RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (Full Version)

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lightshineon -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/5/2008 10:30:05 AM)

I am on a soapbox this morning (sigh) friends forgive me this is not directed at anyone in a personal way. We have connection (small groups) Sunday at 5 pm. My husband and two others, a mother and daughter help do the childrens group. The mom of the group had a meeting this weekend for work, which is what she had to do, and I knew her daughter would not show up. I was right, daughter called about thirty minutes before it was time to leave, saying " family unexpectedly showed up". We had two parents who signed up to help this week. They did a no show, as expected., All the parents knew it was just my husband and I, with a large group of horrible ( last night for some odd reason) acting kids from ages 3-12. We did mothers day gifts, because we are not meeting next week. We did cards with purple Bingo daubbers making grapes saying " I love you bunches", and and pot holders with about a "mothers hands" written on the bottom of potholder from proverbs 31, and the children put their hand prints on the pot holders, and dated them. I am telling you all this, because we had two stations going, and two projects. The twelve year olds helped as did my oldest DD, my husband got out of her class to help.
It was so frusturating, the parents, and sign up people were in various classess playing games, having parties and such. I love what I do, my husband does it because, though it is not his calling, he steps up. If we did not have the kids, on Sunday nights, then there would be no small groups.
My husband is an elder, and adult teacher,and I know he missess teaching, he is excellent but, though it is no his calling he does what is needed. I will given be an anology of this, why something that is not your calling can still be Gods will. I was watching CNN last week, there was a story on a little dog, nursing a group of kittens, they started with three, and added six more, the little dog looked weary, but she cleaned, fed, and nutured the baby kittens anyway. The kicker is she has been adopted by a family, but has to nurse the kittens before she can go to her new home. This is how I see my husband, and what the Lord is asking him to do right now, is to step up, and do what is not his cup of tea, An as needed situation. My soapbox is this go where there is a need, if at all possible, even helping on a once a month basis, and others rotate with you. There are those making it possible for those who pew sit, so with gratitude and love, lend a helping hand. I am sure, even like th, crafts we did last night, the most untalented, unartsy person could have helped with. OK light is off the soap box.[:D]



Hismusicgal -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/5/2008 11:46:24 PM)

My church over the lenten season just did a study of the spiritual gifts. Most of the congregation split in to bible study groups to fit their schedules and then we also had i believe 2 of those groups during sunday school hour. Then the sermon would be on that same topic. We still have a process of talking to each person and seeing what if any thing they can be involved in, because if everyone is trying to do the same thing someone or some other ministry is being left out. But don't stop the things that are getting done because God's word must go on. Look at what things your congregation has done even the tiniest thing, is a blessing. Another website I frequent say that Housework done incorrectly still blesses your family... and I would like to add to that it also should have people looking for how they can help. Especially in the church. The previous comments were not to say to bear false witness but to help other strive for the true graciousness and righteousness of God through getting up and doing something. Example Encourage neighbors to come with on Sunday or be the mastermind behind the scenes of a new ministry. I'm wondering what wonderful ministries are locked in the minds of your congregation and others around the world.


I pray that this congregation is encouraged to bring change and for lack of words revival in the spirit and work ethic. For the pastor and leaders to guide their "church" in a path of growth and renewal like springtime after the freeze of winter. May God bless you and keep you and always remember He is our Strength, our Sheild, and our Guide.
Amen

[sm=angel.gif]



Dakotasunbeam -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/7/2008 12:54:30 AM)

Thanks elliemaejune!
quote:

ORIGINAL: elliemaejune

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dakotasunbeam

Get rid of the pews.


[sm=laugh.gif] Good idea!



Dakotasunbeam -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/7/2008 12:58:39 AM)

Kinda going back to my original post, I think its kinda funny when we (or those in "leadership") ask, "What can we do to get others off of the pews." In all seriousness, why are there pews? You've literally separated the body of christ into two functions, feeders and eaters. Sitters and standers. When EVERYONE should be waiting on his/her brother as needed. Literally, the pews need to be gotten rid of. People need to look each other in the face and communicate, share, give, bless, pray together. You cannot get people OFF of the pews, if you tell them that is where they are supposed to be. Church NEEDS to be revamped into something FUNCTIONAL. The way it is currently set up, there should be NO confusion as to why MORE people are not involved. It's evident.

