The Gospel is Offensive, but our churches shouldn’t be (part 2)
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is part two of a blog series. If you haven’t read the first part, click here.
Here it is! That long awaited part 2 of the blog. Okay… enough building up.
Let’s talk proposals. (Bear with me on this one, okay?) Imagine you’ve been dating the love of your life for some time. You knew what the future held for you and you were excited to do life together. You were just out on a date and you pull up to their house and you say, “Hey can you open up the glove box?” When they do – they see a box and pull it out. To which you respond, “So? How about it?”
Pretty anti-climatic, right? This is a big moment, a special moment… and that was kind of a dud. Not a story you’d want to share with your grandkids. Planning and preparation matter.
Juxtapose that proposal with the story of someone who goes all out. Romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant as they look lovingly into each others eyes. Decorations and flowers. Friends hiding in the shadows to share in the special moment as the couple approaches a significant and meaningful spot from their past and before you know it he’s on knee asking one of the most important questions of their lives. The expense and the planning were worth it because the environment set the stage for the question.
If we as Christians believe we are proclaiming the most important message in the world, then why would you not try as hard as possible to create a great experience to get people to a great message? The gospel is proclaimed more than just during the sermon on Sunday mornings. The gospel is proclaimed through spoken word, relationships that make a difference, and experiences that open the senses and our hearts. The gospel is proclaimed on the sidewalk and parking lot, not just the sanctuary.
It’s been said that you have 30 seconds to make an impression. Within 30 seconds someone will likely have decided if they want to make this place their church home. 30 seconds impacts whether someone is open to experiencing Christ through the worship service. Worship and the sermon is important, but it’s not the only message conveyed.
That’s why it’s important for all of us to use the gifts that God has given to us to “make a good first impression”. We all have a role to play. If we want the gospel to change lives for Christ, we need to make sure they are in a place where they can receive it. That’s why FPC Ambler has started to form hospitality teams – to ensure that people have an experience that leaves them in a place where lives can be changed by Christ. If you would like to serve on one of our teams, there is a spot for you. From serving as a greeter, to coffee hour host, to our A/V team, come exercise the gifts that God has given you so that the gospel may be proclaimed and received. So that lives may be changed by Christ.
To serve on one of our hospitality teams click here