Creating Lasting Impressions: The Ministry of Helps
Summary
In today's session, we explored the critical role of the Ministry of Helps in winning first-time visitors to our churches. It's a common misconception that the pastor is solely responsible for whether visitors return. However, the truth is that the first impression is often made long before the pastor is seen or heard. The initial interactions visitors have with church members, from the parking lot to the sanctuary, significantly influence their decision to return. This underscores the importance of every member's role in the church, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:28, where the ministry of helps is recognized as a supernatural ministry established by God.
We examined the story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 9, drawing parallels to how first-time visitors perceive our churches. The Queen noticed Solomon's wisdom, the house he built, the meat on his table, the sitting of his servants, and the apparel of his ministers. These observations reflect the importance of how we present our church environment and ourselves. The Queen's experience teaches us that visitors are keenly observant and that their impressions are shaped by what they see and experience.
The session emphasized the need for a welcoming and vibrant church atmosphere. Simple actions like maintaining a well-kept exterior, ensuring friendly and helpful interactions, and demonstrating a spirit of excellence in all areas can make a significant difference. It's about creating an environment where visitors feel the presence of God and the love of the community from the moment they arrive.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a church experience that leaves visitors breathless, much like the Queen of Sheba, who was so moved by her visit that she acknowledged the presence of God. This is the essence of the Ministry of Helps—being the hands and feet of Christ, ensuring that every visitor feels valued and welcomed, and paving the way for them to encounter God in a meaningful way.
Key Takeaways:
1. First Impressions Matter: The first person a visitor meets can significantly influence their decision to return. It's crucial for church members to be welcoming and attentive, as these initial interactions set the tone for the visitor's experience. [01:00]
2. The Ministry of Helps is Biblical: 1 Corinthians 12:28 highlights the ministry of helps as a vital part of the church. This ministry involves rendering assistance and providing support, demonstrating that every member's role is essential in God's plan. [01:45]
3. Attention to Detail: Like the Queen of Sheba, visitors notice the details, from the church's appearance to the demeanor of its members. Ensuring that these details reflect excellence and care can create a positive and lasting impression. [04:01]
4. Leadership Sets the Tone: The behavior and commitment of church leaders influence the congregation. Leaders should model faithfulness and enthusiasm, as people rarely rise above the level of their leadership. [12:18]
5. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: A church should be a place where visitors feel the presence of God and the warmth of the community. This involves more than just the pastor's message; it's about the entire church body working together to create an inviting and spiritually enriching environment. [20:05]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Importance of First Impressions
[01:45] - Biblical Foundation of the Ministry of Helps
[02:35] - The Value of Gospel Helpers
[03:29] - Lessons from the Queen of Sheba
[04:01] - The Power of Sight and Perception
[05:13] - The Significance of Church Appearance
[06:06] - Creating Life Inside and Out
[07:41] - The First Six Minutes
[09:33] - The Impact of Church Attendance
[12:18] - Leadership and Congregational Influence
[15:19] - The Role of Apparel and Attitude
[20:05] - Giving Visitors Hope
[23:49] - The Breathless Experience
[30:20] - The Generosity of First-Time Visitors
[32:21] - Conclusion: The Infinite Value of Helpers
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Ministry of Helps and First Impressions
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
- 2 Chronicles 9:1-8
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, what roles are mentioned as part of the church, and how is the Ministry of Helps described? [01:45]
2. In 2 Chronicles 9, what were the specific things the Queen of Sheba noticed during her visit to Solomon? How do these observations relate to first-time visitors in a church setting? [04:01]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of the first person a visitor meets at church? How does this relate to the overall experience of a visitor? [01:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of church leaders in setting the tone for the congregation? [12:18]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Ministry of Helps, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:28, contribute to the overall mission of the church? Why is it considered a supernatural ministry? [01:45]
2. Reflecting on the Queen of Sheba's observations, what might be the modern equivalent in a church setting that visitors notice and evaluate? [04:01]
3. Why might the first six minutes of a visitor's experience be crucial in determining whether they return to a church? What elements contribute to this critical timeframe? [07:41]
