someone on your Steering Team should have copies of these ready to go, so please bring these with you as we'll likely be making extensive use of them during our time together.
Additionally, please remember to bring $5 to help cover the costs of the Friday night BBQ.
Thirdly- please remember to invite your Steering Team members, your ministry staff, your elders *AND* your MET Team members. As Chairman Mark says, "the success of the cluster is not just what (you) learn, but what others learn from (you). Everyone's experience matters."
We're looking forward to being with you all soon, especially those of us who have dealt with several 103-degree days so far this summer!
Peace,
Greg KB
=========
Greg Kendall-Ball
325.201.3178
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Israelites
My good friend texted me this week with some thoughts from her Sunday worship. Made me think. I thought I would share with you my thoughts.
Exodus 14
The Lord has led the Israelites out of Egypt. He has them wander so that they look confused to Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he pursues the Israelites. The people cry out to Moses “were there not enough graves in Egypt?” The people and Moses cry out to God for deliverance, and God says to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”
Is it possible that sometimes we act as the Israelites? We don’t see a way out. We complain, we cry, we wail, we pray harder and longer. All the while God is saying to us, “Why are you crying out to me? Move on.” Do we ever get “stuck” in "prayer" and forget that God is calling us to “Move On”? Don’t get me wrong, prayer is VITAL. Is it sometimes possible though that we use “prayer and calling out to God” as an excuse to not move forward? I know I have in my own life. Just think about it… The Israelites really thought they were stuck. Believed they were lambs to the slaughter. And in all reality, there was no earthly way out. So they did what any believer would do. They call out to God. But God said, “Stop crying out. Move On!” When the Israelites “moved on,” God led them through what I think would have been one of the most awesome natural phenomenons and escapes EVER. Water piled high on every side, the fish at eye level. Maybe even something prehistoric in those waters. Let’s see Hollywood capture that! The Israelites “moved on,” they walked through a very scary yet awe inspiring ordeal and guess what- God delivered them!
May we have the faith and courage of the Israelites to Move On in our own lives and collectively as part of God’s church in Port Orchard. May understand that our sight is limited and we must rely on God and sometimes just "Move On."
Exodus 14
The Lord has led the Israelites out of Egypt. He has them wander so that they look confused to Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s heart is hardened and he pursues the Israelites. The people cry out to Moses “were there not enough graves in Egypt?” The people and Moses cry out to God for deliverance, and God says to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”
Is it possible that sometimes we act as the Israelites? We don’t see a way out. We complain, we cry, we wail, we pray harder and longer. All the while God is saying to us, “Why are you crying out to me? Move on.” Do we ever get “stuck” in "prayer" and forget that God is calling us to “Move On”? Don’t get me wrong, prayer is VITAL. Is it sometimes possible though that we use “prayer and calling out to God” as an excuse to not move forward? I know I have in my own life. Just think about it… The Israelites really thought they were stuck. Believed they were lambs to the slaughter. And in all reality, there was no earthly way out. So they did what any believer would do. They call out to God. But God said, “Stop crying out. Move On!” When the Israelites “moved on,” God led them through what I think would have been one of the most awesome natural phenomenons and escapes EVER. Water piled high on every side, the fish at eye level. Maybe even something prehistoric in those waters. Let’s see Hollywood capture that! The Israelites “moved on,” they walked through a very scary yet awe inspiring ordeal and guess what- God delivered them!
May we have the faith and courage of the Israelites to Move On in our own lives and collectively as part of God’s church in Port Orchard. May understand that our sight is limited and we must rely on God and sometimes just "Move On."
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
WET Meeting Mintues March 21, 2009
What expectations does God have of our corporate worship? Or what does God want for our body?
- Nothing to do with sermon topic, arrangement of chairs, etc… God expects us to come together for encouragement, in joyful assembly to lift each up, not boring.
- Worship needs to honor God.
- Worship should be attractive so that it calls people back to God.
- Worship should engage all people in “bringing an offering” to God- an offering will be different for everyone.
- God wants us to grow. Not for our growth sake but for His kingdom.
How does worship relate to growth?
What expectations do we have of Sunday morning corporate worship?
- Singing, leading, planning should be such that our emotions are touched which can help lead me to God.
- We should be led into an experience with God through study, communion, singing, etc…
- Deliberate and intentional with transparent through lines.
- Time for kids to lead corporate worship.
- Not open-ended and/or nebulous.
- Relevant to my everyday life.
- Connecting people to people.
- Visitor Friendly
Other Thoughts…
- We recognize that we are all in this together and must rely on each other.
- We are not trying to trump one another or feel we have all the answers.
- We fully believe God can and will take us where we need to go if we will open hearts and listen.
- We need to not be afraid to move forward even if it makes us a little uncomfortable.
- Where do we go from here?
March 13, 2009 Worship Engagement Team
A month or so ago, I spoke with the Steering Team Members and the Governance Board about getting some people together to discuss our current corporate worship. The question- "How do we help our body become more focused on God's mission through our corporate worship?" Attached are the meeting minutes. The Worship Engagement Team (or the WET as I like to call it) has met twice. We will be meeting again the week of April 13th if all goes according to plan. In the meantime, we thought it would be wise to lay our thoughts so far out on the table and open up for any input one might have. Please feel free to comment.
