Building a Welcoming and Intentional Church Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. As we gather today, I want to remind you of the various resources available to help you dive deeper into prayer and Bible reading. We also have exciting events coming up, such as Kids Camp in July, and our annual meeting followed by a potluck today. As we take our offering, let's give joyfully, recognizing God's provision in our lives and our church.
Reflecting on the past year, we have much to celebrate. We've witnessed baptisms, hosted numerous events, and celebrated our 80th anniversary. We've grieved together, grown in our faith, and seen new people step up to serve. Our partnership with Toccoa Church has been fruitful, and we've started new ministries, including a youth group and college gatherings. Our church attendance has grown significantly, and with that growth comes the need for intentional hospitality and community.
As our church family grows, we must be intentional about making everyone feel connected. This involves showing hospitality, building relationships, and ensuring that both new and long-time members feel cared for. Scripture calls us to love one another deeply and to serve with the gifts God has given us. We are all part of this family, and each of us has a role to play.
Intentional hospitality means greeting newcomers, making them feel welcome, and building relationships. Intentional community involves living out our faith together, meeting needs, and being present for one another. Consistent community means regularly gathering together, not just on Sundays but throughout the week, to build deeper connections.
As our family grows, there are more opportunities to serve. Each of us has unique gifts that God has given us to build up the church. Whether it's through official roles or simply encouraging others, we all have a part to play. Let's be intentional about using our gifts to serve one another and build up our church family.
Let's pray for God's guidance as we move into this new year of ministry, seeking to live as a family on mission to serve Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentional Hospitality: As our church family grows, we must be intentional about making newcomers feel welcome. This involves greeting them, building relationships, and ensuring they feel connected. Hospitality is not just about saying hello but about integrating new members into the life of the church. [31:39]
2. Living in Community: Scripture describes the church as a family, and we are called to love one another deeply. Building intentional community means getting to know each other, meeting needs, and being present for one another. This involves both formal gatherings and informal meetups throughout the week. [41:46]
3. Consistent Gathering: Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us not to give up meeting together. Regular attendance at church is crucial for building a strong community. When we miss church, we are missed, and our presence is valuable to the church family. [45:33]
4. Serving with Our Gifts: Each of us has unique gifts that God has given us to build up the church. Whether through official roles or simply encouraging others, we all have a part to play. Discovering and using our spiritual gifts is essential for serving the church effectively. [49:12]
5. Family on Mission: As our church family grows, there are more opportunities to serve. We must be intentional about using our gifts to serve one another and build up the church. This involves both practical tasks and spiritual encouragement, ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected. [53:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[09:07] - Announcements and Offering
[09:59] - Celebrating the Past Year
[23:14] - Baptisms and Events
[24:06] - New Ministries and Partnerships
[25:38] - Growth in Attendance
[27:06] - Intentional Hospitality
[30:53] - Living in Community
[45:33] - Consistent Gathering
[49:12] - Serving with Our Gifts
[53:30] - Family on Mission
[54:15] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 4:8-11: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
2. Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
3. Romans 12:10-11: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 4:8-11, what are the specific actions we are encouraged to take towards one another?
2. What does Hebrews 10:24-25 say about the importance of meeting together regularly?
3. In Romans 12:10-11, what attitudes and behaviors are we encouraged to exhibit towards one another?
4. How did the pastor describe the growth in church attendance and its implications for community and hospitality? [27:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does 1 Peter 4:8 emphasize loving each other deeply? How does this love cover a multitude of sins?
2. What might be the reasons Hebrews 10:24-25 stresses the importance of not giving up meeting together? How does this relate to building a strong community?
3. How can the exhortation in Romans 12:10-11 to "honor one another above yourselves" be practically lived out in a church setting?
4. The pastor mentioned the need for intentional hospitality as the church grows. What are some practical ways to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and integrated? [31:39]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were new to a community. How did the actions of others make you feel welcomed or unwelcome? How can you apply this experience to greet newcomers at church? [32:14]
2. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to meet together regularly. What are some obstacles that prevent you from attending church consistently, and how can you overcome them?
