a Biblical thought...
The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (2 Chronicles 20:4)
a Book thought...
To shift our reputation, Christ followers must learn to respond to people in the way Jesus did. (p206)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday I was in a meeting where we were looking at ways to engage our young adults with The Salvation Army. As I travel around my observation is that 90% of the young adults that are still regular attenders at a corps are either in some sort of leadership role or secondly they are engaged in serving others through a meal program or a homework club etc. The Sunday meeting is no reason for them to stay at the corps but it seems that still most of us believe by working on improving this gathering or having guitars instead of brass, that this alone is going to lure our young adults into the church once again. The way forward for us with young adults is to look at ways of involving them in serving others, not entertaining ourselves. The result is simple you engage them or you lose them.
Just a thought.
The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. (2 Chronicles 20:4)
a Book thought...
To shift our reputation, Christ followers must learn to respond to people in the way Jesus did. (p206)
a Dave thought...Yesterday I was in a meeting where we were looking at ways to engage our young adults with The Salvation Army. As I travel around my observation is that 90% of the young adults that are still regular attenders at a corps are either in some sort of leadership role or secondly they are engaged in serving others through a meal program or a homework club etc. The Sunday meeting is no reason for them to stay at the corps but it seems that still most of us believe by working on improving this gathering or having guitars instead of brass, that this alone is going to lure our young adults into the church once again. The way forward for us with young adults is to look at ways of involving them in serving others, not entertaining ourselves. The result is simple you engage them or you lose them.
Just a thought.
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5 comments:
Anyone can serve a meal etc but it takes real commitment to be a true follower of Christ and we need to be teaching them the truths of the Bible. You cannot just work your way into heaven. I work with people who are leaders in the community and serve meals etc but ask them about commitment to christ and they don't want any part of it sadly. There are others who are committed in both areas and they are the ones who are truly beautiful people, who greet people with a smile etc. The difference is noticable.
Couldn't disagree with you more, Dave! Engaging people (of whatever age) in church life and worship is as vital as engaging them in practical service & ministry.
Let's not fall back into the 60s and 70s Army mindset of "By the pathway of duty flows the river of God's grace."
Focus on faith, not merely works!
Good word, Dave. Playing soldiers holds no-one. I find it encouraging to hear of kids wnating to live out their faith (as an overflow from their worship) and looking to the needs of others. Three cheers for this fantastic response to the needs of suffering humanity. Bit like applied science really...
Anon1: "A true follower of Jesus"?? Didn't Jesus himself say that those who give a cup of water in his name were the good sheep? Perhaps anon1's idea of commitment to Christ is one-sided.
I agree with Dave that in helping people to serve we discover something of the true meaning of faith in the 'servant' Jesus.
From a Salvo Young Adult
I have just read Anon 1's comment and I can't see where it says anything about not giving the cup of cold water but rather that the true Christian has to have a balance between activity and learning the truths of God's Word. The two go side by side in the true follower of Christ. This doesn't diminish the 'servant' side but rather it enhances it.
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