Bless you!



dd964vet -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/9/2008 8:41:46 AM)

Our church has an approach that seems to work fairly well. In addition to teaching on the topic of sevice to each other and the community, the leadership needs to take a firm stance on not allowing "the few" to become over involved. If you notice that one of your flock is becoming a human doing rather than a human being, tell them to cut back. ( this applies to the senior leaders as well). If this means that some things are left undone for now, so be it. Burnt out leaders inspre no one.

Second, "If we can't do something well, then we will do it badly" and many times those who DO have the giftings for the endeavor will step forward and "rescue" us. A little manipulative, but I'm ok with it anyway.

Finally- Our standard is not efficacy,it is faithfulness. If God can raise up stones to be Sons of Abraham, then he can raise up workers for the harvest; but it is He who does the raiseing.



dd964vet -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/9/2008 8:51:36 AM)

An additional note; I am one of those people who struggles with the attitude that I must do everything myself. Recently it occured to me that at the root of this attitude is my lack of faith. If our expectations of what God can do is a measure of the status of our faith, the my attitude is a reflection that I must "do" because I expect God to do nothing.



woodwind228 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/10/2008 1:14:42 AM)

Well, here's a little bit of a different perspective. Realizing that some people are just lazy and unwilling to participate or be motivated, there may be other issues to think about as well.

Serving is huge, of course. But I think some people have no idea what they could possibly do. Maybe they don't feel "qualified" to do something. Or maybe they weren't specifically asked to do something. Yeah, it sounds kinda petty but some people are just that way. So......maybe your leaders could focus on teaching people about their spiritual gifts. There's a great book that I've been reading called, "Discovering Your God-Given Gifts". The authors (Don & Katie Fortune) talk about 3 types of spiritual gifts: manifestation gifts (supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit at work through a believer); ministry gifts (gifts used to equip the body of Christ); and motivational gifts (these are gifts to be employed to benefit one another - these are gifts we possess). The book focuses on the motivational gifts. The book has chapters describing the 7 motivational gifts and a self-test, chapters describing what that particular gift needs to be careful of (e.g. the administrator needs to be careful not to be judgmental), and chapters talking about the characters in the Bible with that particular gift. It also has tests to determine gifts in children and teens.

If people understand where God has gifted them, then perhaps it will be easier to see how they may be able to use their gift in serving in the church (and elsewhere). Who knows, maybe they'll even get motivated to get out of those pews.

Regarding the older generation though, some people do not/cannot drive after dark or in inclement weather. I don't see very many older folks at church outside of Sunday morning. And there's the handicapped that may have difficulty getting around much. Even still, depending on the different ministries your church may be involved in, there really should be something for everyone if they think hard enough.

Anyhoo...my 2 cents for what it's worth.



pstrdebi -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/12/2008 12:17:59 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

you have fifteen? wow. just kidding, I feel your pain, I do not understand it either.


quote:

ORIGINAL: Dakotasunbeam

Get rid of the pews.


HA!!!! [sm=biggrin.gif]

quote:

ORIGINAL: BibleL7

First Drop the drama most churches did fine without that for years.

As for Drama I don't see where it was used in any of the early churches nor do I find it recommended in the Scriptures.


Paul discussed a couple of ways the word was being preached in Phil 1:18. Although not contextually the same, I believe the idea can be applied here. "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."

Also in Colossi ans 3:17 it says, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

God is the Creator of creation, creating and creators... He instilled in us... In His Image... His creativity.

quote:

ORIGINAL: FroMan

If you have success stories, I'd also like to hear them. How did you do it? Knowing that it can be done is uplifting.


OK... here is something that has been used and has been very successful in a very similar situation (nearly the same actually).

