Open Doors (April 22, 2007)

This new series (through the end of May) focuses on what it means to have "open doors" as the church of Jesus Christ. Before we complete this series, you will find specific ways in which you can help "open the doors" of Bellville United Methodist Church.


One of the most notable "open doors" churches of our day and time is the Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago area. Read here about how Willow Creek was launched as an outgrowth of a successful youth ministry. Read here about how Willow Creek seeks to address those who might be called "seekers."


Early Methodism under John Wesley was certainly targeted much more toward the seeker outside the church walls than toward the insider who already knew the Lord!! This was not at all easy for Wesley, as it went against some of the traditions in which he had grown up. Read here about the adjustments Wesley had to make in order to open the doors of ministry!

When Wesley was criticized for some of his unusual methods for drawing a crowd, he responded boldly: "I set myself on fire, and people come watch me burn."


Key Scriptures for April 22:

JOHN 10:9 (nkjv). Jesus said, I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

PSALM 84:10 (nrsv). A day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.

MATTHEW 7:13-14 (nlt). You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

So why would God make the good gate so narrow. Certainly it may have something to do with the incredible gift of freedom God gave us. With great freedom comes great responsibility. In any case it seems clear that there are multiple dangerous paths in the world out there, and sometimes it is difficult to choose the road that leads to life.

You have the opportunity to be a doorkeeper for someone else to find a godly path. Every decision we make is an opportunity to be a doorkeeper for the Lord.



Click here and read the Parable of the Lighthouse.

What similarities do you see between what happened at the lighthouse and what sometimes happens in the church of today?


Watch some of the television spots that have been developed to communicate the message of "open hearts...open minds...open doors..."