One In Jesus

I get emails —

The small congregation I attend has some copies of Brownlow’s “Why I’m a Member of the Church of Christ” sitting out and today I saw a member give a copy to a visitor. I’m wondering if there is another publication you would suggest giving folks who might be interested in joining the congregation?  Is there a book which could introduce someone to the Church of Christ but doesn’t damn everyone else?  I know that spending time talking with someone is the best way for them to learn about what we believe, but what book would you give someone who asked for one.

Readers?

As you surmise, the last book I’d give a visitor is Brownlow’s book. It’s inaccurate both factually and theologically.

I’m not sure I’d approach the question in terms of introducing someone to the Church of Christ at all. That’s so last century!

Anyone visiting your church is interested either in Jesus or in your congregation. No one is checking out your denomination. People haven’t thought in those terms in quite some time.

Tell them about Jesus. Tell them about your faith community. Share your vision and beliefs, but mainly who you are. Share service opportunities — where you serve the poor and elderly and orphans.

Show them God by showing them what God is doing among you. Let them see marriages strengthened, addictions cured, and wounds healed.

Share your weaknesses, struggles, and flaws. Let them see that you know you’re not perfect, that you appreciate God’s grace, and that you’re working to honor God more tomorrow than yesterday.

Be real. Be authentic. Don’t put on a show. And don’t dare give them a copy of that horrid book. Show them Jesus — in how you live, how you serve together, and the vision you attain to.

So I really don’t know of a book to share. I know churches that prepare materials that introduce the congregation to visitors. We do that. But I’d personally not want to hand a visitor a tract on “Why we don’t use instruments of music.” I’m sure visitors are curious, but they much more want to know about you as followers of Jesus.

I get emails —

We have recently started having 2 worship services on Sundays.  For the first month we encouraged all shepherds and staff to attend both services.  Now its just the pulpit minister who obviously has to be at both services.  I am curious as to how most churches handle staff attendance and elder attendance when there are multiple services.   I am sure everyone does it differently, but would like to hear your or your readers thoughts.

Readers?