First identify your needs. I'm sure you've done this, however list them... Sunday school teachers, worship team, whatever...
Then, get out your church directory or a list of the members. Sit down with one or two others (in leadership) and start making notes about each person or couple. ie: Sam Jones... used to be a baseball coach, has grand kids, loves nature, hiking, etc. Go down the list highlighting each of their talents, jobs or past endeavors.

This gives you a base to work with. As you go through the list you will surely be eliminating some for whatever reasons... and others you will be identifying as prime "targets" (don't call them that... I'm just kidding! [8|])

Then you meet with each of these people individually. (Takes time... but the outcome can be good). Make it a personal meeting... a lunch or meet for coffee, etc. When you meet with them, tell them how important they are... how their wisdom and experience is so needed in the XYZ area or ministry. Ask them questions... "how do you do this?" "What would you do?" "Show me..." "Teach me...". (Even if you know all the answers... or think you do... ask them anyway, and just let them talk without inputting your own ideas. They need to know you care about what they are saying.)

What I have found is that the older generation has been burned out by exactly what is taking place in the church now... they were the same 15 people. They did all the work and grew weary. OR... no-one ever showed their appreciation to them... OR... they were used at one time because they were younger, and now they no longer feel needed or that they have anything to give. When we make them feel needed, it boosts their moral... their confidence.

When you start asking Sam Jones about all of his experiences and abilities... and you ask him questions about how Awana's or Royal Rangers or whatever, should be run... what he would do different... You are making him a part of it... involving him.

Then you tell him your demise.... "We are really struggling in this area Sam, do you think there is any way that you could come along side of us and teach us some of the things we've talked about? If you could just commit for a short while, I'm positive you could make a difference... we need you."

When Sam agrees, make a plan... and in that plan... if he can only commit for 6 months, decide that he will help to find another person to train up under him. This is a part of discipleship that is forgotten about. Discipleship carries into every part of the ministry.

After you have a group to work with... have a dinner or some function to outline your major goals, etc. and then... periodically have an "appreciation function." Invite all of your workers to a luncheon or potluck and show them how much you appreciate all that they do. Shower them with love and they will shower you back.

This has worked. Like I said, it takes time... meeting with each person. However, it can be a successful endeavor.

Good luck... and blessings... [;)]
Pastor Debi



BibleL7 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/14/2008 2:40:18 AM)

Perhaps I have not properly communicated my post.

First I was replying to the original post that said 15 people are doing all the work in the church. This is not good for those 15 will be burned out and then none will be left but the pastor. The reason I first said Drop the Drama for it is not biblical is simply it is something added to what the church should be and in having it it detracts from other ministries if you only have 15 people. Sure things can be done with people gifted to help in such ministries but if they are also doing other ministries then it hurts all ministries involved. If there is a call for a ministry then there should be members willing to participate. With a minimum of people involved in activities there should also be a minimum of ministry.

The basics we are to do is discipling others teaching them the Word of God and helping them and encouraging them to do the ministry. Sorry if you all disagree but I feel the most important part of church is the basic Worship and praise and preaching of the Word. This is where those 15 people are needed most. The leaders of the church should not be doing too many ministries Discipling is very work intensive and not something one person should be doing for over 50 people and if they are doing so with more than 5 people then they should not be involved in other ministries unless those he is discipling are involved in the ministry.

I have not found anything in the Scriptures that say the church is to be involved in so many ministries or activities. They are commanded to disciple others and to praise and worship the Lord. If you can show me anywhere in Scripture that says we are to do more as a body please let me know. The leadership is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. The individual believers should be serving others and spreading the Gospel. As for the feeding of hungry, visiting the sick or jailed, clothing the naked, the leadership is not given this responsibility the entirety of the saints, each having a part to play.

