Being a loving and welcoming church
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 18 Aug 2007 in From Steve's Study ::
You may recall that in about September last year, we filled in a large survey entitled the “National Church Life Survey”. The aim of the survey was to identify areas of strength and weakness in our church so that we might grow to become more like the community God has called us to be. The results of this survey are now in & the Parish Council has been discussing the impact they have on our lives together.
In particular, it has become apparent that our weakest areas, as a church are in members sense of “belonging” to the community, & in our willingness or ability to help new people to feel included amongst us. These results may come as a surprise to you (as they did to some on the council), as we sometimes have a picture of ourselves as a very friendly and welcoming community. However, on reflection, we realised that there are some important truths that we need to take note of – particularly in our 9.45am congregation.
As a result, over the next few months we are planning to implement a number of changes in the way we care for each other, to help develop this sense of community. Here are just a couple of the ideas we had for the members of the 9.45am congregation:
- Hospitality Sunday – A Sunday will be set aside later this term where every member of the congregation will either host a few families (or be hosted) for lunch. The idea is to provide informal opportunities for both new and long-time members of the church to get to know each other and develop relationships.
- Response Cards – in the next few weeks, response cards and pencils will appear in the pews. These will give people who come to the service each week an opportunity to share needs or prayer points, as well as giving us an opportunity to have contact with any new people that come along.
I see it as a great privilege and blessing to be part of this church, & I thank God that he has brought us all together. Let’s continue to pray that he would make us into a loving and welcoming community where we can care for and support one another in our walks with God.
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