Meeting Minutes....
Brainstorming-
What does a Jesus centered worship look like?
Singing to God rather than ourselves
Upwards not forwards
Among us rather than toward us
No worries about what another person may think if I choose to outwardly express in worship.
Freedom to act, be vulnerable and still be safe, no judging
Each other- We are connecting with one another, connecting with God and connecting with His mission
Testimonies and faith sharing
Maybe not one or two persons running “the show.” Enable more people to participate.
How do we help all people actively engage in our corporate worship?
Change configuration of worship so not forwards but together
Individual sharing and testimony
Shared leadership
Enable/empower people/give people “permission” to act on what the spirit is leading them to do in regards to kneeling, standing, laying prostrate, etc…. (may need to come from leadership)
Help people feel connected- involve people
How can we help our corporate worship focus on God’s mission (arrows out)?
Make Jesus relevant to all people. Jesus relates to me.
Less insider language
Don’t always take the path of least resistance, what’s comfortable. Help people move out of their comfort zones.
Embrace newcomers and find places for them to fit in and to work.
Family mentality- Those of us who have been at POCOC a long time are good at connecting as family. We need to reach beyond our “family” and pull in those in our church that are on the outside.
What are we doing already that connects with what we identified above?
Involving kids in leading the worship
Sharing more of the workload, lately
Connecting with each other- moments of fellowship when we had it.
Chad enables people to worship
Challenges-
What are our deficits or things we need to improve upon?
Testimonials- Not safe enough
Connecting with one another, not safe enough to grab a hand, maybe need “permission”
Not putting people to work until they “prove” themselves.
Order of worship- Doesn’t always need to be the same. Maybe use more people.
Using more people may determine the “style” of worship.
Not Intentional- Have a theme. Plan ahead. Be more proactive so on Sunday there is no scramble for people to read scripture, say a prayer, etc…
Family extends to everyone, not just those who have been here a while and worked themselves in.
Other Thoughts
What expectations do we have of Sunday morning?
What belongs in Sunday morning corporate worship? What belongs in a small group?
Our flow/order/style of worship may/can determine our growth.
Our “professional” order or “informal” order of worship will have two different outcomes. What do we want for our body? To stay small or to grow large?
How do we create a paradigm shift in thinking for people who get upset when the chairs are moved?
How do we help worship be less about us and more about God’s mission?
How can we challenge/help people let go of some wrong (scripturally unfounded and detrimental to the body) ideas about what worship should be?
Meeting Minutes....
Brainstorming-
What does a Jesus centered worship look like?
Singing to God rather than ourselves
Upwards not forwards
Among us rather than toward us
No worries about what another person may think if I choose to outwardly express in worship.
Freedom to act, be vulnerable and still be safe, no judging
Each other- We are connecting with one another, connecting with God and connecting with His mission
Testimonies and faith sharing
Maybe not one or two persons running “the show.” Enable more people to participate.
How do we help all people actively engage in our corporate worship?
Change configuration of worship so not forwards but together
Individual sharing and testimony
Shared leadership
Enable/empower people/give people “permission” to act on what the spirit is leading them to do in regards to kneeling, standing, laying prostrate, etc…. (may need to come from leadership)
Help people feel connected- involve people
How can we help our corporate worship focus on God’s mission (arrows out)?
Make Jesus relevant to all people. Jesus relates to me.
Less insider language
Don’t always take the path of least resistance, what’s comfortable. Help people move out of their comfort zones.
Embrace newcomers and find places for them to fit in and to work.
Family mentality- Those of us who have been at POCOC a long time are good at connecting as family. We need to reach beyond our “family” and pull in those in our church that are on the outside.
What are we doing already that connects with what we identified above?
Involving kids in leading the worship
Sharing more of the workload, lately
Connecting with each other- moments of fellowship when we had it.
Chad enables people to worship
Challenges-
What are our deficits or things we need to improve upon?
Testimonials- Not safe enough
Connecting with one another, not safe enough to grab a hand, maybe need “permission”
Not putting people to work until they “prove” themselves.
Order of worship- Doesn’t always need to be the same. Maybe use more people.
Using more people may determine the “style” of worship.
Not Intentional- Have a theme. Plan ahead. Be more proactive so on Sunday there is no scramble for people to read scripture, say a prayer, etc…
Family extends to everyone, not just those who have been here a while and worked themselves in.
Other Thoughts
What expectations do we have of Sunday morning?
What belongs in Sunday morning corporate worship? What belongs in a small group?
Our flow/order/style of worship may/can determine our growth.
Our “professional” order or “informal” order of worship will have two different outcomes. What do we want for our body? To stay small or to grow large?
How do we create a paradigm shift in thinking for people who get upset when the chairs are moved?
How do we help worship be less about us and more about God’s mission?
How can we challenge/help people let go of some wrong (scripturally unfounded and detrimental to the body) ideas about what worship should be?
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