Paul refers to the church as the body of Christ. He uses things like the eye cant say because he is not a hand the eye can not say I am not of the body, sorry dont have exact quotes I dont have bible program open. In the same manner that the eye is not the ear or mouth the eye should not be trying to do the work of the ear or mouth. If there is no hand then there can not be the gripping or holding, so if the hand is sitting in a pew and not doing the job of the hand then the eye should not try to do the job of the hand it just does not get done. For if the eye is doing the job of the hand, arm, foot then the eye is not doing what the eye should be doing and is meant to do.

The Holy Spirit gifts with varying gifts to the various members so that the members can work together in building up the church and glorifying Christ. Therefore I was simply saying that if there are more than 15 members than more than 15 members should be participating. If there are not people gifted for the ministry in the congregation the the congregation should pray the Lord send gifted people. If the body is lame it suffers.

Yes it is good to have the congregation participating together in other ministries to serve the community, teach Sunday school, have events. But if there are not people willing to do the ministry then the ministry is not needed and should not be done. And as for taking care of children during services or events if there is not sufficient staffing to do the job well then the children should be with the parents. You can say that this does not seem fair or loving but parents are responsible for raising their children. If they wish to do activities without the children then they need to share in responsibility for seeing the children are looked after. Such as a few of them taking turns looking to the children, and if there are older teens in the church they can also help look after the younger ones with adult supervision. And dont tell me that teens should be having fun instead of learning to be responsible. Learning to be responsible is how teens mature into adults. If this hurts feelings then I am sorry for that but truth is truth and at times truth and love hurts.

The church is not called to be worldly but to be separate from the world and preach the Gospel to the world. We are not promised comfy lives once we come to know the Lord but are called to have joy in trials and tribulations. Sorry Dakota but I dont believe the pews are the problem yet the ones sitting in them and perhaps those behind the pulpit even more.



LisaBabie -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/21/2008 8:02:36 AM)

I think the problem is, is that people are just comfortable where they are. Let's face it, it seems like every church has the same problem...the same group of people doing everything! I think we have all been there done that and are still in it~!

When my husband and I moved to another state almost 12 yrs ago and found a church to attend, I immediately was 'asked' to be involved in nursery because that is where I spent most of my time with my youngest who CRIED nonstop without me around. Next thing I knew I was involved in Wednesday night teaching and I've been there ever since! I have never been able to attend an adult class and now I'm at the point where I have been the CE Director for several years, been teaching for a good 11 years and I'm ready to drop it!!!!!!!!!!! Problem is, who will take my place? My work schedule will have a big role in it this summer because summer is when I'm extremely busy with work...

I have expressed my feelings to my pastor and his wife. They know how I feel~ They know that for the last few years I have wanted 'out'. But they don't have anyone to replace me so I hang on, basically out of guilt. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE working with the kids but I think I feel burned out and I would really enjoy just being with adults for a change! I feel guilty on one hand but not on the other for wanting to stop~ I don't plan on never being involved in a ministry again but I would like to move on...chill for just a while, seek God and where He wants me. I think a marriage class would be a GREAT idea for starters~

Anyhow, where I am right now in our church, some people have 'bad attitudes' with which I wont get into at the moment, so for them, volunteering to help out is probably not going to happen at this point in time.

I think people need to feel led by the Lord to get into a ministry and if they are not close to Him how are they going to know that? How are they going to be 'intune' with Him?

I believe the time is short...and I believe people really need to step out, get out of their comfort zones and pitch in~



rcjones -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/22/2008 1:08:52 AM)

I'm not very bright about these things, so I just invite someone to go along while I do evangelism or ministry.

When they see people get saved and have changed lives they get excited about seeing God work and want to get invited more.
So I may invite them a few more times and then I stop. When they express a desire to go again, then I ask them where God is leading them to go to.

If they say they'd like to minister to people in a convalescent home, then I go with them to help them get started, teach them what little I know and go back with them when I get invited.

They usually want to do something I've never done, so we ask God to teach us how to do it. We figure if we need special gifts to do whatever he has led us to do, well, He'll just give them to us.

Over the years God's amazed us at how many people he has called into ministry that way.

