Why are People Joining Churches?
I asked a recent class joining their church to write out their WHY? Here are some of their answers:
• My hope for [my membership at X church] is for my family and I to grow a stronger, deeper relationship with Jesus and with other believers as well as being open to where God wants me to serve.
• I hope to work in Christ as a servant and brother at [X church].
• I hope to contribute my unique gifts to bringing [X church] to a closer degree of the fulness of him who wills everything in every way.
• To serve in what I can do for the body of Christ at [X church] as the Lord leads.
• I hope to get engaged in intimate community in a way that helps deepen my relationship with Jesus and allows me to love and encourage them as well.
• My hope is to grow from those here particularly/especially in my confidence and ability to speak about God in my life—here and outside.
• I would like to be engaged and connected in such a way that I have accountability and fellowship with others but also be able to help others in the areas God leads me to be engaged.
Seventy-one (71) percent articulated meaningful fellowship with other believers and seeking places to serve that align with God’s calling. Forty-three percent said they were joining at least in great part to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Doing this with family; having opportunities for loving and encouraging others; growing in one’s ability to tell others about faith; having accountability were also mentioned as reasons for becoming official church members.
Once these people have become part of the family, so to speak, are we paying attention to how we are actively and intentionally helping them
--connect with others?
--find places to serve that are consistent with how God has wired, gifted, and called them?
--grow deeper in their relationship to Jesus?
--find ways for their whole family to “be the church” together?
--cultivate an attitude and practice of loving and encouraging others?
--develop winsome ways to bring the Gospel story outside the walls of the church building?
--live accountable lives of repentance and forgiveness?
These are the people who ARE leaning in…
They want to grow…
They intend to connect…
They hope to learn…
They are committed to reflecting the character of Christ…
They desire to serve.
How are you coming alongside to equip and send them?
Important resources:
Take this free spiritual gifts assessment or this free Spanish language spiritual gifts assessment.
Purchase the six-week workbook in English or Spanish:
Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of God's Affirmations For You: A Book of Encouragement—A 12-Week Devotional Practice, the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis.
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