From the District Lay Leader...
Charles Clements
"If your church closed today, who would miss it?'' was one question asked by Dr. Lovett Weems Jr. as he led off the district training event at Kilmarnock UMC. He also asked: "Who are we? What is our mission? Who are the people?" Dr. Weems reminded us that we need to revisit our Wesleyan roots and remember that people must feel at home with, and feel ownership of, their worship. Effective worship is in the "heart" language of the worshiper. Understanding can grow, but this takes time and any change must be embraced by the people so that they gain ownership of the change.
We, as congregations, must plan carefully so our services clarify our God given purposes. Dr. Weems said that when we state our mission we should add at the end "so that". The "so that" will let us focus on Wesley's belief that the world is our parish and we are concerned for the well-being of God's people--mind, body, and soul.
Consider Dr. Weems' questions. "If your church closed today, who would miss it other than the members? Do members of the community look at our church and our Sunday school and see themselves? Does your leadership (the people, not the minister) help God's people to take the next faithful step?" What are your answers?
We, as congregations, must plan carefully so our services clarify our God given purposes. Dr. Weems said that when we state our mission we should add at the end "so that". The "so that" will let us focus on Wesley's belief that the world is our parish and we are concerned for the well-being of God's people--mind, body, and soul.
Consider Dr. Weems' questions. "If your church closed today, who would miss it other than the members? Do members of the community look at our church and our Sunday school and see themselves? Does your leadership (the people, not the minister) help God's people to take the next faithful step?" What are your answers?