4. How can the demeanor and actions of church leaders influence the congregation's attitude and behavior? What are the potential consequences of leaders not being aligned with the church's vision? [12:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Think about your role in the church. How can you contribute to making a positive first impression on visitors? What specific actions can you take to be more welcoming? [01:00]
2. Reflect on the appearance and atmosphere of your church. Are there areas that could be improved to create a more inviting environment for visitors? What steps can you take to initiate these changes? [06:06]
3. Consider the first six minutes of a visitor's experience at your church. What are some practical ways you can enhance this initial interaction to ensure it is positive and memorable? [07:41]
4. How can you, as a church member, support and encourage your leaders to maintain enthusiasm and commitment to the church's vision? What role can you play in fostering a positive leadership environment? [12:18]
5. Reflect on your personal attitude and presentation when serving in the church. How can you ensure that you are giving your best to God and setting a positive example for others? [15:19]
6. How can you help create a church culture where visitors feel the presence of God and the warmth of the community from the moment they arrive? What specific actions can you take to contribute to this atmosphere? [20:05]
7. Identify one area in your church where the Ministry of Helps could be strengthened. What steps can you take to be part of this improvement, and how can you encourage others to join you? [32:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of First Impressions
The initial moments when a visitor arrives at a church can set the tone for their entire experience. These first impressions are crucial, as they often determine whether a visitor will return. It's not just about the pastor's message; it's about the warmth and attentiveness of the congregation. From the parking lot to the sanctuary, every interaction matters. Church members are encouraged to be welcoming and attentive, ensuring that visitors feel valued and seen. This approach aligns with the biblical principle of hospitality and reflects the love of Christ in action. [01:00]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you were a visitor somewhere. What made you feel welcome or unwelcome? How can you apply that experience to how you greet newcomers at church?
Day 2: The Ministry of Helps as a Divine Calling
The Ministry of Helps is a biblical concept that emphasizes the importance of every member's role in the church. According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, this ministry is a supernatural calling established by God. It involves rendering assistance and providing support, demonstrating that each person's contribution is vital to the church's mission. This perspective challenges the misconception that only pastors or leaders are responsible for the church's success. Instead, it highlights the collective effort required to create a thriving spiritual community. [01:45]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to support your church community in a way that aligns with the Ministry of Helps?
Day 3: Attention to Detail Reflects God's Excellence
Visitors, much like the Queen of Sheba, notice the details when they enter a church. From the appearance of the building to the demeanor of its members, these details can create a lasting impression. Ensuring that the church environment reflects excellence and care is a way to honor God and serve others. This attention to detail is not about perfection but about creating a space where people can encounter God and feel His presence. It is a reflection of the church's commitment to serving with excellence. [04:01]
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your church environment that could be improved to better reflect God's excellence? How can you contribute to making that change?
Day 4: Leadership's Influence on Congregational Culture
The behavior and commitment of church leaders significantly influence the congregation. Leaders set the tone for the church's culture, and their faithfulness and enthusiasm can inspire others to rise to the same level. This principle underscores the importance of leadership that models Christ-like behavior and fosters a spirit of unity and purpose within the church. When leaders demonstrate a genuine commitment to their faith and community, it encourages others to do the same, creating a vibrant and spiritually enriching environment. [12:18]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a leader who has positively influenced your faith journey. What qualities did they exhibit, and how can you emulate those qualities in your own life?
Day 5: Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere for God's Presence
A church should be a place where visitors feel the presence of God and the warmth of the community. This involves more than just the pastor's message; it's about the entire church body working together to create an inviting and spiritually enriching environment. Simple actions like maintaining a well-kept exterior, ensuring friendly interactions, and demonstrating a spirit of excellence can make a significant difference. The goal is to create a church experience that leaves visitors breathless, much like the Queen of Sheba, who was moved by her visit to Solomon. [20:05]
"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:1, 16, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere at your church? How can you help others feel the presence of God from the moment they arrive?