I am currently in a small fellowship of 30 -50 depending how you count. All of our men preach or teach in prison or at the rescue mission, almost all of our women have been or are involved in the crisis pregnancy center, woman's shelter, etc. Three pulpits in Utah are filled with men who were called into ministry this way. There are many others in ministries around the country that we have seen God call.

For stuff like cleaning around the church or helping each other in times of need, everyone does it. We don't even consider that ministry, just common courtesy.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/24/2008 8:46:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: BibleL7

First Drop the drama most churches did fine without that for years.
Second if the worship team is leading worship of others then fine if they are performing to the congregation drop it and appoint a worship leader to lead worship for all congregation.


I agree with BibleL7. The drama is a performance, so to speak. And if the choir or worship team is performing then where does that leave the rest of the congregation? If the congregation is watching a performance, then, of course they are not going to want to get off the pew.

I'll share a recent personal experience. Around last December, I started attending a particular church close to my home. They have a new pastor and he is a supurb teacher and I love his teaching.

But now that he and his family have settled in they have started the drama thing. Plus the choir has been into the performance thing.

I last went to this church about 3 weeks ago. During the service the congregation (including me) were only allowed to sing one song. Aside from the sermon, I left the service with absolutely no desire to go back, much less serve there. I left feeling it was a performance and I left totally bummed because I felt stripped of what I love to do - worship of the Lamb in song with other saints of God.

Worship (the singing part) is a hugh part of why I go to church. I love it and I know my Jesus loves to hear my singing. The Lord and I "connect" in such a special way during that time, especially during corporate worship. During corporate worship I often "see" in my spirit all the saints, including some from these forums[:)] around the Lamb in perfect bliss and adoration worshipping Him.

I ask the OP'er, why would I want to get off the pew and serve in a church where I am not even allowed to be a small part of the worship service?



Russski1 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/26/2008 5:54:01 PM)

Had to post some thoughts.....

One idea (other than preaching on involvement which is fine) is to bring up your new people to serve in an "associate" role in ministry. Waiting for them to mature could take while. I understand if they have public habits which portray a poor example they should wait to overcome them. But the church is often guilty of waiting until new people reach our prescribed measure of maturity.

Please them in a role where they helping a leader and let them learn hands on.

God can always lead one who is moving in any direction....

prw



rwe2156 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (5/30/2008 4:25:32 PM)

I think you know the answer.....................

There are many unregenerate church members
sitting in the pews on Sunday.

How can I make that statement so assuredly?

Look at the gospel being preached.

Look at the doctrine (or lack of) in most churches.

We need to stop treating church like a Jesus club
and call people out on why they have no life change.

Quit worrying about programs and numbers and putting
on a show.

There is POWER in the message of the cross.

God doesn't need a dog and pony show to save anyone!



gmc4Jesus -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (6/4/2008 1:31:04 AM)

I have over 15 years of preaching experience and many more in volunteer ministry. I have worked with small churches (30-40 members) and larger churches (400+ members). I would like to speak from my experience and observations.

I would like to make some recommendations:
1. I would recommend that you go through the 40 Days of Purpose and the book Purpose Driven Life. This engages the people to discover their particular gifts and teaches them to put those gifts to work.

2. I believe that you will gain more ground if you motivate the people to focus on how much they love Jesus and how much He loves them. I believe that a Bible study of the life and teachings of Jesus, conducted over an extended period of time, will get Jesus in front of them in a way that will motivate them to want to serve Him.

3. You are probably a victim of the 80/20 rule where 20% of the people do 80% of the work. This is standard across almost any business, especially where volunteers are involved. If you focus on the 20% and work on building that number, the 80% will grow and your church will grow. If you focus on the 80%, you will soon burn out because they will suck you dry and leave nothing in return.

May God guide and bless you as you seek to bring the people in your church back into focus on the purpose of the body of Christ - to reach the lost and train the saved to the ministry of reaching the lost and training the saved...



rwe2156 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (6/5/2008 8:12:26 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: gmc4Jesus
3. You are probably a victim of the 80/20 rule where 20% of the people do 80% of the work.