3. Romans 12:10-11 talks about honoring one another above ourselves. Identify a specific way you can honor someone in your church community this week.
4. The pastor emphasized the importance of using our gifts to serve the church. What are your spiritual gifts, and how can you use them to serve your church family? [49:12]
5. Think about the concept of "intentional hospitality." What is one specific action you can take this week to make a newcomer feel more connected to the church community? [31:39]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of building relationships not just on Sundays but throughout the week. What is one step you can take to connect with someone from your church outside of the Sunday service? [41:46]
7. How can you contribute to creating a consistent community within the church, ensuring that both new and long-time members feel valued and connected? [45:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Hospitality
As our church family grows, we must be intentional about making newcomers feel welcome. This involves greeting them, building relationships, and ensuring they feel connected. Hospitality is not just about saying hello but about integrating new members into the life of the church. [31:39]
Intentional hospitality is more than just a friendly greeting at the door; it is about creating a sense of belonging for every person who walks through our church doors. This means taking the time to get to know newcomers, inviting them to join in church activities, and helping them find their place within the community. It involves being proactive in reaching out and making sure that no one feels like an outsider.
By showing genuine interest and care, we can help new members feel valued and connected. This kind of hospitality reflects the love of Christ and helps to build a strong, welcoming church family. As we grow, let's commit to being intentional in our efforts to make everyone feel at home.
Romans 12:13: "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Reflection: Think of a newcomer you have seen at church recently. How can you reach out to them this week to make them feel more connected and welcomed?
Day 2: Living in Community
Scripture describes the church as a family, and we are called to love one another deeply. Building intentional community means getting to know each other, meeting needs, and being present for one another. This involves both formal gatherings and informal meetups throughout the week. [41:46]
Living in community means more than just attending church services; it involves actively participating in each other's lives. This can be through small groups, prayer meetings, or simply spending time together outside of church. By building strong relationships, we can support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.
Being part of a community means being there for each other in times of need, celebrating together in times of joy, and growing together in our walk with Christ. It is about creating a network of support and accountability that helps us to live out our faith in practical ways.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your church community could use some encouragement or support this week? How can you be present for them in a meaningful way?
Day 3: Consistent Gathering
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us not to give up meeting together. Regular attendance at church is crucial for building a strong community. When we miss church, we are missed, and our presence is valuable to the church family. [45:33]
Consistent gathering is essential for fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the church. Regular attendance allows us to build deeper relationships, grow in our faith, and stay connected to the life of the church. It is through these gatherings that we can worship together, learn from God's Word, and encourage one another.
When we prioritize gathering together, we demonstrate our commitment to the church family and to our own spiritual growth. It is a way of showing that we value our community and the role it plays in our lives.
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Reflect on your attendance at church gatherings. Is there a way you can be more consistent in your participation? How can you encourage others to do the same?
Day 4: Serving with Our Gifts
Each of us has unique gifts that God has given us to build up the church. Whether through official roles or simply encouraging others, we all have a part to play. Discovering and using our spiritual gifts is essential for serving the church effectively. [49:12]
God has equipped each of us with specific gifts and talents that are meant to be used for the benefit of the church. These gifts can take many forms, from teaching and leadership to hospitality and encouragement. By identifying and using our gifts, we can contribute to the growth and health of the church community.
Serving with our gifts is not just about filling roles or completing tasks; it is about using what God has given us to make a difference in the lives of others. When we serve, we reflect the love of Christ and help to build a stronger, more vibrant church family.
1 Peter 4:10: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What are your spiritual gifts? How can you use them to serve your church community this week?
