“You’ve just got to come to my church!”

Recently our Local Board of Administration, along with other key ministry leaders met for another one of our annual Vision Gatherings. This was the third one we’ve had since I’ve been the Pastor at Christ Wesleyan. In the past we have spent a lot of time analyzing our strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for the future. However this year we did something a little different. We spent most of the time taking a good hard look at the short-term and long-term goals we had set in the past. Most of them were put in place at our first Vision Gathering three years ago. What we found was that most of the short and long term goals were either accomplished, or at least in the works, and others needed more definition and clarity. In a future posting I’ll list in detail the results of the gathering, and get your input.
One of the conversations we had during our time together surrounded a questions I presented to our church leaders. As I observe people in various types of settings talking about their church, you can immediately determine those who are absolutely thrilled about their church. Their excitement and enthusiasm seems to leap out of them, and usually you’ll hear them make a statement something like, “You have got to come to my church because . . .” What I asked our church leaders is to finish that sentence about Christ Wesleyan Church. I asked how they would express the kind of excitement and enthusiasm that goes with that statement. I know how I would answer that statement. I would say, “You have got to come to my church because . . . “
- We have a very loving congregation. I truly believe that anyone who walks through the doors will be genuinely loved and accepted.
- Our people have expressed a great deal of confidence in me as their Pastor. They’ve allowed me to try new things, and explore new blessings.
- We have a great group of teens who truly love the Lord, and we’ve got a great Youth Pastor.
- We’ve got a core group of young families who are excited about serving the needs of people in our community.
- We have a congregation who is supportive of Missions, in praying, and giving, and going.
These are just a few things, and the list could go on to mention other areas that are still developing. But sometimes my perspective is different because I am so personally invested. How would you answer this question? Take some time to post your comments. Now, lets be careful not to repeat the same answers as others. Let’s try to add to the list something others haven’t seen. Be creative. Be critical. But put some thought into how you would complete the sentence, “You have got to come to my church because . . .”