How about the 90/10 rule?

50/50 would be sad enough.

Maybe this statistic we blithely recite reflects the unregenerate state of the church?

[GASP]

Preach the true gospel and pray for God to save, not decisions to be made....

....and 80/20 becomes a different number, unlike the world.

Our doctrine is corrupted, man is in control, many are deceived.

What gives me the right to say this? Look at the church in Acts
and compare it to what we have today.

Ted Turner once said, "If I need spiritual advice I will look for a shaman.
If I need a CEO to run one of my companies, I will look for a preacher."

quote:

This is standard across almost any business, especially where volunteers are involved.
[:'(]We are people of the Way, man, not the world!

Volunteers? What about "called to service"? [:)]

quote:

If you focus on the 20% and work on building that number, the 80%
will grow and your church will grow. If you focus on the 80%, you will soon
burn out because they will suck you dry and leave nothing in return.

"Building that number"? Are you assuming the whole church body is saved?

If you are, you are deceived, my friend.

Who is the greatest motivational speaker, the preacher or the Holy Spirit?

Turn off the A/C and watch where your 80% goes.

The 80% most likely need evangelizing, not discipleship. Most won't
even come to the Bible study because most are not coming now!

Look, the fact is Christianity in America is in a sad state.

Which preacher is the best? Who has the biggest church? Who
makes the most money? Who writes the most books?

Are we merely "Jesus clubs" composed of decent people?

I'll take one preacher in a hut in Peru over 10 Rick Warrens any day!

The church is not in the world,

The world is in the church.

If Paul came back today, he would never make it as a preacher.



gmedifast -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (6/16/2008 9:19:34 AM)

Let me ask an honest question does your pastor and your self trust people enough to put them in charge of doing something? Or does your pastor and you put someone in charge of something, them micromanage them until they get so exhausted and quit?

My pastor is a micromanager. He does not lend himself to ideas or suggestions and he does not allow the people who work in the church to function with autonomy when they do something. You never feel like you have a voice, and you always feel like you are being 2nd guessed. Then you feel suffocated and you sink into this mode of well if that is all he wants, that is all he is going to get. I will shelve my gifts and creativity and act as a robot. That is the short of where I am at this time, I feel like a robot.

If you are truely open to having people work in your church crash what you are doing, why not use Wednesday nights to teach on the gifts, give a gifts assessement test and then from there identify where you can plug in people. Also keep an open line of communication, and truely love your poeple and get to know them and when you know them, then you can know where to put them. For instance, do you have one of those 60 year old outgoing grandmothers that is the like the hit of the party. You know that type the will dance when she hears a song. That type of person would be a hit if you could plug her into an occasional skit. How about the grandmother who is away from her children and grandchildren, she might would love to help in the nursery.

I have seen in my own church, the older people pushed aside as we try to recruit the 20 and 30 year olds. They are faithful, but they don't get a chance to participate and they just melt into the background of the church and eventually fade away.

When you do trust someone well enough to allow them to do something in the church don't manage them like they do not have any sense. Give them freedoms and liberties to allow God to direct them. then unless they do something agaist God's word, let them grow and get excited and touch base with them from time to time.

Also if you give someone the task of doing something, make sure you give some resources as well. don't make your youth pastor fund everything function then turn a blind eye to the fact that he or she is floating the ministry. if your church does not have expenditures going into a ministry, then you need to see how it is being financed. For instance, our pastor talks continuously about how broke the church is....to the staff, the he is surprised that one of the ministrys was recycling over and over the same cirrciulum. don't micromanage the minister but manage the ministry.



gmedifast -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (6/16/2008 9:26:47 AM)

quote:

First Drop the drama most churches did fine without that for years.
Second if the worship team is leading worship of others then fine if they are performing to the congregation drop it and appoint a worship leader to lead worship for all congregation.
Third Cut out Sunday school since it seems it is not maturing membership.
Fourth cut down on outreaches so those 15 aren't overtaxed.
As for church maintenance also cut down to what is needed and will not overtax the workers you have. Never hire someone for this as this should be done by congregation.



