Entertaining God

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Permalink Reply by Maureen on February 25, 2009 at 7:42pm

As a relatively young Christian I am not sure that these approaches would have drawn me into Church in the first place. It may have had me overwhelmed and running out the door double-timed! I am aware that we have to reach delicately out to new believers and those who have yet to choose the Path. My heart says that as many of them as there are, there are approaches but how to keep them trying different approaches and not being alienated before they reach conclusion is unclear. I believe that if they are fed and nurtured they will stay the path even if initially scared or confused! I know that the north american church tends to fall down in this regard. They win souls but loose people. We must always be aware of the need for guidance to those that we approach for the long term. We do no-one any favours if we win them for Christ but then ignore them before they reach independent maturity. Everything is relational, so if newcomers come to the Church they are more apt to stay the course if they develop a relationship with at least one person in the Church. Worship can be used to instruct, to meld, to show the way to enter into the spirit, to effect relationship, and so much more but there still has to be a personal connection between people. Does this make scense to you or am I way off base here?

Permalink Reply by Ray Watson - The Secret Place on February 25, 2009 at 9:36pm

Hi Maureen, sure it makes sense ... God is a relational God, and people come to church to make friends, no doubt about it. I was at a pastors conference once, and the main speaker said, "many a good church has been built on a cup of tea at the end of the service." ( probably coffee in your country! )

Your point raises the question regarding "seeker friendly" services versus the deep soaking approach. Well, different services for different purposes? Also, I know some non-believers - well experienced in the false supernatural encounters they have had in the world - who are actually looking for something "deep" and way out there. They go to a "seeker friendly" service, and go away disappointed because there was more "supernatural" in the world. In they go to a "way out" christian meeting and it attracts them. But I realise this is not everybodies "cup of tea" as we say here downunder. So... it depends on what you are trying to do in the service, and what approach you feel suits.

My thoughts....
blessings

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