Becoming A Better Church Member

[Dr. Shane]

This is not about salvation, so let's not get side-tracked there. This is about touching lives and being a blessing to others. Everyone can choose up to three choices. Let's talk about that.

Often times I hear people criticize the church but I don't think many realize how easy it is to make things better.

[ClubV12]

"Study the Sabbath School lesson and talk more in class."

Uh,,, I need to talk LESS in class and give more time to others to express themselves.

[phkrause]

"Study the Sabbath School lesson and talk more in class."

Uh,,, I need to talk LESS in class and give more time to others to express themselves.

I wasn't gonna say anything but since you mentioned it... hahahahahahahaha just kidding. :)

[ClubV12]

Actually that IS an issue in my Sabbath school class for many of us. There are such good bible students in that class (I feel really blessed to learn from them) the comments come thick and fast!

The concern is that those that are a little more timid might not be able to get in a word here and there. :)

[LifeHiscost]

Quote:

Establish an inactive ministry (prison ministries, Adventurers, etc.)

Why is it perceived that prison ministry is inactive"

" I was in prison, and you visited me.’"

Matthew 25:36 NLT

That sounds like it's necessary to be or get active to be successful.

God Blesses!

[Dr. Shane]

The Sabbath School teacher should try to get more participation from the class members. However, sometimes so few people have actually studied their lesson, that only a couple of members know enough about the lesson to be able to share.

Each of us can be a better member.. and that means touching more lives. That is what I would like to think my ministry is all about. I want to touch lives and help people improve the quality of their lives.

[Dr. Shane]

Quote:

Establish an inactive ministry (prison ministries, Adventurers, etc.)

Why is it perceived that prison ministry is inactive"

Many congregations are so small that don't have all the ministries active that are established in their conference or union. I have been involved in a few churches without a prison ministries. I was involved in one church where one man went to the jail every Sabbath afternoon to do Bible studies but I don't think anyone ever went with him. I have been to a prison once to do Bible studies and went to a jail on several occasions to do 12-Step meetings. It is a rewarding ministry.

[cricket]

What happens when you do all those things, and no one else is doing them? Each of those ministries/activities start to fail, and the ones who were previously involved end up getting frustrated and stop going too.

I chose "other" in the poll--the thing that can make each of us better church members is to become true friends to one another and encourage one another to participate more fully.

Potluck next week? Call another member, remind them of the event and tell them you hope they'll sit by you because you want to catch up with them! Afterward, tell them you enjoyed talking with them and invite them to your home that evening for socializing--or the next day for a bike ride, or whatever.

Prayer meeting Wednesday night? Ask a couple of friends to join you for dinner before hand. If it's nice outside, make it a tailgate picnic!

Sabbath school lesson in the morning? Call a friend Friday night and ask them what they think about something you read in the quarterly--if they haven't read it, let them know how interesting you thought it was and that you'd hope they'd join you in the morning to discuss it further!

Already volunteer with an established ministry? Talk with others about it--show them pictures, ask for their help, ask them to join you next time just so they'll know what it's like.

Can't volunteer for some reason? Instead, be an encourager to those who do volunteer. Ask them how it's going; pray with them; volunteer to make phone calls, write e-mails; volunteer ideas (but don't expect them to be implemented at once).

[Amelia]

I always wanted to volunteer with Pathfinders. But I thought that an adult w/o children working with children would seem creepy to parents.

[nuff sed]

Not at all creepy..... I was a Mission/Conf./Union/Pathfinder leader over a 9 yr. period. Some of the best Pathfinder people I met were 'singles' who genuinely loved kids and wanted to help out. Some had 'more time' to devote because they did not have families to 'look after'. We need 'MORE" of them... Nuff sed

[Dr. Shane]

I think a lot of women that never had children feel called into children ministries. I think it is a very rewarding ministry.