“It’s time to start thinking different!”
4 CommentsI am constantly church watching. That is right, church watching, just like you would watch people in the airport or the mall, I love to watch churches. Let me clarify, no matter where I am, whether on the internet, in the book store or driving down the road, I am also looking to see how America’s church in interacting with the community.
Today, I was driving home with my daughter and as I drove by a baseball complex I noticed all the young little league kids preparing for practice. At that moment I thought, “Man…I wish our chu
rch was located on this corner.” I continued driving, thinking about having a church that can be so close to the young families that will be living at the baseball complex for the next couple of months…when I saw the most horrific sign I think I have ever seen. Right there just feet from this complex stood a sign that read “NO LITTLE LEAGUE PARKING!!!!” It would be one thing if it was a business or residence but it was a CHURCH! Shame on them for being so ignorant. I am sure they have what SEEMS to be a legitimate reason why they want to free up their parking lot. People, it is time to start thinking differently. How about:
- Set up inflatables and cotton candy machines and invite these young families to stick around.
- Host a BBQ (everyone likes to eat!)
- Offer free car washes while they wait (make sure to leave information about your church when you are done)
Whatever happened to making lemonade out of lemons?!! The sad reality is that most of our churches do things like this without even knowing it. How many times have you heard, “We have never done it that way?” When people stop coming in our doors we have to ask what are we doing wrong. I will quit the ranting now and give three practical steps to help you start thinking differently:
1. Invite Jesus to be a part of your staff meetings (if your ideas, plans, programs, etc. pass Jesus’ approval then your golden)
2. Remember the longer you are a Christian the less you think like a non-Christian so engulf yourself in mainstream culture **change your method not the Message!**
3. I learned this one from my youth pastor, Gene Dodson, don’t be afraid to mix things up. (we don’t always have to have traditional worship services)
- Without warning to your people, plan a service day or outreach during your normal worship time.
- HAVE SOMEONE ELSE PREACH
Remember, don’t be afraid to be different, have fun and preach the truth (even if it hurts!)
