Our Case Studies have been described as the most entertaining part of the day. We have a friendly draft of Elders from the delegates. These 3 or 4 Elders are presented with a hypothetical situation that Elders might face. After their first and second impressions, we open it up to the floor for discussion.
Our churches have long embraced the unity motto; In essentials unity, in non-essentials, liberty, in all things love. This statement in printed in your literature for every visitor to read.
One night when calling on a prospect who is not familiar with the Restoration Movement, you are asked for more information. The guest who visited your services liked what he experienced, but isn’t sure what you mean by essentials? He asks; Just what are the essentials?
What do you say?
Your congregation currently has a blended style of worship, with includes older hymns, older choruses, and contemporary choruses. Your intent is to find a balance, so that everyone who attends can hear something that connects with them.
Some would prefer to only use older hymns, done in the old way. Others want to scrap all hymns [and all old choruses] and only use the most recent contemporary music done in a very lively musical style.
Some argue that you should have two complete worship services to satisfy both groups. Others feel this would be divisive. Would this be a solution, or should you intentionally keep all together in the same service?
What do you say to each of these groups? How do you explain to visitors why you have chosen to use blended style?
Every congregation has them. There is a sizable portion of the congregation who will attend Sunday morning worship services, usually, but will never attend other events. They aren’t involved in small groups, Sunday School, ministry teams, fellowship opportunities or anything else.
It doesn’t seem to matter how much effort leadership invests, you are never able to budge these peoples past Sunday morning attendance.
If you press too hard, you know that some will feel pressured, and quit coming. If you don’t try, you can’t challenge them to be more than they are, and risk sending a signal that it’s okay to be mediocre.
How can you inspire them to become more involved? Where is the balance?
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