Is Your Congregation Like Las Vegas
The theme of Las Vegas is troubling, disturbing and known. No matter what you think of Las Vegas, gambling or the shows, you know the slogan of Las Vegas – “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
The “new” slogan of Las Vegas shows the mindset for vacationers, tourists and inquisitive people alike. Anyone can travel to Las Vegas, do what they wish and no one will ever know. Vegas is becoming the city of a thousands secrets, many of which might not be secrets forever.
I often wonder if the assemblies of our congregation can become like Las Vegas. I am not talking about the gambling, the showgirls, the shows or even the giant buffets. I am talking about the meaning behind the slogan, “What happens in church, stays in church!”
Several years ago, a lady came up to me after service and shared her current thoughts. She told me that too many people in the church come to services each week, hear the lessons but store the thoughts in the back of their minds never to be seen again. She had a phrase for what happens to many members, she called it the “Constipation of the Church.”
Granted, it seems like strong language, but she has a pretty good point. We are able to engulf at least 52 sermons a year, Bible classes, devotionals, prayers, announcements, singing and many other things, but do we share those times with the people around us?
Are we sharing what we learn during our assembly times with those in our lives? Neighbors? Co-workers? Family members? Friends? The cashier at Wal-mart?
As Christians, called out of the darkness of the world and into the marvelous light (1 Peter 2.9), we must share the message of Jesus with the world around us. It does not do any good for us to take the lessons we learn, tuck them in the back of our minds and let the cobwebs of our brains to hold them in so no one hears them. We need to share! We must share! For some people, we are their only hope of hearing!
Here are four steps to make sharing the lessons easier:
1. Take notes on the lesson – Grab a pen and paper and carry it with your Bible and take notes on the message. Taking notes assists your memory in having a recall of the lesson. You can also reread those notes for a refresher at a later time.
2. Make a neater copy of your notes and give to someone else – Take a few moments to rewrite your notes and give them to someone else. You can do this in several ways: (a) mail them to a friend, (b) hand them to a neighbor,(c) leave them on the restaurant table at the place where you had Sunday lunch, (d) type them up and email them, (e) place them on Facebook, (f) Twitter the sermon notes (yes, even during service).
3. Use what you learn immediately! One of the most important steps you should take to have a recall of the lessons notes is to use what you learn immediately. If you have discussed prayer, lead your family in prayer before leaving the church parking lot. Use the material immediately.
4. Write the points on your refrigerator or front door! Place your notes on the places you go most – the fridge and the front door!
What other steps can you think of to share the message?
Just some thoughts…
Chris
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Great thoughts, and so true.