Monthly Archive for February, 2009

They know nothing about you…

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on February 26, 2009
in Communication
. 0 Comments

Let me recommend that the local church take the approach that, “they know nothing about you” as we prepared to engage persons during the Easter Celebration.  We are 45 days from one of the greatest Christian celebrations we know, so what are we communicating to the community.

Here are a few questions I ask myself as we prepare for guests at our Easter Celebration.  This is not an exhaustive list by any means… just 5 thoughts in the area of communications that came to mind.

1.  How do they know we are here? (What is our oral, print, broadcast, and digital communication tools?  How are we flooding the city with our information?  Be as created and simple as you have bandwidth, but leave nothing to chance.)

2.  What tools are we using to communicate where we are located? (Multi-site adds complexity to this; however, with proper planning it can be done with great effectiveness.  Don’t assume people know where you are… they don’t!  Just go down to your local hardware store and ask the clerk where to find your church and I am betting they will send you somewhere else.)

3.  What times are our services? (You may find that multiple services over multiple days just might give more persons an opportunity to spend time with you…of course you’ll have to assess what is best for you.  Sometimes sheer number of expected persons will help you make this determination as well.  I pray that is the case.  Staying within your advertised times is very important as well.  Tell persons what they can expect.  Failure to stay within your allotted times doesn’t communicate well with new persons.  Some will even see it as the bait and switch, and we all know that isn’t what we are trying to do…right!)

4.  What can they expect when they get here? (Give persons an idea of where to park, who will be there to greet them and direct them to the worship center, briefly describe what they can expect during a service, you might even consider letting persons know what the normal attire is with your congregation, and if you are planning an after service meet and greet with pastors then by all means let persons know that before they arrive.)

5.  What is available for Children and Youth?  (Give persons clarity about what is available for their kids.  The worst thing that can happen is for a family to arrive thinking one thing and find out it something completely different.  And if you do not allow children of a certain age in the adult worship service, please be clear about this up front.)

Just a couple of thoughts that were running through my head… Hope they help!

Please comment with your thoughts as well.

Remember… Street to the Seat is a learning Community!

What are you reading?

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on February 23, 2009
in Uncategorized
. 0 Comments

In a recent interview I was asked, “What are you reading?”  I am actually reading several books; however, the one that makes most sense to mention is, “The Rest of God” by Mark Buchanan.  A must read!

Click on “STORE” at the top of my blog with direct link to amazon where you can see all the books on my shelf as well as recommended readings.

Widely-acclaimed author Mark Buchanan states that what we’ve really lost is “the rest of God-the rest God bestows and, with it, that part of Himself we can know only through stillness.” Stillness as a virtue is a foreign concept in our society, but there is wisdom in God’s own rhythm of work and rest. Jesus practiced Sabbath among those who had turned it into a dismal thing, a day for murmuring and finger-wagging, and He reminded them of the day’s true purpose: liberation-to heal, to feed, to rescue, to celebrate, to lavish and relish life abundant.

With this book, Buchanan reminds us of this and gives practical advice for restoring the sabbath in our lives.

Fish or Cut Bait - “Good News Fishing Ministry” chooses to fish

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on February 21, 2009
in Community
. 0 Comments

You’ve heard the old saying, “fish or cut bait.  WELL, Good News Fishing Minisry chooses to fish.  My boys and I were treated today to 4 hours of pure joy on the water thanks to Captain Don and Captain Tony of Good News Fishing Ministry.

When I speak of the heart of Street to the Seat and helping persons choose Christ and the Church, well Good News Fishing Ministry gets it to the core.  These guys are all about breaking down the walks of Christianity and meeting persons where they are.  They engage persons at the point of need and use fishing as a way of allow persons to be who they are, where they are without brick and mortar.

Might you consider this type of ministry?  Let me challenge you to say YES.

DONATE to Good News Fishing Ministry

If you are in Florida you MUST get involved with these guys.  They are ministering out of Rivera Beach, Tampa, Key Largo, and the Bahamas.  Come join the ministry and show Jesus to the world through fishing.

A thought for you fathers out there.

Published
by
Kerry Mackey
on February 17, 2009
in Community and Street to the Seat
. 0 Comments

Long time no write.  Sorry about that.

“Reflections on Life while Walking in Death” used to be the title for letters a buddy of mine was writing about his journey with cancer.  This past week he changed the title to….

“Reflections on Life”

He went on to say, “Death can walk by himself… cause he ain’t walking with me.”

What a great reminder to us that we are so blessed to walk in life.  The time we have is so precious.  My buddy reminded me this week that my greatest priority is my faith in Jesus and my second is my family.  Death is trying to take both of his, but he isn’t fighting alone.  He has turned the battle over to the Lord.

Thanks friend for reminding me what is most important.  I needed that reminder.

You are a blessing to me.