Are we in danger of creating holy huddles? It appears we are. In Australia it was revealed in our latest monthly church newsletter that 60% of those who do not attend church have, ‘no close friends involved in a church.’ That is a staggering statistic and one that needs to be changed.
In an effort to change this situation and try and connect with these people currently outside the church, the Anglican Synod has started an evangelistic plan called Connect 09. It’s great there is a plan set up to get the Word of God out to more people, and it is a work that involves all of us.
When Jesus was on earth, He connected with people from all walks of life, He made friends with them and through His words, His actions, His lifestyle choices and the preaching of the Word, He showed people what He was like. The challenge for all of us as Christians is to follow His example.
Too often we can be comfortable in our own little holy huddle at church and not reach out to others in the community. Stop for a moment and think. How many people do you know who don’t go to church? And then ask God to show you what you can do about it. Here are seven suggestions.
1. Invite your neighbor in for a cup of coffee and chat.
Don’t do though what I heard one woman do. She invited all her neighbors in for morning tea and then bombarded them with a bible talk having given no warning this was on the agenda. You need to first build up a relationship. If you be a friend to others,the rest will follow naturally. After you have built up a relationship, and your new friends have seen how you handle yourself in good and bad times, they will start to ask questions and want to know what sustains you in life.
2. Get involved in local sporting groups, tennis, dancing, golf, basketball. It doesn’t matter what the activity is, so long as you are interested in it and can meet other people.
3. Volunteer at a local nursing home or charity organization, or help by reading to or shopping for housebound people.
4. Take an evening course in a subject that interests you, e.g. computer skills, growing and propagating native plants, painting, restoring furniture.
5. Get involved in a local craft or special interest groups, e.g. quilting, pottery, family history, bush walking group, etc. If no group exists in your area in a field that interests you, then start one.
6. Run special interests groups at a local hall or possible your church. Some of the activities our church has are a plant swap group, a bush walking group, a scrabble and board games group, a quilting and craft group, a playgroup for young mums and their toddlers. This week, at the local Community Center, our church is running an evening called ‘The Christmas Gift’ where they will have a simple and effective craft, a display of gift wrapping, tempting deserts and coffee as well as an evangelistic talk. Our previous church used to hold Gingerbread House evening where women learned to make a gingerbread house as well meet with other and hear a gospel message. Our son’s church ran an extra one to include men and children as well. Thos invited are always told that there will b a message during the course of the evening.
7. Most important- be a friend. And remember the only way to have friends is to be one.
Please vist these related websites
The Unbeliever and Christians Today