Your Church Matters

If we master the use of these two letters, the impact on our church will be amazing!

This is an encore presentation of Episode 1.  

In this episode (99) I'm finishing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list. Announcement I'm also announcing that, due to upcoming travel that will have me out of pocket (much of it out of country) for the better part of 6 weeks AND due to a case of overwhelm (my fault for saying yes too often), I'm going to go on podcast hiatus until June 2017. But don't bail on me! There will still be a podcast each week, just not new episodes.  I will be reprising some of my earlier content that I think bears repeating.  For some of the newer members of our community, the content may actually be fresh.  For others, maybe you will hear something you didn't hear the first time around.   Now to the Listener Question Finding a good church was the survey response by one listener.  Since there was no more detail than that, I don't know whether this individual is frustrated with a current church or is wanting some tips about finding a church home when either moving into a new community or returning to church life after an extended absence.  I'm going to address it from both standpoints, but I also want pastors and church leaders to consider how this applies to how you respond to unfamiliar faces at your church.  

Question: "What are the things we can't get wrong - the essentials?"   A Jesus-focused church It is my conviction that the #1 thing we can't get wrong is that our churches must be Jesus-focused.  A Jesus-focused church is a community made up of people who are on-mission to live out the Christ-life:  loving who He loves, obeying what He says, demonstrating His character, and influencing the culture toward Him. I spent a whole chapter unpacking the idea of the Jesus-focused church in my book Why "Bible Study" Doesn't Work: The epic failure of evangelicalism's favorite discipleship method - and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. (Click here to listen to that chapter)   A blueprint for a Jesus-focused church If we are going to build a church building, we would need a good set of plans.  If we are going to build a church, we need a set of plans from the Chief Architect.  To use that metaphor, the things we can't get wrong - the essentials - would be the foundation and the load-bearing walls. Foundation Jesus is building His church (see Matthew 16:13-18).  The foundation of the church is the reality of Jesus Christ - His identity, purpose, completed work on the cross, and current activity in the world. Load-bearing walls The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) - equipping disciples to live as those who walk in step with Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating His character in both attitude and action. The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:35-40) - loving God by choosing to give Him His rightful place at the center of your existence, so that He receives your complete allegiance and ultimate affection.  We are also to love our neighbors by seeking to be a neighbor to those who need it most. A New Commandment (John 13:34-35) - loving one another with Jesus-like love demonstrated in the way we live out our lives in community.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Your Church Matters podcast. In this episode (97) I'm continuing a multi-episode series answering questions from a survey I did a few months back with my subscriber list.   Question: "There are so many people out to scam others so how do you know when to help people. I have heard different takes on this but no one wants to be taken so how do you handle this?"     First, the bad news There are indeed people who are out to scam. They will target Christians because they know: We care deeply. We look for the best in people and causes. We tend not to really do our homework We are generally unfocused. We are easily manipulated by sad stories. We are supposed to be gracious and forgiving. At some point, someone will take advantage of us.   The good news Those with legitimate needs and good causes far outnumber the scammers. It is much easier to find information than ever before. The fact that you are able to ask the question is an indication that God has blessed you with resources to help. God does not expect you to say "yes" to every request, but to display His character in every response. Be strategic Clearly identify your missional priorities and strategies. Strengthen partnerships to multiply effective ministry. Prayerfully choose a primary focus ministry and review annually. Establish a budget (time, talent, money). Say "no" with grace because you are clear on your larger "yes." Leave room for "God moments."  

Non-judgmental Analysis Church vs. the Recliner – Is the "recliner" your main competition?   How do we get people to feel comfortable coming – Is your church really uncomfortable?  Our time of Praise, Worship, and Bible Teaching – This may provide us with a good transition point.  "Our time" suggests to me that we are trying to get them to join us in what we are doing.   Possible Diagnostic Questions What are people in our area doing on Sunday morning instead of going to church somewhere?  Is our church really uncomfortable?  Is our church comfortable to insiders but we are not communicating it well to guests or potential guests?   If our church closed, how long would it take for the non-church-attenders in our community to notice?   Does our church communicate that we are interested in the lives of the people who live around us?  One of the greatest hindrances to people coming to church is our failure to BE the church.

This episode was based on a friend's Facebook post asking for 10 reasons to to leave Facebook.  I responded with some reasons and then chose to do a podcast episode with 10 Tips for how individuals and churches can engage on Facebook for good.   1. See it as a tool. 2. See it as 1 tool in your toolbox. 3. Use it strategically to serve a larger mission. 4. Never forget that you are the guest in a public space. 5. Never forget that you represent your God, your church, your community. 6. Social media is about influence. We do not expand influence through burning bridges. 7. "Yes, and" is conversation.  "Yes, but" is argument. Nothing moves forward without common ground. 8. Please don't equate yourself with Jesus or the prophets as an excuse for being offensive. 9. Don't get sucked into other people's drama. 10. Take regular breaks, unplug, get outside and breathe, be completely present with real people. (Turn off push notifications).

Three signs you may see on a road under construction:   1. CAUTION. Slow down; the high road can't be rushed.  There are hazards to you and others.  Distracted driving can put you in the ditch. 2. UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Something in you may need to be deconstructed, renovated, or created.  3. LOCAL TRAFFIC ONLY. Take up residence on the high road; don't try to pass through quickly.   Two benefits of the High Road: 1. The view is magnificent. 2. Junk always runs downhill.

We are most amazing when we are amazed by God and join Him in His amazing activity in the world.   Two roadblocks that will keep you from amazing: 1. You don't believe amazing is really possible. 2. You are not willing to explore.

8 ways pastors and leaders can disciple people on their Facebook usage

Thoughts for preparing to make the most out of limited vacation time and resources

This episode includes an audio recording of Chapter 5 and the Epilogue of my new book: Why "Bible Study" Doesn't Work: the epic failure of evangelicalism's favorite discipleship method--and how YOUR CHURCH can do something about it. More info at drgerrylewis.com/biblestudy There is also a special invitation to a spectacular Explore Alaska Cruise with a Mission on May 5-13, 2017.  More info at drgerrylewis.com/alaska2017