Quotes
1) "You know, I want to show to you how valuable and how important you are to your church. It's not an accident that you're in the church that you're in. You know, 1 Corinthians 12, verse 28. Again, let's establish that the ministry of helps is in the Bible. It says, And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, and there it is, it's still there, helps, governments and diversities of tongues. We've been learning that the ministry of helps is a supernatural ministry. It's a ministry that God set into the church." [01:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Now, you know, the experts say that within the first six minutes, when a new family drives into the parking lot, they will determine if they return or not to that church, the first six minutes. And again, what do they see in the first six minutes? Who do they meet? In the first six, six minutes. Is it old brother Fred that used to be a sanctuary usher, but he was a little rough with people. So what are we going to do for brother Fred? Well, let's put him in the parking lot with the cars. So old brother Fred's out there. Do you park it between the lines? Grab those kids hands. We need three foot speed bumps out here. Nursery. I don't know where the nursery is at. Find somebody who's got a baby and follow them." [08:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "People never go beyond their leadership. However, the leadership is in the church. That's the way the people will be. If the leaders aren't faithful, they're not committed. If they're not excited about the vision, I can guarantee you this. The people that are under them will not be faithful, not be committed and will not be excited about the vision. Now I'm, I'm personally believe that leadership should never sit beyond the second row in a church. Got quiet again, didn't it? Yeah. Let me tell you why. How can you lead someone if you sit behind them?" [12:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I'm talking about an attitude. I'm talking about when you wake up on Sunday morning, you know, you're going to be serving in the house of God. What is your attitude when you come to your clothes closet? Do you just throw open the door and go? Well, it's clean. That is a care less attitude. And I thank God that God doesn't have a care less attitude with me, you know, and I know you got something better in that closet and what's just clean. Now, I think we ought to give God our best, but now listen to me. Don't turn me off. Listen to me. Your best and my best might not be made out of the same material. Are you hearing me? Your best and my best might not cost the same amount of money. Are you hearing me?" [16:27] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Listen, I'm not a hard person. Okay. But ministry of helps. We're supposed to give people hope when they walk into the church. Okay. If they don't have hope, they're not going to receive faith. So we got to give them hope. You know, when that person at the door has to have a smile on their face, you know, give them hope. People that are singing songs, they need to smile while they're up there singing. Give people hope. You know, God's on the, on the throne. Jesus is alive. Amen. Give them hope. Why? Because faith is, is coming. Pastor's going to stand up and give them faith, but they won't be able to receive that faith if they have no hope." [20:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "You know, I have people tell me it's hard to get people to come to church, brother, buddy. And I tell these people, it's not hard. It's not hard to get people to come to church. You don't have to be, you don't have to quote scripture to people. You don't have to act spiritual around them. You know, to get them to come to church, just talk about your church. That's all you got to do. Curiosity is the number one thing that draws people to church. Amen. Curiosity. Sooner or later, their curiosity is going to peak and then they'll come. Someone was talking outside of the four walls and the queen of Sheba heard about. So she was going to come to what? To see with her own eyes." [24:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "She said, blessed be the Lord, thy God, which did lighter than the, they said, he only set the, on his throne to be king for the Lord, thy God, because I, God love Israel to establish them forever. Therefore made a king over them, do judgment and justice. Now she got saved. Why? Because she probably walked into a church that had just had a Buddy Bell seminar. Learn about the ministry of helps. Probably walked into a church where the greeters had a smile on their face because they knew Jesus was there with them. Greeters that, that, that was there to help people. And that family walked in. They, they hugged them. They, they answered all their questions. They told them where everything was at. And they probably walked away going, oh wow, man, God's at the door." [27:51] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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