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The Main Thing, Part 2 by Doug Talley How does a person become a Christian in your church? When I ask pastors and lay leaders that question, they give me a strange look. Most have never thought about it. Few seem to really know the primary way(s) that happens in their church. Which usually indicates to me it probably isn’t happening… or it rarely happens. If a church is transforming lives through Christ, then people are being intentionally won to a personal relationship with Jesus. There won’t just be a single way people come to Christ, but there will be one or two primary ways it happens. If the pastor and leaders cannot identify how that is happening, it probably isn’t and it needs some attention if accomplishing the mission is the main thing. In a lot of churches winning people to Christ is a verbal value (claim it is important) not a behavioral value (actually do it). It can’t be a true value and the main thing if it isn’t happening. How do people in your church come to Christ? Answers I’m often given include people sharing their faith and winning someone to Christ or a person making a commitment at a worship service. My follow up question is, “How many people did persons in your church win to Christ in the last 12 months? How many people made commitments to Christ in your worship services the last 12 months?” Rarely does anyone know. They often guess maybe a couple. Why don’t we know how people are coming to Christ in our churches? Why don’t we know how many come to Christ in a year? Why? Don’t get offended by this, but I think the reason is because it really isn’t important to us (behavioral value) and we don’t have an intentional system for seeing that it happens. It is haphazard. When something is haphazard, it isn’t really important. It isn’t the main thing. We aren’t haphazard about the things that are really matter to us. Besides, how do we do discipleship (make better disciples) if we don’t know who has made new commitments to Christ? Years ago a primary strategy many churches used to win people to Christ was the altar. At the end of a worship service, people would come to the altar and commit their lives to Christ. That wasn’t the only reason people went to the altar, but a primary reason. Even if a person committed his or her life to Christ during the week, the trip to the altar was often confirmation of that commitment. (Sometimes we got a little carried away with this method as if it was the only way a person could get saved.) Many churched people still think this is the primary way it is happening or should happen, but from what I see and hear it isn’t happening much. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is happening some other way. Years ago some churches used Evangelism Explosion. They followed the program, and people were trained how to share their faith, and people were won to Christ. I am not suggesting we need to use a particular program. Rather, I am emphasizing that we need to be intentional about it. Some churches do a gospel presentation in a special class they offer to people who are new to the church. They want to make sure that as people become part of the church, they are certain about their relationship with Jesus Christ and understand what it means to be a Christ follower. They are trying to be intentional. One church that is accomplishing the mission of making more and better disciples has a “Yes Table” – that’s what they call it – out in the courtyard (OK… the church is in Hawaii). Each Sunday people are invited to make a commitment to Christ and are encouraged to stop by the “Yes Table” and talk to someone or ask questions. Each Sunday people come to Christ through the ministry of that church. They are effectively using the “Yes Table” to move people along in the discipleship process. Back to my original question: How do people in your church come to faith in Christ? Think before you answer. And be really, really honest. If you aren’t clear on the answer to that question, neither will the people in your church be. And if you aren’t clear about it and aren’t intentional in making sure it is happening, it probably isn’t. At least not very often. If you aren’t sure of the answer to that question, take some time and talk to the Father about it. Ask Him for direction. He loves it when we ask those kinds of things. I guarantee He will answer! I’d love it if some of you would email me to tell me about ways people in your church come to Christ. One pastor recently told me of a major men’s event they had in which several men made first time decisions for Christ. Awesome! Blessings, ever with you |
To The Least of TheseThe web site of our Church of God Career Missionaries to Haiti The Ackermans - Our missionionaries to Haiti SMALL GROUP NEWSBy Jerry Phillips The Small Group that meets at Norm and Donna Smith's home will continue to meet through the summer months and for the balance of the year. We begin a new study of the Gospels in a few weeks, using the Bible and "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado as resources for discussion. You will find a welcome ... always room for more friends! Lucado's book can be ordered from www.amazon.com in large or common print size, new or used, at reasonable prices. Jerry Phillips is the leader for this group. Call 249-3862 for directions or more information what takes place at the Smith home each Wednesday, 7:00 - 8:30pm. MISSING IN CHURCH!I was thinking as I sat in church, looking over several empty pews, “Where are you today?” It occurred to me that many times we come to church when we need the church. When we are going through a difficult time or a crisis, we may find it easy to attend. However, when we don’t need the church we find it easier to stay away. But, did/do we ever consider that at that time we don’t necessarily need the church, the church may need us? There may be other hurting people, or those going through crises that need us to be there for them? We may just be too tired or have too much going on in our lives and find it easy to stay home – but please consider these thoughts today…God may need you to be in church to meet a need that is sent your way. It may be something as simple as smiling at the person in the next pew, encouraging the person next to you or giving a hug to someone as you pass through the aisle. I know that I miss you when you are gone and I also hope my presence is missed when I am away. