With Sunday falling between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I have low expectations for their year end service.
Consider these four discussion questions about Church #39:
1. Yet inside, friendly faces and hearty handshakes greet us. People acknowledge us as first-timers, without fawning over us.
How can you better embrace newcomers without making them uncomfortable?
2. We slide into the fifth row, which is also the back row. I’m dismayed over the pews’ lack of lumbar support. I squirm throughout the service and soon have a terrible backache.
What can you do to make sure your seating doesn’t distract people from encountering God?
3. The congregation recites this week’s memory verse in unison. The pastor then challenges them to recall last week’s verse, which he leads them in saying.
What can you do to help people hide God’s word in their hearts (Psalm 119:11)?
4. They invite us to a fast food restaurant after church. When we sit, no one joins us. It’s awkward until a lady moves to our booth midway through the meal. It only takes one person to make the difference between feeling seen or ignored.
What can you do to help others feel accepted?
Overall, it was a great year end service.
[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]
Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.