At the Council on Ministries the other night, Norma Davis observed that we have a high number of children on Keister street and Lee Avenue. By her count, there are 23 children under the age of 13. Only four of them (my children) attend the church. That leaves 19 children within walking distance of the church. Patty Douthat reported that a new family with four children moved in near her. Again, within a close distance of the church.
When I think about this, I to attracthave to wonder, “Why don’t these children and their families attend the church?” More importantly, what can the church do to attract families to our church. I think we need to get serious about how we are going to respond to the changes in the neighborhood surrounding our church. Many churches are not so blessed to have such a positive growing community right at their doorstep. We need to reach out and say hello. We need to invite and if necessary pick up and bring children and their parents to the church.
On the last Sunday in October (28th) we will have a Halloween party at the church. Between now and then would be a good time for everyone to invite a family with children to come and have fun with us on this night.
There’s a dictum that goes with church life. It says 20% of the people do 80% of the work. In most churches I have served, I would have to say that this is correct. Every pastor knows who the 20% are that will jump in and get the job done. It’s the other 80% that puzzle most pastors. We often wonder, “What keeps most people from getting involved more than just during the worship hour on Sunday mornings?” There is no clear cut answer to that question. However, through the years, here are some answers that pastors often hear:
- I’m too busy at work.
- I’m too busy with the kids.
- I’m too busy at home.
- I’m too busy taking care of family.
- I don’t have any gifts or talents.
- I don’t feel called to serve.
- Nobody has asked me to do what I want to do.
- Nobody has asked me to do anything.
- It takes too much time.
- The meeting time is not convenient with my schedule.
- The meetings are boring and a waste of my time.
I could go on, but, perhaps, you begin to get the picture. If I haven’t listed the excuse that you are most likely to use, then please feel free to share it with me. I write about all these things because it is time to begin selecting officers and leaders for the coming year. The Committee on Lay Leadership is the only committee that is chaired by the pastor. I intend to ask the members of the committee to cast their nets wider this year. The 20% have been faithful. It’s time for the 80% to get involved.
So, if you are contacted by a member of the Committee, don’t just offer an excuse that’s been heard before. Seriously think about what you are being asked to do. We will be praying and making some serious decisions. Your name won’t be simply thrown into the pot for consideration unless we truly think that you have the spiritual gifts and graces to succeed in what we ask you to do. We are going to ask you to pray about our request and we are going to let you and God struggle with what is the correct response to offer back to the Committee.
In the next few weeks, the invitations to service will be offered. I hope you will respond in a prayer filled manner to the request that might come your way.
