So what if you attended community events passed out water at soccer games, took out ads in the music programs, worked as security at the county fair, etc. 

I guess it's really been on my mind the last year or so that Jesus didn't sit in a building waiting for others to come to him, but went out wherever people lived and worked and made their everyday lives his ministry.  (fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, lepers, etc.)

Thank you, thank you for pointing out what is right in front of our faces.  Sometimes we ARE so nearsighted!

I'm emailing my parents right now and inviting myself to some soccer games, baseball games, etc.  Not only do I need some sun shine, but our families need us to support them in bringing the "Son shine" out into their "other world". 

Lisa B from NC

gladscientist (3/13/2008)

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I'd like to hear some ideas about how to compete with the MANY activitites families are committed to and how to get them just as committed to their church and their children's relationship w/ Christ.  We are always running up against team practices during the week and tournaments that take families out of town on the weekends.  I'd love to challenge families to give up one activity (for a specific time frame) and instead, get their kids to commit to a church sponsored activity.  Would it ever fly?

Kathy, I totally understand your concern. I have had the same one myself for some time already. Perhaps your question would be have been better understood if instead of "compete" you said "encourage", which is what I know you meant. You hit the nail on the head when you said, "committed to their church...". That is THE problem, COMMITTMENT.
 
AMEN! Mal, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Churches are failing to teach the importance of church attendance, especially Sunday School and Bible Study. Church growth has nothing to do with numbers, but with committed, changed and challenged hearts. I believe that in trying to attract and keep members some of us have gone from one extreme to the other. Either we reject any and all changes because we refuse to let go of our traditions and "old way" of doing things or we adapt too much of the "world" and we, like you said, end up looking too much like it. God doesn't change, His Word doesn't change, the message of the Gospel doesn't change, but times do change. Our methods must change if we are to recapture the hearts of our families. There are far too many "activities" out there and we cannot reach them just by being there. Most of the time we cannot even spread the Good News verbally because of political correctness. Granted, one Act of Random Kindness (ARK - from Evan Almighty. Loved that movie!) can speak louder than words, but we are talking about church families here! We are not talking about witnessing, but encouraging those who should know better and trying to help them understand why they ought to be in Church more so that they can grow spiritually and support the ministry by getting involved. We can not expect to posses strong Christian values by just coming to church every now and then and supporting it financially with our "offerings". Some people are obviously not getting the message (if it's being preached at all) that we are to "seek his kingdom first". Many are under the impression that developing strong family realtions is by just sitting together to eat, watch a movie or skip Sunday Service to be at a game. God help us!
 
Kathy, I join you in prayer as we seek for creative and non-compromising ways to challenge our families to be more committed to God and ministry. But in order to do that we must first ask God to help us in teaching them how important and essential it is to their spiritual growth and maturity. Life would be less hectic, less risky, less worrisome, less frustrating, less depressing if we gave up one or more of the "commitments" in our agenda and follow God's agenda.
 
I've even thought of starting a church sport team and holding regular Movie/Bible Study nights, but then again we still have to target the problem first; Why Bible Study and Church fellowship/participation is so important.
 
ACTS 2:42
 
HEBREWS 10:23-25
 
PSALM 84:10 

2 TIMOTHY 2:15

Science and the Bible - The Bible is not a Science Text yet it is consistent with scientific facts 
        Science - Precision of movement in the universe                                                                
        Bible - Jeremiah 31:35,36                                                                                                     

Lisab (3/14/2008)

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Well, I emailed my team with my suggestion to start a "Living Water" Outreach Campaign for community sporting events... I've heard back with resounding l"et's do it!" from several folks already! Kind of amazing since most of the state of NC is watching ACC basketball today! LOL

No doubt that such an outreach to unsaved families would have a great impact and fulfill "The Great Commission". On the other hand church families need to be reached from within and if this is difficult because of their lack of involvement then through a one on one (home visitation) ministry. They need to be encouraged to come to church where they can learn how to grow closer to God because by growing closer to God we grow closer to each other. I personally have a very difficult time with "church" families who miss being ministered to because of a sport function. There is NOTHING more important that honoring your sabbath and separating it to worship God corporately. BTW, I am certain that those who are willing to reach out into the community are those who have developed christian discipline by attending church regularly and being supportive of the different ministries. How else could we reach those who are not?

Lisa, I pray you can get this going and that you reap the rewards of your efforts. Remember, one little seed planted can produce a tree with many branches!

Science and the Bible - The Bible is not a Science Text yet it is consistent with scientific facts 
        Science - Precision of movement in the universe                                                                
        Bible - Jeremiah 31:35,36