Try a Different Approach

If what you are doing for clean laundry is not working, try something else. If your tough ground in stains are not coming out in the wash, try another stain remover. Somebody said: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” If our go-to brand of laundry detergent is not producing the results we desire, maybe, change brands.

Lots of folks speak about frustration when a friend or family member is unable/unwilling to schedule Jesus and Church in their regular weekly routine. Everyone is busy, for sure. What if we tried a new approach; like changing our laundry detergent? Families are way overbooked. I think many people would like to find a little space for God again.

How should we make best use of our time and words for the invite in our modern world. Here is a story I found helpful.

“A lady, new follower of Jesus, didn’t know much Bible. She felt under worthy to DO much in the church. She saw herself as under qualified. She couldn’t sing, teach, help in the technology booth; couldn’t stand the smell of diapers and didn’t like coffee. She felt unhelpful.

She was so grateful for having gotten her Jesus story started. She just had to DO something, be a volunteer, make a home visit, whatever was needed. She decided to try her luck and knock on door ‘cold-turkey’ without knowing anyone.

The church had a small gathering of regulars who made visits. They gave her some printed material, a small paperback devotional to hand out and 5 potential addresses. 3 or 4 other volunteers met at the church, said a short prayer and off the lady went to knock on doors.

She got to the first house and found a barefoot kid, in a chilly house, who opened the door. The mom came toting another kid. Everyone looked a bit weather worn. The mom said, the dad was in a back room asleep. He had been out of work for 6 months and depressed. The church lady whipped out the paperback devotional, opened the cover and put the kids foot down and traced it. She did the same with the other kid mom was holding.

This church lady left, headed to a shoe store, bought shoes, socks, and some other stuff, dropping them off at the door. The church lady reported back to the church and explained she hardly got anywhere. She had spent all her time at one house. She FELT LIKE A FAILURE.

Months later this family had become a regular. The dad had a real job. Somebody asked WHY they came to start with? Mom said: ‘We never saw people CARE like you did!’ ”

What if fewer words and more action is best? Just be kind. Go the extra mile. Do something good. Join us this weekend, Journey Church Sat@6pm/Sun@10:30am. Part two of our series JAMES.. being above average!  Let’s talk about the faith approach—less talking—more doing as part of the plan. DO something. Help others learn Jesus is for everybody.

James, chapter 2. Care, Share, and Dare… a new approach for people who don’t go to church.