Feedback
I'd like to get some feedback from you as to your thoughts concerning this BLOG. I haven't spent as much time as I would like to post questions about ministry in Manassas. Hopefully, my procrastination hasn't stiffled your enthusiam (at least not too much) to particpate.
My intentions was to throw out ideas about ministry, inside the box and outside the box, so together we could wrestle with some ideas. I'm afraid that my posts so far haven't been what you were looking for. That's why I would like your comments and ideas about how we might use this BLOG.
I've posted 2 new BLOGs with what I feel would serve as fodder to fill the feed-trough. Don't be afraid of thinking outside the box. THere is no such thing as a dumb/ridiculous idea on this BLOG. In Christian love we are asking God to bless our efforts to reach out to the lost and feed those already at His Trough.
Please send comments to this post so I know where to go from here. I pray this BLOG will be a blessing to our desire to serve our Savior!!!
posted by Sara @ 2:02 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
In regard to what we as leaders can do to increase the spiritual growth of our congregation, I believe that we first demonstrate our leadership and commitment by attending the between-services Bible study on Sundays. Our presence could serve as a beacon for others to follow. As a result, we would be prepared and could engage members of the congregation in discussion during fellowship after service with what we've learned and discussed during the study. A broader communication of what the Bible study is about should be published on the Web site, in the Star, in the worship bulletin, and in whatever other means that might spread the news and plant some seeds of curiosity. Even more important than simply advertising the Bible studies would be publishing an anonymous blow-by-blow of the discussions that ensued during study - - some of which can be highly relevant in our daily lives as we not only interact with fellow believers, but also with those whose beliefs and cultures are different from ours. "Bible study" can have such a dry, uninteresting ring to it. Rather than simply review chapter and verse in an antiseptic scholarly manner, we should be discussing how (and why) to apply the teachings within the chapters and verses to our very real, earthly lives. If we can demonstrate how important the precepts we learn about and discuss can be to how we live and not just to how and with whom we worship then maybe, just maybe, we can inspire greater participation. Great ideas -- and intentions -- have little impact alone without follow-through.
Our like the idea of giving a little "blurb" about our conversation/discussion. Would it be better coming from a member or from me? If from a member it could be screened by me. (By the way, I still have it on my agenda to highlight answers to the survey we discussed in class a few months ago.)
Secondly, word-of-mouth is the best type of advertising, although some promotion of upcoming topics and potentional discussion statements could also fuel interest.
I have nearly given up on Sunday Adult Bible Study as a learning and growing experience. When I am sitting within 10 feet of the pastor/leader, I hear about 90 percent of the words. That means about 10% is garbled. Those who respond to pastor's questions comes through to me about 95% garbled -- unless the person is within 3 feet. Except that I enjoy the company present and for the rare occasion that I can clearly hear those who speak, I would not come.
That is frustrating because I know I could be learning a great deal from all participants. I know that most of those who who speak offer astute comments about the topic at hand. I know that only because I know something about those who respond to the leader's (usually Pastor's) questions.
My joy is deminished, however, when I cannot be fully engaged in the class. Do not construe this as whining. It is simply a consideration for us in designing the physical location, seating arrangement, and size of classes for those who may come with some physical or mental impairment.
I have learned from my own studies how to fill in a lot of blank spaces, but not all. How well does a non-christian or new christian do that?
Finally, my consideration for coming is always that my presence is appropriate as an example for others.
My last comment was by way of saying that I like the BLOG format for brain storming our individual and collective ideas to become both imaginative and obedient servants of Christ. Any time one of us can be a catalyst for the rest of us toward that end is a good thing.
Using the BLOG may be a partial solution to my hearing problem.
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