TITLE: User
Friendly Church
TEXT: 1 Peter 3:8-11
PROPOSITION: This church must learn to be “user friendly.”
INTRODUCTION:
Last word in verse 8 = friendly of mind, kind, courteous
This is what we need to be – toward all who enter this building
User Friendly = computer term – means easy to operate, understand, and use
Is this church “user friendly”?
If I were to ask adults in a Bible class – most – YES
What if we ask the visitors? – Not the best
Visitor parking spaces – (make visitors feel wanted, important)
Visitor’s table – Bulletin, other material, work sheets, etc.
People in the foyer – before and after services
Ask them to fill out cards – send a letter to all who turn in a card
Many do make some effort to greet visitors and welcome them
We don’t know each other
Too big a hurry to get away – beat the Baptists to the restaurant
Too many exits – don’t cross paths with many others
We are growing – new families, new children
We have some regular visitors – not officially placed membership YET
Begin with the obvious – “I don’t believe I know you.”
Use friendly language, tone, gestures, smile – take time for them
Ask generic questions:
Are you from this area?
What brings you to the wonderful city of Athens?
Respond from the “free information” given
Turn the spotlight on THEM – not us
Some things hinder us
Fear – Embarrassed that we don’t know them, remember their name
Failed fellowship – We don’t know each other
Focused on self – my needs are more important than anything else
AMEN – out the door
I am in a hurry
Fall short of personal responsibility – Not job of preacher and elders
False dignity – aloofness, self-righteous, they are not my type (dirty, long hair)
Forget how it feels – Think about places you have visited – how treated, good / bad; friendly / not friendly; what you liked / did not like
Conclusion:
Let’s make sure this church is “user friendly”
Let’s make sure our heart (mind) is friendly.