We've had two services so far, one on Feb 6th, and the other on Feb 20th. The second service went really well, running a lot smoother than the first one. We also had 3 more people come, who again, had never been to church before. The overall size of the congregation also grew. So even though we've only had two services, it's growing in every way possible!
We're coming up to our third service, which will be on March 12th. Up to now, I'm still looking for guitarists who can play for this one, but I'm sure it'll all be good. The theme for the next service will be God's Heart, and writing the short introduction/talk, is proving to be the biggest challenge yet. But again, I've found with the last two services, that somehow, everything seems to fall into place 5 minutes before I'm due to talk. Maybe saying that is tempting fate though?
The music side of things is great, so people say, and as each service goes by, I'm learning how to lead worship more effectively. The band, although we've got a core group of musicians who play every service, I'm still looking for a few other people who are able to play each service.
I've received a lot of good comments about my 'talk' after the worship, people have told me they learn a lot from it, which is great. The group discussions however, haven't really had anything positive said about them from many people. There's about two people who have said they learn things from the discussion, however, they both said they enjoy the talk more. Many other people say they don't learn anything at all from them, and some people who come actually feel uncomfortable sitting through them. I've talked to many people who have said they won't come if they have to sit in groups, even if they know they're not expected to talk. So in that respect, the group discussions are keeping many people away.
In an ideal situation, I'd like to see my 'talk' last a few minutes longer. During that time I'll be able to go into more detail about the theme. Additionally, I'd like to use the media - e.g, I'd use a short film clip, and then talk about how the clip relates to the theme. This is one of the ways I'll be able to relate the theme to modern life. This would also allow the talk to run for a few minutes more. Doing all of this, without the group discussions, will probably not last as long, so the service will either finish sooner, or we'll see what else would be worthwhile having. At the end however, I'd still like people to have the opportunity to discuss their ideas/thoughts in groups, just like we do now, however, it will be optional, and will probably take place in another room. This way, people are free to join the group if they wish, but people who feel uncomfortable in groups will not need to join. Like I said though - this is an ideal situation, there's probably many problems with me doing that, so a lot of prayer is needed to see whether God wants me to lead this in a slightly different direction, or whether He wants it to stay the same.
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9 comments:
Hi Chris
Just read your blog.
I think you may be right about the group discussions, although i quite enjoy them, some people are just very uncomfortable in them. When we met in groups the last time you could sense that some people were uncomfortable no matter how much you try to put them at ease!
I like the idea of a film clip or maybe you could show a Nooma DVD, perhaps some people could relate to them!
Have you thought about having a short meditation after your talk, I have something you could perhaps read after it next time (or it may not be what you want) its called 'The drawing of God's heart'. You have used part of it in a prayer that i wrote for you in the past. If you don't use that one there are bound to be some good pieces you could use particularly with Easter coming. Then after the meditation sing a couple of quiet worship songs so people can reflect on what they have heard. They can either join in and sing or just sit quietly and listen to the words.
Then try and make it a bit more upbeat and sing a lively song at the end, and invite people to stay and talk for a short while if they want to, they could use it as a time of fellowship.
Anyway, just an idea - although i may have got hold of the wrong end of the stick completely.
I think they're really good ideas. I agree with you about the group discussions and also know folk who wouldn't come jut because that is part of the evening.
Apart from that I've heard nothing but positive responses, so it seems to be going well.
They're some great ideas Pat, thanks!
Chris,
This is sounding so good. You have put a lot of thought and prayer into all that you are leading and I can tell God is not only at work in your church, the service and Crewe, but God is at work in you.
Pat's ideas are really good, something very much worth thinking about. Also, don't know if it would work in this type of service but maybe a response at the end - like what Pat is saying - have people have a chance to go to a prayer station or sit quietly and meditate or come to the front for prayer. Some of these things may be too much for where you are in the game, but I think Pat has got the right idea. Main thing is, you are willing to change and are not bound by the "plan". Take care and keep on Keepin' on!
Love to you all,
Amber
PS - I am 29 weeks today and baby is doing well, just found out I have gestational diabetes which I am managing with diet. I have hopefully at least 7 more weeks left but could be more if he decides to stay in longer than his brothers. :) Please continue to pray for us.
Hi Chris
Just wanted to say how i enjoyed Re:Generation last night. I enjoyed the format you used, i thought it worked, but then i may be just old!! (Don't answer that)
I enjoyed listening to Connie's testimony, i have heard it before but she is just so in love with Jesus its like listening to a fantastic love story, which of course is what it is.
Loved the meditation at the end with the gentle worship song, it gave me a chance to sit and reflect on what you said, and how much God loves me..... even me!
I filled my questionare in about the discussion groups, and did feel it was better without them although i quite enjoyed them, just listening to other people and sharing thoughts, feelings and our faith with each other really helps to make us grow.
It was nice that you had a couple of games out to play after, but don't know if i would do that every week. I just wonder if it may be better they go out thinking about what they have heard.
Love you!
Keep on letting God use you.
HI AMBER
WOW! only about 6 weeks left then now, time seems to have gone so quickly since we were in USA ~ still miss all you guys, say hi to Preston and Joshua. A friend of our who leads our Youth Fellowship had a baby on 29th Feb, and she had gestational diabetes, which disappeared when Kaitlin was born - 8lb 9oz and healthy and beautiful just like your little boy will be.
God Bless, and we do remember you all in our prayers. xx
I knew you’d be on here sometime between office hours!
I thought it went much smoother last night also – however, nobody came to the discussion group after the service ended, which, I can’t decide wither that’s because some people don’t like them, or because the groups were optional. Next time, because it’s the last in the series, we weren’t having the groups anyway, but next time, I don’t think I’m still going to have a 20 min long discussion group session during the service, but I don’t think I’m also going to make the groups optional after the service ends. I’ll have to think how we can do it a bit differently, so those who actually want to be in the groups won’t feel uncomfortable joining.
Good idea about the games afterwards, it’s good sometimes, but not every time.
Now as Mary says, get back to work!
Morning Chris
Well, another good Re:Generation service. We really needed Graham for the first song, but urgent plumbing was required in the other room!! (leaking radiator)
Still, i thought it went really well, i enjoyed the music, its always better when everyone knows one or two songs, but then its also great to hear new songs and learn them (and dance to them too).
I thought you spoke very well - again. It makes me feel so very proud the way you stand up there and talk about your faith and its been fantastic the way you have lead these first four sessions of Re:Generation. Now we wait with eagerness for more. That's always the best way to leave your audience - wanting more!
May God continue to bless you and keep prompting you.
Not been on here in while!
Well Pat has said everything i was going to say!! So yeh i agree with everything Pat has said =] i've told you it all beofre Chris but though i'd say again... and it always good to have a dance!!
Hi to everyone in Grays Chapel!! Hope you're all doing ok!
Kat xxx
Hey Chris - Just checking your blog. ...Have a blessed day. bobby.....
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