When was the last time you invited someone to church?
Last month we had an external consultation to help us be more effective at multiplying and maturing wholehearted followers of Jesus. Some trusted leaders came to City on a Hill to kick the tyres and ask some tricky questions.
All up the experience was actually very encouraging and affirming for much of what we're doing. We're on the right track with team ministry, the Life Course, great kids ministry and clear pathways for welcoming new people and leader development.
While we await the offical report and recommendations, it was clear to those involved that there were a few initial areas of concern...
One was that Tory Street isn't big enough for Night Church. We really need to find a new venue so it can continue to grow! This is a good problem to have to solve!
Second was we really need to begin the hard work of securing a long term property as a base for City on a Hill into the future. In short, we need to buy something! Again, a good problem but daunting to solve!
The third thing that became clear was how it was that new people were finding out about and coming to City on a Hill. It seems like the vast vast majority of people who have joined us in the last 24 months have found us via Google and the Holy Spirit.
One way to look at that is, 'Great! People can find our church, come along and get plugged in!'
Another way to look at that is, 'Oh, so who are the people coming because they were invited by someone already at City on a Hill? Not many...'
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Rom 10:14-15
If we're to continue to reach new people and multiply and mature wholehearted followers of Jesus then we, as a whole church, need to grow in our confidence to invite our friends and family along. That's why we've be reviving our 5 for 5 cards (see below), putting on more connection events and trying to share more stories of how God has worked to save people through the Life Course.
We're convinced that Jesus is the greatest person of all time and that real, lasting, satisfying life can be found in his name. That his is the only name through which we can be saved!
What a great hope we have to share! So I'll reframe my initial question, Who is the next person you're planning on inviting to church?
Grace & peace,
Andrew
eNews - 19th August 2022