Last night at our Explore Bible study we looked at a truly iconic passage of Scripture.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1–2)
I don't know about you, but there’s something about pouring myself out as a sacrifice, not to earn salvation, but in grateful service of the one who poured himself out for me - it stirs something deep in my soul.
God has been so merciful to us.
And now he calls us to follow in Christ's example.
To take up our cross. Not to be served, but to serve. To give ourselves in self-sacficial love.
That’s God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for us. That’s true worship!
Now, can I just get us to stop for a minute and reflect on how we might apply this idea of being a living sacrifice when it comes to serving newcomers on Sundays?
Can I suggest 3 things we can do sacrificially for the sake of newcomers:
1: Arrive early.
When do you arrive at church? New people tend to arrive at around 9:50 or sometimes even earlier. Offering yourself as a living sacrifice might mean giving up a few extra minutes of your Sunday, and giving a little bit of social energy to be ready and present to welcome someone new to church, not just talk to your friends.
2: Fill in your comment card every week.
How often do you fill in the comment card? We love knowing what we can pray for you, or hearing any feedback or questions. But what would it look like to fill in your comment card sacrificially, for the sake of others? Comment cards are such a valuable way for us to connect with newcomers, especially as church gets bigger. So why not fill in your comment card even just to encourage those around you to fill in theirs?! If you don’t have any particular prayer points or questions - you could just share some encouraging feedback, a reflection from God’s word, or even just write your name!
3: Know your church.
Why not try and meet one new person each Sunday? They might not be new to church - but they are new to you. Introduce yourself warmly and seek to find one encouraging thing to talk about. If they are new or visiting, great! You could ask how long they’ve been in Wellington - are they looking for a church or just passing through. If you have the mindset of “how can I serve this person God has put in front of me”, God will give you the words to say.
May God help us continue to be a warm and welcoming church to all,
In Christ,
Andy.