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Back to Church Sunday
by Richelle Thompson on August 31, 2011
I’m not normally a fan of made-up national-something-days.
They sometimes seem contrived, like National Uncles who Once Took You Fishing Day (and you can buy the card at Hallmark).
But I might be willing to get on board with this one, especially if it means I get to promote the video.
I noticed on Facebook today this message: “Church … it really is all about relationship.” Intrigued, I clicked the link for the video.
Apparently Back to Church Sunday is Sept. 18. Who knew?
But this video is great. Not only does it speak to those who aren’t involved in a church but it helps those of us who are find some language to express our church to friends. So often the hardest part of evangelism is knowing what to say, not wanting to sound too preachy. We’re self-conscious that way. What I love about this video is that it offers some ways for us to engage in genuine, sincere conversation. Maybe it can infuse us with the courage to be vulnerable, to ask the questions: What keeps you from trying church? Why did you stop coming? What scares you?
If the conversations begin, then maybe having a specially designated Sunday’s not a bad idea. At least, it’s a start.
But this video is great. Not only does it speak to those who aren’t involved in a church but it helps those of us who are find some language to express our church to friends. So often the hardest part of evangelism is knowing what to say, not wanting to sound too preachy. We’re self-conscious that way. What I love about this video is that it offers some ways for us to engage in genuine, sincere conversation. Maybe it can infuse us with the courage to be vulnerable, to ask the questions: What keeps you from trying church? Why did you stop coming? What scares you?
If the conversations begin, then maybe having a specially designated Sunday’s not a bad idea. At least, it’s a start.
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Anna Carmichael on September 6, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Almost every church I've worked in has some kind of "Back to Church" or "Homecoming" Sunday...usually the 1st Sunday after the local schools start. It's too bad the Episcopal Church hasn't come up with this kind of honest video that we could upload to our websites/facebook pages.
Julianne Sifers on September 8, 2011 at 2:01 pm
This is exactly what we need for our Web site Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration!
Vanessa Clark on September 17, 2011 at 10:11 pm
This is a fantastic concept. Definitely want to build a focused "event" for this at the parish next year. We won't be using the "National Back to Church Sunday" organization's materials, though the video is spot on. Their required "Statement of Faith" (http://backtochurch.com/add_your_church/statement_of_faith) lacks Christ's own teaching on scripture: Matthew 22:36-40.