We Are the Church — Together
Though one may be overpowered two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
As we approach the third Sunday of Lent, we also reflect upon the third chapter of Rick Warren’s book “40 Days of Community.” Chapter 3 is entitled “We’re Chosen to Fellowship Together” and he begins the discussion on the DVD by reviewing some of the well-known, dynamic duos from his childhood tv shows. He lists classics like Dragnet, Adam-12, Hawaii Five-0 and the Andy Griffith show. Each character has a co-star: Joe Friday had Bill Gannon; Malloy and Reed; Steve McGarrett and Danno; and Andy Griffith & Barney Fife. The examples help to emphasize that we are better together. The bond that connects the team begins by becoming known.
A few weeks ago, I shared the acronym GIFT as a strategy that was presented by the Lewis Center on Church Leadership. GIFT means (1) greet; (2) introduce; (3) follow-up; and (4) thank. In other words, to help people feel more welcome in the church, greeting new people by exchanging names; introducing them to one other person in the congregation (perhaps during a subsequent visit so they won’t feel overwhelmed by learning too many names at one time); and following up with them when you see them again at church. The last letter of the acronym, t, simply stands for “thanks” to remind us of the importance of expressing gratitude to those who serve in the church. Many times people can easily feel that their efforts are not appreciated.
Rick Warren’s emphasis on fellowship also highlights another growing issue in the church—loneliness. In an article entitled “Why Do We Feel Lonely at Church?”, Jerry Linneman describes the growing sense of isolation that can even happen in large gatherings such as church. While we might be in the same physical space, the level of interaction can be minimal to non-existent. Interestingly, Linneman notes that one of the most unfortunate outcomes of the Covid pandemic was the observation that we have fewer interactions that ultimately result in more divisiveness because we interact with people who share ideas that are almost identical to our opinions. In other words, on the occasions we engage in conversations with others, we only interact with people with whom we are certain to agree.
However, just as Jesus gathered the disciples to form the foundation of the church, we are gathered as a body of believers who are sent to share the good news with others. Jesus initially sent the disciples in groups of two. On other occasions the apostles traveled in small groups to spread God’s message. As we prepare for the visioning conversation with the congregation Sunday afternoon, we are looking forward to sharing with you and hearing from you about the ways God is leading Christ UMC to greet one another, fellowship together and go out to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Please plan to participate in the visioning conversation Sunday afternoon, March 23, from 1:00-3:00 in the Family Life Center classroom.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
