Media and Economic Woes
As we face a dark time in our nation's economic history, many churches have been forced to start trimming budgets. Our observations have shown that not only are people failing to GIVE, but they are also starting to attend services less. With soaring gas prices, many folks, especially long distance commuters, are having to make decisions about what services they can afford to attend and how many times a week they are able to travel to church. As budgets are slashed, OVM would like to encourage churches and ministries to consider the opportunity of media and communication ministries during this time. With many folks unable to attend regular services, video and audio services posted online can be an awesome way to reach out to your congregation and help them maintain a relationship with the church.
I would also like to recommend setting up social groups and message boards. This is a tried and PROVEN method of helping church members stay involved, even those that are stationed in the military, missionaries, part time members, etc. are given an opportunity to feel like they are still a part of their congregation. In larger churches this approach even presents an opportunity to allow members to get to know others in the congregation that they may never come in contact with during a normal service.
I know this isn't a popular belief among many folks (especially fellow Baptists), but a change in society DOES require that we rethink our ministry approach. Ancient Jews did not worship the way we do in today's services. If you don't believe me, do an in-depth study of Leviticus. The "Old Time Way" isn't about singing "Amazing Grace" and "Victory in Jesus. I personally love the old hymns, but the church was not founded on our method of worship. I believe we sometimes confuse cultural tradition with God's will. The church was not founded in the 1800s. It is much older than that. The early church didn't have church musicals, fellowship time, gospel concerts, sanctuary choirs or even church picnics. The hymns of today are relatively new. God never changes, but sometimes we must rethink our ministry strategy and even how we worship. Think about it. Pray about it. Follow God!
In Christ,
Shawn Howell
I would also like to recommend setting up social groups and message boards. This is a tried and PROVEN method of helping church members stay involved, even those that are stationed in the military, missionaries, part time members, etc. are given an opportunity to feel like they are still a part of their congregation. In larger churches this approach even presents an opportunity to allow members to get to know others in the congregation that they may never come in contact with during a normal service.
I know this isn't a popular belief among many folks (especially fellow Baptists), but a change in society DOES require that we rethink our ministry approach. Ancient Jews did not worship the way we do in today's services. If you don't believe me, do an in-depth study of Leviticus. The "Old Time Way" isn't about singing "Amazing Grace" and "Victory in Jesus. I personally love the old hymns, but the church was not founded on our method of worship. I believe we sometimes confuse cultural tradition with God's will. The church was not founded in the 1800s. It is much older than that. The early church didn't have church musicals, fellowship time, gospel concerts, sanctuary choirs or even church picnics. The hymns of today are relatively new. God never changes, but sometimes we must rethink our ministry strategy and even how we worship. Think about it. Pray about it. Follow God!
In Christ,
Shawn Howell
posted by onevoice at 8:26 PM
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