A Simple Connection
Theme of the Week: Is Your Church User-Friendly?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can … to spread the Good News (1 Corinthians 9:22-23). Bonus Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
At the University of Saskatchewan-affiliated Horizon College, where I'm president, we urge our students to develop a passion for God so they can make a difference.
A senior student decided to connect with the Saskatoon community by playing road hockey at his home church with neighborhood kids. Each week more guys showed up. In a sea of uncertainty, they felt comfortable, accepted, safe, and loved there. The road games were eventually moved inside. Soon 20 youths became 40 and the group was split into junior and senior ages.
Our student was stretched, having to learn to connect equally with both age groups through activities, fellowship, and Bible study. Finally a female from the church joined the leadership team, thus paving the way for young gals to attend.
These students are building bridges to their community. Youth are asking for, and reading, Bibles, and some parents contact the church for various needs. And the congregation's interest in reaching beyond its walls has expanded. "God is doing some amazing things," the lead pastor marvels, "and it was just … simple!"
—Gordon Giesbrecht in FaithToday
My Response: How could I contribute to a welcoming feel for my church?
Thought to Apply: We must know people—like them, enjoy them, make friends with them, take trouble for them—before it may even be right to "speak" to them about spiritual matters. —Sam Shoemaker (New York minister)
Adapted from FaithToday (1-2/09) by permission.
Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Keep us, Lord, from erecting artificial barriers to joining your family.
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