APRIL 6 - Time for a Checkup

(NOTE: You can hear the audio of BUMC messages by going to this link.)

For this message, we reviewed "five practices of fruitful congregations," as highlighted by Bishop Robert Schnase in his recent book. (Our own Bishop Janice Riggle Huie first presented these five important concepts to us at annual conference in 2005. You can access her message in transcript form or in this audio link.)

If you want to receive a copy of Bishop Schnase's book, please call the church office, and we will order one for you - special price while supplies last is $10.00.

The five practices of fruitful congregations are listed below, along with the Bible verse that we looked at for each. Notice in each case that the "adjective" (CAPITALIZED) gives focus and power to each practice!


1. RADICAL Hospitality. This is not just being polite. It is a change of mindset. A church that focuses on cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for all. We give a big THANK YOU to our workers in guest ministries. You have helped us offer radical hospitality!

ROMANS 15:7. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

2. PASSIONATE Worship. Too often our worship experiences may lack a contagious spirit. This is not about worship style. Worship of any style can become dry and lifeless. Worship of any style can become vibrant and meaningful! It is helpful to offer worship of more than one format, so that more people can connect to the presence of God. Passionate worship is usually connected not to what is happening up front - but to what is happening in the minds, souls and bodies of the worshippers.

PSALM 84:2, 10. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God...A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

3. INTENTIONAL Faith Development. The key word is "intentional." Lots of churches offer opportunities for growing in faith. Some churches, however, are very successful in charting a clear strategy for how each element of ministry helps grow more and stronger disciples!

HEBREWS 5:12-14. I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one - baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners...solid food is for the mature.

4. RISK-TAKING Mission and Service. Our church has a long history of being involved in forms of outreach. We are challenged to go a step further to be willing to risk in our hands-on efforts.

JAMES 1:22. Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

5. EXTRAVAGANT Generosity. Sometimes our cautious approach to finances may cause us to "aim low." Although we have a strong generous spirit, we can learn from a biblical approach to faithful, visionary generosity.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:10-11. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.


Did Jesus call you to wear an apron or a bib? I ran across this story which helps clarify the difference:
Bibs or Aprons
See also this interesting article - Dirty Bibs vs. Dirty Aprons

There is also a wealth of material at the FIVE PRACTICES web site. Check it out. I especially liked Bishop Schnase's personal account of some hospitality he experienced that was - well - not very radical!

What do you think?

In which of the five areas have we seen the most improvement?

Which of the five areas is toughest for our church? For you personally?