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 See You in Church! Janet Rice ANNUAL BUDGET TIME NEARS!It is hard to believe but we are nearing the end of the 2009-2010 Budget year! Where has the time gone? Be watching the bulletins and the bulletin board for news on upcoming meetings regarding the upcoming budget process. June marks the end of our third quarter of the 2010 budget. Be thinking of what you see as a need in the church as we plan ahead for 2011. Committees will be receiving their “preliminary numbers” in July and August. SERVANTKEEPER UPDATEIn the last budget year the church purchased the ServantKeeper Software product with the intent of streamlining the way we reach our church family. If you have already turned in your questionnaire, Thank You. If you have not, please pick up a copy at the Welcome Desk, fill it out and return it to the Welcome Desk or the office. For those of you who are out of town, we ask that you give us some basic information for use in our newsletter mailing, whether it be by e-mail or by the US Postal Service. Just answer these few questions and send to us either by e-mail or by the postal service. Name ___________________________________ Address _________________________________ City/State/Zip _____________________________ Phone (If you wish) _________________________ How do you wish to receive your Monte Messenger? E-mail: (include your address) US Postal Service? _________________________ While we understand that we have asked this same information before, we are wishing to make sure you are receiving your Monte Messenger in the way you prefer. We look forward to hearing from you all very soon! PRAYER CHAINIt's time to update the "chain" again! If you have changed your email address, phone number, etc this is a good time to let me know. There is a form available at the Welcome desk. To be on the prayer chain, all you do is bring concerns of the congregation to the LORD through prayer. If a person desires to be a caller, they only get 4-6 people to call. Others like to be contacted via email, which I and Laura do. If some one tells you of a prayer concern, make sure we have permission to put it on the "chain" . Thanks for all those that have been involved! Sandy Casberg GRIEF SHARE SERIES CONTINUESLed by Bob Worman, the Grief Share Program is held each Thursday evening at 7:00 in the Fireside Room. This 13 week series includes a video series designed to help you successfully travel the journey from mourning to joy. Each session stands alone so you may join in at any time. For more information, pamphlets are available at the Welcome Desk area or contact the church office at 249-3242. THANK YOU!!Montesano Church of God, Thank you for the graduation gift. It will be much appreciated as I move to Seattle this fall to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. Again, thank you. Sincerely, Chad Porter To our church family, We are just so overwhelmed by the love you all have shown us. We can’t thank you enough for your prayers and support and we look forward to telling you about our experience at IYC! God Bless, Courtney Rice and Amy Barker CONVOY OF HOPECOMING TO GRAYS HARBORBusinesses, churches, and community organizations on Grays Harbor are partnering to help the less fortunate during the county’s first ever Convoy of Hope outreach this September. Convoy of Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides resources to organizations and churches to meet physical and spiritual needs for the purpose of making the community a better place. The goal of the Convoy of Hope event is to reach out to Grays Harbor children and families by meeting some of their most basic needs. Thousands of pounds of free groceries will be distributed along with hot dogs, clowns, medical exams, family portraits, haircuts, job interviewing training, games and activities for children, and live entertainment. There will also be a job fair. There are donations of more services coming in on a regular basis and all the services are free. There will be a prayer tent available for anyone with spiritual needs. This will truly be a Christian fair. This event will be held on Saturday, September 18, beginning at 10 a.m. The place is the Olympic Stadium in Hoquiam (which has been donated free of charge for the day) This huge event will require hundreds of volunteers. They are in need of help in the medical tent, hair stylists, photographers and service in many other places. They will need help in watching the children while their parents are elsewhere and there is lots of room to help put groceries in sacks. They are also in need of some prayer warriors. The Mission/Outreach Committee wants you to be aware of this opportunity for ministry in our area so you may consider becoming a part of this event by volunteering your skill or helping wherever you can. This is a fabulous way for students who are in need of community service hours for high school to serve. If you feel led to help with this enormous outreach event, you may volunteer by calling (360) 591-6168 or log onto www.graysharborconvoy.org For more information about Convoy of Hope log on to www.convoyofhope.org BLOOD DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Blood Drive on July 20. Please see Pat Schmidt or call the church office if you can help with this outreach. MONTESANO FOOD BANK NEEDS YOU!A collection box is located in the Narthex for you to place your non-perishable and paper/soap products in. Doris Parnel will take all donations to the Montesano Food Bank for you. Thank you for your donation! NEW ELDER ELECTEDPatsy Aubuchon has been elected to serve on the Board of Elders following a special called business meeting on June 6. She will serve out a term through the year 2012. Welcome to the Board of Elders, Patsy. LOOKING TO SEPTEMBER…Be watching the bulletin board, bulletins and the September Monte Messenger for exciting happenings in September. You will be treated to the beginning of Sunday School Classes for all ages with exciting activities for the new school year. There will be a special recognition for our Seniors, as well as a presentation on Children of Promise and a visit from the Gideons. Keep your eyes on future publications and the website… www.mchog.org to learn more about what is planned for the upcoming months at the Montesano Church of God. Xtra Years of Zest NewsXYZ POTLUCK LUNCHThose with some eXtra Years of Zest will be gathering for lunch on Thursday, July 15. This month they will meet at 12 noon, due to the Community Bible Camp on that day. Bring along a dish to share and enjoy a time of great food and fellowship. The August XYZ Potluck Lunch will begin at the regular 11:30 time in the Fellowship Hall. A REMINDERFOR THE AUGUST 2010 MONTE MESSENGER. Articles for the August 2010 Monte Messenger are due by Sunday, July 25th. Turn your articles in to the church office or send them to Darla via e-mail at
goodnews@mchog.org to have them included in the upcoming August 2010 edition of the Monte Messenger. The 25th day of the month is now set as the day to have articles in to the church office for submission into the following month’s Monte Messenger. This is done in an effort to make sure the newsletter is out in time for planning your activities for the upcoming month. |