One of the early reality TV shows was called "Average Joe." The winner, who was duped all along into thinking it was a competition when in reality he had been set up with a crew of actors, turned out to be a great guy with high moral standards. One time during the show the details of what was happening just didn't add up for him. He shouted out, "What's Going on Here?" I suspect that he was trying to figure out, given his assumptions, why his assumptions weren't adding up to what this crafted reality was giving him.
We have a reality at Good Shepherd that is causing me to ask the same questions. I'm not asking, however, because I am thoroughly confuse. I'm asking, because I think it's important to test my own assumptions against yours. So I want your help here. Let me start by giving you the metrics for Good Shepherd, year to date:
1) In spite of a sluggish economy, offerings are up 11.75% in the first 8 weeks. (Over the same period last year.)
2) Worship attendance is up 7.8% over the same time last year.
3) We've had 57 First-time visiting families so far this year, compared to 49 last year.
4) The Chili Cook-off netted $1,000 more for Vacation Bible School than 2008.
With all this in mind, please tell me this: What is it about Good Shepherd that attracted you? What keeps you coming back? What would you like to see in the future? What changes would you make? What changes would be a "deal breaker" for you?
I'm not hunting for platitudes so please don't offer any. I'm looking for a thoughtful response that results from soul-searching on your part.
David
3 comments:
Well, the music of course was the first thing that attracted me, but more than that - GS always made me feel welcome. I never felt guilty for not going so many years in my life and the sermons felt like they were speaking TO ME, about things in my life that mattered in a God-driven sermon. That song, "Feels Like Home" always reminds me of GS. Like it's always been there just waiting with open arms.
What would make me leave? Hmmm....I'm not sure....I'll have to post that once I give it some more thought.
Okay...I've been thinking about this since you posted it. I honestly had to look up with "platitude" meant...I'm from Oklahoma...give me a break. ANYway...I came because it was close to the house...
I STAYED because I couldn't round the corner without someone inviting me to something...Parent's group, Women's Friday morning bible study, God's little singers. I STILL remember those most welcoming people and hold them close in my heart. I also stayed (and I hope this is not a "platitude"...but it truely is a reason I love this church) because of the coffee...and the fact that you can bring it INTO worship without someone thinking you're "defiling" the church. I guess it's the relaxed attitude that I like (FYI I wear JEANS to church now! LOL) I love the music...I love the message and the mission of the church...I love the many serving opportunities...the childcare is WONDERFUL, I never worry about my kids. This is honestly the most "active" church I have ever been a part of...you can almost REACH out and feel God moving...
Deal breaker? Take away my coffee...LOL...nah...seriously, stop the outreach. The service opportunities MAKE the church, they bring the congregation together by letting us serve others side by side.
Okay..sorry for the "novel"...hope I helped...I could go on and on...
Old post, new comment.
First - in times of adversity, folks will turn back to the church, and increase their giving in hopes that it will come back manifold to them. Says so somewhere in the bible.
Next - I'm not (yet) attending your church, but as to why I would? You're a good writer and using a blog as a personal communication tool. It's not 'local' to me - I live down in the JoCo suburbs, so it wouldn't be a regular thing.
Thanks,
Will
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