Our church Dropped Sunday School about 2 years ago, what I have seen is a decline in our children not learning basic Bible stories, bible Verses. 1 hour of children's church is not enough. then our pastor preaches these watered down Seeker sermons, so I don't see that doing a lot to bring the word of God to people. I think this is one of the biggest mistakes the church is making. I don't remember a lot of my pastors sermons over the year. I might be able to tell you the gest of 1 may 2 but my Sunday School teachers, their ministry has stuck with me for life.



hjemerson -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/2/2008 2:24:48 PM)

I have just read all and I see Leadership can be a problem, Yes LEADERHIP you have to know when to leader when to listen. It is sad we let are self (BTDT) I belive no one person should do one job over 5years with out a break (we need I foung the hard) way to bring and encourge other along the way ,Have other take the role leadrship (teaching) even if it goes bad encourage and keep trying, When it come to all the programs /drama/children church/ no one person should be allow to do more tha one or two to keep from beeing srteched (Most should attmit it hurt their own family life)so thin If that cause a activity to be put on hold then it may happen Why have childern church ? I belive children over 5 should be in the service withaparent and they should be quite (Yes I have children and they were raised in church 4 time a week and still activity in the church as adults. That a hold new subject parenting and the church) As for having the older peole be involed Yes But they HAVE done their time! and should be able to join in but only when/if they want to. Most of the time I get (we use to do it like this? or the stories of when we had >>> ) I love them but when you have 13, 2yrs old in a nursery you need a few extra hands not stories.I do agree young people should lead leadership and help out in teaching it is a way for them to learn and grow!!! But again If Leadership Is now leading But Gods will it could be time for a TURN OVER in leadership! From pastor to sec, That why so many people do not want to help out because they see some strong leading and feel I can never do that! It can take a hear attack to death for some to giver over leadership in some church(I have been doing this for __yr why do I need to stop now!) How many times have you heard this ! That when we remember Jesus took a break and rested for a time and was humble to sit with the youngest, I feel also If you have a young child in the nursery you do you time not MATTER who you are Pastor wife to musican player!! It is a TEAM to have a chuch it is peolpe not just a few , If you are the burn out stand up take a break and rest. God will prove or it was not His will for it to be, Just my Ideals!



SteelCurtain -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/5/2008 4:02:16 PM)

Welcome to the church of the 21st century. Times are busier, people are busier/lazier, and no one wants to help anymore. We are all in the same boat.

The "retired generation" is the greatest generation in our history because of what they brought us through in the World Wars and in church. They have worked very, very hard and like anyone their age they want to relax a bit...and rightfully so.

I would focus on the younger people in the church when casting your vision. Find people who are really good at getting others involved and involve them. Pour some time into the older congregation and find places of importance to them to minister. Speak with them about their dreams for the church. They may be older but they aren't dead:)

I disagree with hammering anything home in terms of being hard on people. What are they going to do when they hear this message? They are going to find somewhere else to go and not get yelled at. That does not mean we don't stand firm with what the Bible says but I don't believe in the hail, fire, and brimstone methond. That's just my opinion.

Find a project that the church can work on as a whole. Perhaps there is a great need to improve or build a playground for your children at church. Everyone rallies around children. Get everyone involved!! Make a few Saturdays as work days and get all ages groups involved. When you build or accomplish something together then it creates momentum for even bigger things.

That has worked for me in the past and that is my suggestion.



RJR_fan -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/5/2008 9:47:05 PM)

quote:


How do we instill in our members, especially our middle-aged and older people that they are much-needed, valuable members of the congregation and help something "click" inside of them, that everyone in the family of God is called into ministry (although perhaps not full-time or part time vocational)?


There was a time when I had ambitions for service and recognition within the church. It was a constantly galling and painful irritation when I followed all the rules (prayed, tithed, served in practical ways when asked) -- then had to watch newcomers zoom in from out of nowhere, then garner the honors my soul cried out for -- then casually disdain, surrender, the opportunities that I lusted after.

