Every pastor, every church planter is passionate about the faith community – after all it is the husbandry, the building of God, the Master builder (1st Corinthians 3: 9) And I am also passionate for the church where I am to be the best Dream Church one can wish for. This question has been on minds of many. Here are few suggestions collected, in no particular order:
Location – no long commuting, which creates a more rushed and forced atmosphere on worship day, and hinders the ability of church members to come for an evening service, and to socialize and connect in a real way during the week. Church should be in our community, no matter how small or large.
Diversity – not only of ethnicity, but in tradition, culture, age and worship styles. A snapshot of those attending the church should mimic the surrounding community.
Warmth – full of Christian geniality toward each other, to God, with visitors, and for the surrounding community with a distinguishing factor of sincerity, truly caring about each person who walks through the church door. A church that genuinely treasures its children, young people, and elderly, that lives by the principle “It Takes A Village.”
Ready –prepared for random visitors, newly invited friends, seekers, and non-members. Being meaningful and understandable, getting information from visitors, being prepared to feed or invite them out, and do a brief but heartfelt follow-up phone call a few days later. Also being prepared for natural disasters and having a plan in place for assisting the community if a tragic event takes place, ready to use the space of a church to house people in a storm or to feed people after a fire, and making the community aware.
Fun –enjoyable, well planned social events, using gentle humour throughout the services, providing enough activities, educational opportunities, and programs to keep all ages learning and growing together. Doing outdoor activities together, a rafting trip or ping pong tournament. Church should be a place we want to spend time.
Humble – continually willing to grow and change and seek God’s master plan. Where leaders are willing to implement new ideas.
So, how do you see Your Dream Church?
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