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How to be an Inviting Church Lesson 1: Michael Lewis April 22, 2007 |
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How to be an
Inviting Church
Lesson One: “Practicing the Priority”
By
Michael Lewis
Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
April 22, 2007
Regularly being part of our church meetings has blessings:
1. You are more likely to grow spiritually.
2. You have a greater sense of identity .
3. You have stronger support system .
4. You have a stronger sense of spiritual stability .
But the effectiveness of a church is ultimately measured by how each member lives during the course of each week.
- Matt 5:13-16
Our number one priority at Dalton Gardens is to be “A Place to Belong to Christ .”
“A Place to Belong to a loving and accepting family…”
“A Place to Belong to an uplifting worship experience…”
“A Place to Belong to a group of searchers who thirst to know more…”
“A Place to Belong to a lifestyle of service and bringing hope to others…”
How can we be an inviting church?
1. Being an inviting church means we are respectful in sharing the good news (Inward graciousness).
Matthew 22:1-3
2. Being an inviting church means we are always considering what will help us to connect with outsiders (Outward sensitivity).
1 Cor. 9:19-23
3. Being an inviting church means we are relentless in offering invitations to others (Opportunity stewardship).
Col 4:5
"Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience." - II Corinthians 5:11
"Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:5-6
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:37-38