FRUITLESS BUSYNESS
(This is the third installment in a series of articles on worldly alternatives to a gospel focus.)
Most churches have certain “big” events they host each year. These events often generate lots of excitement and some of the largest attendance numbers of the year. They also can eat the largest amounts of money and planning. In the midst of all the hustle, typically no one stops to ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the question were asked, the inquisitor would likely receive a response with more heat than light. These events come and go each year, often with an unspoken target audience rationale for their existence. Whether the target audience is the children, the senior adults, the community, etc., we still often lack a clear definition of what we are providing through these activities.
So what kind of events are we talking about? Let’s name a few that are right around the corner:
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- Trunk or Treat
- Fall Festival
- Thanksgiving Meal
- Christmas Musical/Play
- Christmas Party
- Christmas Eve Service
- New Year’s Eve Service
There’s nothing inherently wrong with any of these. In fact, some of them can provide great seasonal worship opportunities, while others can provide useful platforms for making friends, sharing the gospel, and encouraging believers in need of a church home. But will they?
Entertainment or Intentional Opportunities?
The events listed above tend to be tailored one of two ways: for the glory of God as we worship and witness, OR as seasonal entertainment and nostalgia for church members and their loved ones. While we all like to enjoy bits of nostalgia and entertainment during the holidays, they are not worthy goals for absorbing great amounts of the church’s resources. If we will harness these opportunities for kingdom purposes, we will get the entertainment and nostalgia thrown in for free.
Osmosis vs. Clarity
Never assume that attenders know why you are hosting an event. They may think you just want them to enjoy the season. Whatever type of event you are hosting, prioritize face-to-face connections. Contact cards can be good for follow-up if people complete them, but they do not guarantee another in-person conversation. Strike while the iron is hot – with the gentleness of Jesus and the power of His gospel! If you don’t get enough time to share the gospel, at least let visitors know that you love them and desire to help them. Remember, a quality gospel tract (Choose wisely!) or mini book can speak in your absence.
Pre-conversion Points of Connection
Becoming a disciple of Jesus does not make clear sense to lost people. The worthiness of Christ to be worshipped does not compute in their minds because they are spiritually blind, deaf, and dead. Yet, God uses certain circumstances to prepare lost people to hear and believe the gospel. While it is easier to entertain lost people, meeting them at a point of brokenness is usually more fruitful. I once heard a pastor from Las Vegas tell how God used his church’s involvement in local foster care and court mandated community service to both improve those systems and lead people to Jesus! While an initial greeting doesn’t usually bring up deeply personal concerns, a simple, “How can I pray for you?” can go a long way toward opening the door. Remember, the holidays can be fun, or miserable, depending on your situation.
As you plan for the upcoming holiday season be careful not to invest numerous resources while forgetting the gospel focus. Even traditional fellowship events should focus on Christ. Let us intentionally harness our holiday gatherings to the glory of God!