TITLE:  User Friendly Church
TEXT:  1 Peter 3:8-11
PROPOSITION:  This church must learn to be “user friendly.”
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Methods
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Last word in verse 8 = friendly of mind, kind, courteous
2. This is what we need to be – toward all who enter this building
3. User Friendly = computer term – means easy to operate, understand, and use
4. Is this church “user friendly”?
   1. If I were to ask adults in a Bible class – most – YES
   2. What if we ask the visitors? – Not the best

We are trying

1. Visitor parking spaces – (members should not use these)
2. Visitor’s table – Bulletin, Gospel Minutes, work sheets, etc.
3. People in the foyer – before and after services
4. Ask them to fill out cards – send a letter to all who turn in a card
5. Many do make some effort to greet visitors and welcome them

PROBLEMS

We don’t know each other

1. Too big a hurry to get away – beat the Baptists to the restaurant
2. Too many exits – don’t cross paths with many others
3. We are growing – new families, new children
4. We have some regular visitors – not officially placed membership YET

We don’t know how – We don’t know what to say

1. Begin with the obvious – “I don’t believe I know you.”
2. Use friendly language, tone, gestures, smile – take time for them
3. Ask generic questions:
   1. Are you from this area?
   2. What brings you to the wonderful city of Athens?
4. Respond from the “free information” given
5. Turn the spotlight on THEM – not us

Some things hinder us

1. Fear – Embarrassed that we don’t know them, remember their name

2. Failed fellowship – We don’t know each other

3. Focused on self – my needs are more important than anything else

1. AMEN – out the door
2. I am in a hurry

4. Fall short of personal responsibility – Not job of preacher and elders

5. False dignity – aloofness, self-righteous, they are not my type (dirty, long hair)

6. Forget how it feels – Think about places you have visited – how treated, good / bad; friendly / not friendly; what you liked / did not like

Conclusion:

1. Let’s make sure this church is “user friendly"

2. Let’s make sure our heart (mind) is friendly.