Day 5: Family on Mission
As our church family grows, there are more opportunities to serve. We must be intentional about using our gifts to serve one another and build up the church. This involves both practical tasks and spiritual encouragement, ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected. [53:30]
Being a family on mission means that we are united in our purpose to serve Jesus and make His love known. As our church grows, we have more opportunities to serve and make an impact. This requires intentionality in using our gifts and talents to meet the needs of the church and the community.
Serving as a family on mission involves both practical tasks, such as setting up for events or helping with childcare, and spiritual encouragement, such as praying for one another and offering support. By working together, we can create a church environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
Ephesians 4:16: "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the mission of your church family this week? What practical or spiritual ways can you serve to help build up the community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a lot to celebrate over this past year. It's been a great year. I know you're like, it's June. It's not, you know, it's not January. It's like the way we kind of look at a ministry year here at Lincoln Glen is our fiscal year ends today, and so we kind of look at it like fresh start that way. And so we have like kind of a school year of ministry, and then we're looking forward to the next school year. But we have a lot to celebrate from this past year. We had five baptisms, three college age, a junior higher, and about a 30-something-year-old." [23:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We prayed and we grieved together in the midst of difficult times, in the midst of losing loved ones. We were there for each other. We explored God's word together. We saw people growing in their faith, asking questions, diving deeper into the relationship to Jesus. And so just have that opportunity for us to grow closer to Jesus together. We saw new people stepping up to serve in various ways, which is always exciting to see." [24:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We welcomed new members into our church. We had a lot to celebrate. And so today we're going to celebrate that. We're pausing from our Colossians series that we're doing this summer just to celebrate what God has done and to look forward to the next year. And we'll get back into Colossians next week." [25:38] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We see here in Romans 12, 10 to 11 says love one another with brotherly affection means like a family kind of affection. The same with a brother or a sister would love their family, love one another with a brotherly or sisterly affection, outdo one another, and showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." [31:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christlike hospitality makes strangers into family. That we can turn someone who, hey, I'm just checking out Lincoln Glen, to no, I feel like I'm a part of the family. So Christlike hospitality can turn strangers into family." [41:17] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We started a new youth group with our friends from Toccoa Church, who's a church, well, not really a church plant anymore, but four or five years old, and they just moved to Willow Glen. So we started doing that together with them, which has been great, taking some of their students, taking some of our students, taking some of their leaders, taking some of our leaders, and putting on a youth group for junior high and high school age students. Then two weeks ago, we had our first gathering in a very long time for college age people. And there are plans in the future. We've done the work right now to get more things going for them." [24:51] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It did change things, but it was all good. We just, the more your family grows, the more intentional you have to be. Because when, when, when there's a new baby, there's a lot of extra nurturing and care that has to happen there. And so, and there's also this like, Hey, you're, you're new to the world. You're new to our family. We got to get you integrated into the family, but at the same time, not trying to abandon those that have been in the older kids who've been in the family for a longer period of time. But you just, you just have to be intentional as our church family grows." [29:50] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So practically, what can we do to show intentional hospitality? This is not everything, but here's just a few things. One, just talk to visitors. When you see someone who's new, go talk to them. You know, maybe they're not your age group. Maybe they're not, you don't feel like you can relate to them. That's okay. Go talk to them. Get to know them. Welcome people as they come in. Maybe even sit with them." [39:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Christ-like community is lived out very intentionally. Jesus lived very intentionally. And if there was ever anyone that didn't really need community it would be Jesus. Yet Jesus surrounded himself in community. He lived and he served and he put others. He said the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve. And to give his life for a ransom for many. And so we see Jesus live this out. And so we are called to live out community in a very intentional way." [44:59] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what can I do? Just be at church regularly. I think one thing that we forget is when we miss church we think oh man I missed church. But I also want you to know when you miss church you are missed. And I want you to understand that I'm talking about you. You are missed. I'm trying to look at every one of you while I say this. You are missed. You really are. You bring something to the table. Whether you serve. Whether you were just here with your smile and your personality and who you are. You are missed when you're not here." [46:01] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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