We don’t have a youth group. We only have a few kids. We’re old; why would young people want to come? We don’t even know any young people. Our facilities look old and sad.
As much as we want more people to come to The Journey Church, these are objections I hear consistently – even in my own mind. So I’ve been thinking a lot about what will spur growth.
I’m praying for four things:
First, pray. Starting this Sunday, September 2, a group of people will be praying from 9:30-10:15 in the back of the Social Hall every Sunday morning. This time will be focused on setting the tone for the service to be one of humbly coming before the Lord to worship him, to raise his name high, and to prepare the hearts of those coming that morning. I expect that God will do something in your heart as you pray; he will soften you, mold you, shape you. He will make you uncomfortable. And he will reveal specific things he wants you to do: Share a meal with someone. Step up to serve – or to lead. Give, or maybe give more. Change your calendar. Listen to what God says.
Second, obey. When you sense God talking to you, do what he says. If you’re not sure, talk with a wise friend. Or me. But don’t ignore it. As you obey, he will bless you, draw you closer to him, and transform you – and us. (If you don’t obey…. Well, that’s another story.)
Will you do these two things? And let me know how it goes.
I’m loving walking the journey with you. Thank you for walking with me.
Pastor Randy
As much as we want more people to come to The Journey Church, these are objections I hear consistently – even in my own mind. So I’ve been thinking a lot about what will spur growth.
I’m praying for four things:
- Faithful people willing to be uncomfortable and to inconvenience themselves for the sake of those who might come to us; some of these will be leaders and some will be faithful followers.
- Prayerful people willing to hit their knees together (and on their own!) to cry out for God to transform our church family for the sake of this community and the world. (James 5:16)
- Hard working people willing to get hands and hearts and feet dirty to meet, love, serve, and prepare for people to come.
- Generous people willing to sacrifice comfort, entertainment, even vacations in order to create a clean, safe, beautiful environment for guests of all ages to enter. (1 Chronicles 29:14)
First, pray. Starting this Sunday, September 2, a group of people will be praying from 9:30-10:15 in the back of the Social Hall every Sunday morning. This time will be focused on setting the tone for the service to be one of humbly coming before the Lord to worship him, to raise his name high, and to prepare the hearts of those coming that morning. I expect that God will do something in your heart as you pray; he will soften you, mold you, shape you. He will make you uncomfortable. And he will reveal specific things he wants you to do: Share a meal with someone. Step up to serve – or to lead. Give, or maybe give more. Change your calendar. Listen to what God says.
Second, obey. When you sense God talking to you, do what he says. If you’re not sure, talk with a wise friend. Or me. But don’t ignore it. As you obey, he will bless you, draw you closer to him, and transform you – and us. (If you don’t obey…. Well, that’s another story.)
Will you do these two things? And let me know how it goes.
I’m loving walking the journey with you. Thank you for walking with me.
Pastor Randy
