I received a nasty (not really nasty) anonymous email today saying that I have not blogged in 3 weeks. Sorry. I have been consumed by other things. Several home improvement projects (which I enjoy, but am not that good at) and lots of excitement around New Community. Thanks for most of you who have been so patient with me.
This past Sunday evening we had a Vision Night for New Community Christian Church's leadership. We invited anyone who was currently serving or "should be" serving. Great turnout and a very important time for us. Many commented that they thought some of the discussion bordered on being too negative, but I felt that some things were shared that needed to be brought out into the open. I am not usually the person who is comfortable with conflict, but I am learning the importance of allowing conflict if we are going to keep moving forward. I have to remember that not everyone thinks like I do (thank heavens) and different thinking is what makes a church grow, expand and reach out. I welcome differing opinions on most issues, but I am confident of a few areas where opinion is not an acceptable criteria.
For our church we have determined that our efforts will be focused first on reaching out to people who have no church background or have been away from the church scene long enough that they really don't get what "church" is all about. This means that our worship time will have a certain feel that differs from traditional church. Churched people may struggle to find a comfortable spot in some of our worship experiences. I know because I am one of those churched people. But I have seen the impact that this church has had on our community. Every week people attend and they say things to me like, "I never knew church could be like this." "The people here are so friendly." "I will be back next week." "Thanks for making church easy to understand."
Many times we will feel like church at New Community is "not about me." When that happens I feel we are probably doing our job right. It should never feel like it is about "me." We should be able to say that everything we do is about them - people who are lost and hurting and suffering through the drudgery of everyday life without God. My personal feeling and desires cannot be the driving force behind New Community.
At NC3 we are reaching people and I don't ever want to hinder that outreach. I hope you can understand that this might not be the way you would do church, but this works and lives are being changed by the power of God. Thanks for letting me rant a bit.
I look forward to the next gathering of leadership folk from New Community in November.
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12 comments:
Kevin,
I think that what the church has done for the community is outstanding. There should be a church that reaches out to those who have lost God or never made Him a part of their lives.
However, the impression this message leaves on myself, a member since almost day one, is that the church is here to take people in, "church" them, then once they are "churched" leave them to do it on their own.
Why should someone who has a traditional church background not find a comfortable spot in sermons. We refer to the members of the church as our "church family". In our families we are raised by our parents, in this case pastors, and taught how to live our lives the best way we can. We are not raised only until we are 18 and no longer have to depend on our parents and left to face the world alone. Our families are there to help us through the drudgery of everyday life for our entire life. At least that is how God believes a family should be towards one another. So this leaves me asking one question, what happens with our church families when we turn 18?
I mean this with absolutly no disrespect to the church and it's members. I just feel when this issue has become big enough for you to need to rant, the church family should come together as a family and help each other to understand.
.Tradition: Beliefs or customs taught by one generation to the next, often orally.........
New Community church has equipped so many and given them the burning desire for more !! But what is more ? Have are expectations grown so much that we find discontentment with the practical teaching that has finally made us accountable to Gods word , getting us involved in acts of service and living our lives dedicated towards serving our Father in Heaven ?
Why not Traditional Church's ?
This is a great question , but seriously when we look back at most of our previous Church experiences what did we learn ?
Was it practical and able to put in use in daily life ? For me the 15 min. sermon was predictable at best and most occasions put me to sleep.And worship was absolutely dreadful!
Was it able to assist us in taking the next step ?? Did they get us involved and make us feel part of the Church family?
Personaly i truly think everyone is able to find a comfort spot in our Pastors sermons.
Unless of course we expect him to be Bill Hybells or Rev. Meeks or Billy Graham etc.....
I don't believe i know another Pastor who cares so much for his flock , the love shown is true and pure
Yes , I agree we need to take better care of our flock and help them continue spiritual growth . But not because we’ve forgotten them , because with our growth comes more responsibility for more people. We have faith our needs will be met and God will continue to use us to help others.
May God Bless
"Why should someone who has a traditional church background not find a comfortable spot in sermons."
Why should anyone find a comfortable spot in a sermon? I think sermons should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
And what does traditional have to do with sermons anyway? Is it really the sermon you're finding fault with or is it the entire service? If it is the sermon we're dissatisfied with, I'd like to meet the "churched" person in our congregation that has any desire or need to go deeper philosophically, theologically or spiritually that I do. I think Kevin's sermon content is very solid and very deep. I'm challenged every week by his sermon content and I'm a "professional." (The last part is said with my tongue firmly in my cheek!)
We are blessed indeed to be a part of NC3. We are incredibly honored for God to have any use for us at all in His plan to redeem this community and this world.
My sole comment is this - when we are faced with any adversity in life - we have a choice: to be part of the problem or part of the solution! I refuse to be part of the problem at NC3. I would challenge each person reading this blog to do the same!!
Amen...Lisa
I would like to wave my hands and be part of the solution. I only desire to know how to be a part of it, and just what exactly it is. I love NC3, and we are making a huge difference in our community.
Knowledge is power and small group doesnt provide enough.Good fellowship and accountability is what small group provides.
Searching
I also don't feel that a small group provides knowledge. But, the question has to then be, should it? Small groups meet in an intimate setting, getting to know people, learning to pray with people, getting involved with others personally and building solid relationships. There is growth there, there is power there, being loved and in return loving others, it is building up the heart, building up the soul.
If knowledge is needed, it will have to come through hard work. Bible, commentaries, dictionary, concordance, and whatever else is required to reach the level of maturity required. Each individual will be different, but, if someone is needing more, then they do need to be taught how to obtain it.
I have to agree with Steve. Knowledge doesn't come easy. Check out Proverbs Chapter 2 (Yes, the whole thing...you want knowledge right?) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=24&chapter=2&version=31
I believe there will be some environments down the road where people will be ale to come and study and learn together, but if you want knowledge, you've got to be willing to roll up your sleeves, pull out the Bible, spend time in the Word and on your knees, etc. You've got to do the hard work...not just expect to sit and be spoonfed.
sorry, that link didn't come thru...go to biblegateway.com for an awesome online bible.
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