A "Friendly" Church or a Church of Friends? Leading church consultants advocate that for churches to grow, being “friendly” is mandatory. Even beyond modern facilities, engaging programs, and deep community thumbprints, if a church is cold and unwelcoming, it will struggle to even maintain its membership, and growth is out of the picture. This profound discovery certainly doesn’t qualify as rocket science. Churches are in the “People Business,” and if churches aren’t good with people, their “business” will crater. But churches can distort the portrait of a “friendly” church. To be a “friendly” church, it requires more than being outgoing or bubbly. In fact, being friendly really isn’t that rare. You know who else is friendly? - A Chick-Fil-A Worker - A Salesman (When he thinks you’re going to buy…. anything) - A Wal-Mart Greeter (Most of the time) - A School Crossing Guard - My Neighbor’s Dog Oh, they’re all very friendly—warm, gregarious, thoughtful—the whole nine yards, but unsurprisingly, I don’t have any plans to make Chick-Fil-A, a retail store, Wal-Mart, school zones, or my neighbor’s backyard, my spiritual community. I doubt that you do either. There must be more to a friendly church than smiley extroverts. I recently heard a very wise minister and a great friend offer this insightful wisdom— “PEOPLE AREN'T LOOKING FOR A FRIENDLY CHURCH. PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR A FRIEND." “Friendly” requires a smile or a handshake. “Friend” demands commitment and loyalty. “Friendly” can be taught. “Friend” can only be learned. And a friend is what people want. Even more so, a friend is what people need. We’ve likely attended or visited churches that diagnosed themselves as “friendly” when no one spoke to us. They may not have even noticed us. Before we lay down the judgment gauntlet, it’s healthy to confess that if we’ve been in a church or Bible class for decades, it’s easy to focus on our habitual spheres of influence. We can all improve in this area. But even if we speak to every person and shake every hand, that’s not enough. People don’t want a “friendly” church, they want a friend. They want someone who is willing to say with their words, and prove with their actions, “I care.” “I’m here.” “I’m not going anywhere.” “And whatever challenges come, whatever baggage you bring, we will walk through the mess together, step by step.” Who can you be a friend to this Sunday? And next Sunday? And every Sunday? Churches that focus more on being friends than being friendly will grow faster than they can ever imagine. After all, it was once said of Jesus Christ, the head of the church, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV). Is your church “friendly” or full of friends? Jacob Hawk, Ph.D.
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How Long Is House Church: Discover Expectations, Rituals & More Did you know that the average length of a house church gathering meeting is just under two hours? Surprising, right? House churches, often located in private homes, offer a unique and intimate setting for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. In this post, we will explore the typical duration of house church meetings, discussing factors that can influence the length of these gatherings in small group settings in homes. Whether you're curious about starting your own house church or simply interested in learning more about this growing trend in Christian community, understanding the time commitment involved can help you make informed decisions.Key TakeawaysEmbrace the Diversity: Understand that house churches, led by various leaders, vary in length based on their unique practices, traditions, and beliefs.Set Realistic Expectations: Be prepared for a flexible schedule at house church gatherings, where the length of meetings can differ from traditional church services.Learn from History: Explore the historical context of house churches to appreciate their roots and evolution over time.Global Awareness: Gain a global perspective on house churches to see how they function and thrive in different cultu... #Uncategorized
How Long Is House Church: Discover Expectations, Rituals & More
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Find a Church Home: Steps and Considerations Finding a church home is about more than just a physical location; it's about discovering a community where you belong, grow spiritually, and find support in fellowship, ministry, and with the pastor. Whether you're new to the area or seeking a place to nurture your faith, the journey to find the right church can be both exciting and fulfilling. Understanding the historical significance of churches, denominations, and culture can provide insight into their values and traditions, helping you make an informed decision that resonates with your beliefs and preferences. Join us as we explore the process of finding a church home that feels like family, with different denominations, preaching, and a focus on Christ.Key TakeawaysImportance of Church Home: Having a church home provides a sense of community, support, and spiritual growth.Steps to Find: Explore different churches in your area, attend services, and participate in events to find the right fit for you.Considerations in Choosing: Consider factors like the church's beliefs, values, community involvement, and atmosphere before committing.Building Relationships: Invest time in building relationships within the church to foster a sense of belonging and connection.Staying... #Uncategorized
Find a Church Home: Steps and Considerations
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House Church Organizations: Embracing Diversity and the Future
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If you’re like me there are some days that you just don’t want to go to church. I’m the pastor of a church, Christ Church Los Angeles, and some Sunday mornings I don’t want to go. You may have had a long week, or a long night. You may have several things to do after church and it would be much better, and you would do a better job if you just skipped church that day and went right to the other things you need to accomplish. You have an issue with a member of your church, and you don’t want to deal with them today. Maybe there’s a task assigned and it’s not complete and you don’t want to deal with the fallout. You think you just need a break. I can produce a lot more reasons that you don’t want to go to church. Most of us fight through the temptation of skipping church, “just this one time”, but it doesn’t mean that we really want to be there. Click below for 4 reasons we need church when we really don’t want to go. #church
Why We Need Church When We Don't Want To Go
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House Church vs Institutional Church: Exploring Key Differences
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7moGreat insight and definitely worth pondering! Jacob Hawk, Ph.D.