Posted by Xavier on November 17, 2002 at 20:04:13:
In Reply to: Teaching, and sharing before and after posted by Pastor Steven on November 17, 2002 at 10:13:13:
: I have had a number of people mentioning that they really need to have regular teaching at church. Some have not come recently because of the supposed lack of it (not knowing that I did teach the last two weeks). This is telling, and I hear what you are saying.
: I tried to defer to sharing because I believe that it is a vital part of our fellowship. But in doing so, I went too far to the other extreme and really shortchanged those who wanted more than a coffee house. This is why I have changed my priority structure lately, because I am losing people who are not getting fed, and because others are languishing for lack of teaching. I am going to be teaching every Sunday from now on.
: I started the book of Mark last week, and will continue that this week. I picked Mark because it is the rendition of the gospel that is most like an oral story, short and action-packed, and in this it is quite in character with our whole sharing atmosphere anyway.
: For now, we will have to limit the sharing before the service to about 4 or 5 people, and it will have to start at 3:30. This way we can hope to get some worship and teaching every week. After the service more people can share. The after-church sharing can go until the time we have to leave the building if you want.
: When we get our own building, we will have other nights to share all kinds of things so everything won't depend on Sunday. We can also have a special prayer night too. This will be much easier.
: For now, we have to start Sunday sharing on time. This means that if nobody gets there till 4:00, sharing time before the service will be over before anyone shares. :-(
: Last, because there will probably be some who will often miss the church stuff and purposely come late just to share, we need to make a guideline: In order to share after the service, you need to be AT the service. Sorry if this sounds weird or restrictive, but again, it only applies to sharing at Sunday church services. There will be other days to share soon, God willing.
Though I have been sick and missed this last service this news over all is a blessing. PS you have such a strong gift it is a blessing to be in service when you use it.
Amen Lord.