What are people looking for in church?

By Chip Webb, Pastor

Over the past couple of months, some of our church leaders have participated in workshops on church health and evangelism.  Dr. Doug Anderson came to Winston-Salem, sponsored by the Evangelism Task Force of the Winston-Salem District, and taught the components of the Race to Reach Out.  A team from Brookstown received specialized training at the Children’s Home, sponsored by the Western North Carolina Conference, the goal of which is to re-vitalize 300 churches in our conference.  At the Turn Around Boot Camp, our leadership team produced plans to help our congregation follow Jesus, make disciples and transform the world!

In both training events, we learned that people come to church for two basic reasons:  to connect to God, and to give themselves to something significant.

Another way of saying this would be that people are looking to connect to God, and to live their lives with purpose.  These are simple and basic needs which we all can understand.  In reality, these are the goals of most people, and the church offers the means to reach them!

John Wesley preached of the means of grace, "...outward signs, words, or actions, ordained of God, and appointed for this end, to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to  men, preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace."  Works of piety (spiritual disciplines) and works of mercy (doing good for others) were stressed by Mr. Wesley as the means of connecting to God and giving oneself to a life of purpose and significance.

The MISSION of our church is to follow Jesus, make disciples and transform the world.  One simple VISION for attaining the MISSION is to help people CONNECT with God and live lives of PURPOSE.  How might each of us be used to help bring this VISION to reality?

Above and Beyond Investments in Purposeful Living!

There have been lots of conversations lately about our current financial condition, and a review is in order!

Above and beyond our operating budget for ministries this year, our leadership has called upon our congregation and constituents for additional fiscal support for:  Audio-Visual Upgrades throughout our facilities; Emergency Services Funds for neighbors in crisis; Two New Air Conditioning Units for Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary; Educational Scholarships for our college-bound young adults; a Comprehensive and Diverse Local Missions Program along with U.M.A.R., Open Arms, and The Children’s Home; New Kitchen Equipment- Ice Maker and Dish Washer; Debt Service for the parsonage; and Maintenance Funds for the Cemetery and Pavilion.  All of our efforts have been fruitful and our accounts are healthy... with one exception:  our operating budget for ministries!  Now is the time for renewed focus on our foundation!