A new 3×10 color sign will sit outside the church building on McArthur Blvd. Suppose it was your job to develop messages for the sign. What would you say? How do we best represent Christ and our congregation?
First, do you suppose we could assess our target audience? We are speaking a word primarily to people who are not actively involved in church, and only secondarily to fellow Christians. I am told that 16,000 people pass by our facilities on an average day. We want “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (denominational mission statement). Also, we agree that the Oklahoma Conference UMC is right on target with its strategic mission statement, “We want to reach more new people, different people, and young people for Jesus Christ”. Opportunities are there. But where do we start? People outside the church have spiritual needs, relational aches, practical dilemmas, and a desire for eternal significance. What do we have to offer them?
Second, we could conduct an inventory of our assets. The average age of an American church attendee is rising. But age can bring financial stability and wisdom. Regardless of age, it is possible to bear “spiritual children and grandchildren” (Abraham and Sarah come to mind, see Genesis 12-18). This entails intergenerational ministry. As we relate to non Christians and the young, older Christians may feel they are learning a new language and entering a different culture. We are! The adjustments are unsettling. But, I think we are all basically young at heart, and if given the chance, we like adventures to better places. “Adventurous heart”, put that in the asset column.
Some of us are thinking about UPWARD SPORTS. It integrates the Bible and sports. I could see our sign bearing a message like this [ BELOW: Slide #1 Message / Slide #2 Message / Slide #3 Invitation]
What happened to play?
Win at sports God’s Way!
Upward Sports for kids. 491-1304 for information
Let us not forget our biological heirs. I have noticed how a lot of us have children and grandchildren in the area. Some are not active in a church. When they think of the congregation, many have positive memories. How do we tape that reservoir and add to it? We stir up the positive memories, but we also package the gospel in a fresh way, with renewed integrity, so that it is relevant and attractive to them. In the final analysis, we pray like Daniel and his friends in Daniel 2:1-22. Spiritual birth and growth are miracles of God’s doing. Daniel knew it. So might we.
Glad to Be Your Pastor,
Dr. Bob