One of the 100 things I used to pray for was heading up a house group.

That card has been filed away, for the present, in our fireproof box, along with insurance papers, etc. Graduate school soaks up so much energy that I have none left over to stew, fret, and worry about that project. After I complete this degree program, I'll begin petitioning the Lord about that again.

I just turned 57, so maybe, despite my youthful self-image, I'm one of those "middle aged and older" people you're thinking about.

God has done one amazing thing in our lives over the last three years -- our family has "adopted" several young Turkish couples here for graduate degrees. I've eaten more frequently with personable TUrkish Muslims over this period than I have with fellow Christians.

SO -- I have stuff to do for the glory of God -- it just happens to be outside of the church.



Dakotasunbeam -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/5/2008 11:12:19 PM)

I love my current church. But I'm looking for a church where EVERYONE is involved, the living breathing Church of Jesus Christ. We don't come together to be entertained. We come together to exhort, encourage, pray, sing, fellowship, study equip and love.

Church is filled with pews . . . what else can be expected of those who attend? If everyone was "doing" there would be no need for the pew . . . hence my idea--get rid of the pews!

Blessings!



Newine59 -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/6/2008 7:33:49 AM)

I have a question, what happened to testimonies? Are we sure these people are really saved? We no longer have people sharing their testimonies in chruch any more and I for one would love to hear one or two in church. I would LOVE to hear how someone met my Lord and Savior. Maybe it would also rekindle the congreations (sp) love for Him all over again.
I recently told my SS director that I no longer would be teaching SS next year. It wasn't where I was supposed to be. My heart was in visitation, evangelism. Our pastor is starting a class on it and we will be going on weekly visits after or during the class. I'm very excited about it.
I work full time out of town and my time is limited so I have to pick and choose carefully, my passion if for evangilism and I've found my gift is NOT SS teaching. I would be doing my church a disservice if I tried to do both. They want me to sing in the choir also because I go to a sorta reserved Baptist church but I really get into my worship. However, I don't like to call attention to myself because I do it to God so I sit in the balcony so only a few people can see me[;)] and I close my eyes and I can get into the music and God. I think He feels if I were in the choir more people would feel free to worship like I do but I don't want to think about who's looking at me I want to think about God, so I keep turning them down. I do have a medical reason, I have Meiners ear in one ear but I could..... do it but it would take too much time away just like the SS. I can't wait to head out into the streets BABY!![:D]



RJR_fan -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/11/2008 9:57:19 PM)

quote:

But I'm looking for a church where EVERYONE is involved, the living breathing Church of Jesus Christ.


It could be you're already there -- and an unknown number of wistful saints are waiting to see you take the next step!



RevMT -> RE: Getting Others Off the Pew and Into Ministry (7/11/2008 10:46:55 PM)

Over the years, I have had an active role in many congregations. I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that there is no pat answer to this issue. How we respond to the situation as leaders depends on the followers. What are their spiritual and physical limitations? Where have they had success before? How much time do they have to give? What is the real reason for their refusal to be more active in the life of the congregation? These are sample questions that need to be committed to prayer for the answer.

However, the bottom line remains the same, and it doesn't matter how few or how many people you have as a "talent pool." They still have free will. It doesn't matter how many sermons are preached, how much you encourage, how much you repeat the premise that we are all called to be active participants. There are always going to be some who are enthusiastic, supportive, and helpful, and others who will sit forever and by their attitude, will say, "Impress me."

I know what it is to grow weary in the well doing. But, I have also learned to remember that my labor of love is not in vain in the Lord. Those who are actively working to support you (the faithful fifteen) are going to be highly favored, abundantly blessed, and a testimony to the balance of the pew warmers of what happens when you make yourself available to the Lord.

Blessings, my friend, and hang in there. The love of many waxes cold in these times, but you sound like one of His faithful few.

In Him,
RevMT



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