Tim Stevens, Session 2: Original or Recycled?
There's nothing like being a part of a church where people are meeting Jesus for the first time. Following Jesus is a process through various stages.
Samplers: Investigating the local church and who Jesus is
Babes: Meeting Jesus for the first time.
Walkers: People who are aligning their lifestyles with the way of Jesus
Veterans: People haven't "arrived," but seasoned followers of Jesus, who are centered on Him. They are self feeders. They can grow without weekend services. They are outward-focused.
"Samplers" is where everyone starts. How do we engage them in our services in meaningful and life-changing ways? How do we program a service that speaks their language without giving into trying to be "cool" or "trendy?
We need services that spark next steps toward Jesus!
Does every idea have to be our own and original? Why not learn from others? Why not contextualize an element another church has created?
We spend too much time asking, "Is it original?" Instead of asking, "Is it effective?"
We need services that our effective in terms of sparking new steps in the lives of samplers, babes, walkers, and veterans.
Much of what we do is recycled. We "grangerize" it, make it our own, and use it.
We're committed to recycling.
When it comes to elements for services the question isn't: Is this totally original? The question is: Is this totally effective?
Four Ways We Use Arts in the Service (each recycled)
Art Can Be Used to Create Buzz: Get people interested in a series, service, or event. The buzz leads to first time engagement, so people can hear the truth of Jesus.
Art to Educate: Use the arts to open eyes and teach a concept in a very creative way. You can take "dry" info and make it interesting and relevant with good art.
Art to Create Tension: People walk in thinking about other stuff, anything but your topic. good art can quickly bring them to focus. The arts can create tension around a topic.
Art to Amuse: Many people walk in each week burdened. Art can give people a moment of joy and laughter, breaking the ice and opening the heart to the message.
Who gives a rip if it came from somewhere else?
Now, we are not anti-original. Quite the opposite, we want artists unleashed to reveal the creative nature of God and unleash new art.
God is a Creator and He didn't stop creating on day six...and neither should we.
But, the bottom line question for us: Is it effective in moving people forward on their journey from samplers to veterans?
1 Corinthians 9:20-23 (NIV)
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
Paul what was the most important question you asked when you walked away from planting a church?
Might it be... Was I effective?
Two Reasons for this session.
1. There is a lot of pressure put on smaller churches to be original at world-class quality. If you can't, give up. My hope is that this talk will lighten the load. Focus on being effective and along the way God will bring the artists.
2. We feel internal angst about being original. Much of that comes from our own pride. Pride easily becomes deep-seated pride. Bragging rights and one-upping other churches happens very subtly in our hearts.
This weekend there will be someone who is sampling. They need help connecting to God. A walker: someone who just gave their life to Christ. A babe in Christ: someone who is learning to feed themselves and they need help. Spiritual veterans will be there. They need you to challenge them to be focused and keep moving, becoming mentors for others. Without our commitment to ask, "Is it effective?" some will never take a step.
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