Resourcing Leaders,
Congregations, and
Denominations in
Evangelism, Congregational Growth and Vitality, and Church
Planting
I Believe in Miracles
by James W Moss, Sr
Several years ago, the Commission on Renewal of the
Eastern Conference of the Churches of God visited the Harmony Church of God
in Huntingdon County. It was a fright. The whole building was in shambles.
Even the groundhogs had declared it uninhabitable. There were five people
present. We were assessing what should be done. Every logical assumption was
that the church should be closed. I remember so clearly a leading of the
Holy Spirit that said, “Don’t close it!” I shared with the Commission what I
was feeling. They accepted that recommendation, and we walked away. We
didn’t know what to do, but we didn’t close it.
Pastor Ben Grove accepted the challenge. He is a retired
pastor who still wanted to serve the Lord. I had the privilege of speaking
there last Sunday, July 17, 2011. I could tell things were different. . . .
In
Simply Strategic Volunteers: Empowering People for Ministry (Group, 2005),
pastors Tony Morgan and Tim Stevens explain, "Churches that are effective in
bringing people to Christ are doing so through relationship building."
Serving alongside non-Christians to meet a common need, they suggest, offers
a congregation the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with its
neighbors and allows non-believers to participate in Christian community
before making a personal commitment to Christ themselves
Provide a regular fellowship gathering after
morning worship. Encourage persons to remain and mingle, greeting visitors and
existing members alike. Have light refreshments on hand to help entice folks to
stay.
Provide one-on-one support for newcomers. Appoint
a friendship partner for new folks to "help show the way," both before
and after they officially join the membership of the church. Guides newcomers
into the life of your congregation.
Motivate congregational members to grow in discipleship by addressing the
dilemma of world hunger. Encourage persons to join the 2 Cents a Meal Club
through which they commit themselves to set aside 2 cents per family member for
every meal eaten for world hunger. This becomes an easy and inexpensive way
(about $20 per person per year) to build awareness of hunger needs.
