iHOPE

Reasons Why People Don't Go to Church

They applauded.

It doesn't happen very often, but people in worship last Sunday (both services) applauded a film clip- about going to church, of all things. It was titled, "Reasons Why People Don't Go to Church"

We are participating in a nation-wide campaign, "National Back to Church Sunday."  It's a clunky name, but the intent is worthy. The truth is, there are a number of reasons people choose to stay away from church. Frankly, some of them are healthy reasons. All churches make mistakes. Some become toxic.

That is why I liked the clip we showed last Sunday. It highlighted some of the honest reasons people choose not to go to church. And then it went the next step. It gave answers we believe in. Some are fairly flippant- but some are authentic and heartfelt. It describes a place we all want our church to be. When we get it wrong, it hurts. When we get it right, we cheer.

September 16th is "National Back to Church Sunday". I am challenging everyone to identify and pray for,  five people who don't go to church. As we pray for them, pray for opportunities to invite them to church with you. Not the kind of invitation that is forced and makes everyone feel awkward (we will have an example of that this Sunday!), but one that is genuine and natural. Ask God to open a door- and then be ready when it opens.

Part of the preparation is identifying and praying for others. Just as important, reaffirm the kind of church we want to be- the kind you would want to invite a friend. Watch the clip and then determine to do your part to continue to make New Hope the kind of church people want to applaud. 

Reasons People Don't Go to Church

 

 

 

Who Should Be Here?

Sunday, September 16th is

"Back to Church Sunday"

Who should be here?

• Maybe they got distracted and drifted away
• Maybe they got hurt- or angry,  and decided to leave
• Maybe they got bored- or overwhelmed, and decided there was nothing 'here' that would help.
• Maybe they felt judged and were afraid of what they would find 'here'.

You know who they are. They are...

...Your neighbor
...Your friend
...Your co-worker

Whoever they are and for whatever reason they left, you are the one who can invite them back. Your word will carry more weight than an ad in the paper. Your relationship will connect more powerfully than a banner or flier in the mail.

September 16th is "Back to Church Sunday".  Who should be here?

 

Welcome, Scott!

I want to introduce our new Director of Operations at New Hope.  His name is Scott Risby and he started with us last week.  As Director of Operations, it will be Scott's job to manage and direct the resources of New Hope (administrative, physical and financial) and make sure they are leveraged to their fullest potential for the mission of New Hope.It is a big job.

From the beginning, New Hope has seen itself as a church that is called to serve the community. An important part of that service involves our facility. We never wanted to be a 'Sunday only' kind of place. We want our facility to be of service every day of the week. When we expanded our building, it was not just for ourselves, but also so we could better serve our community.  It has worked. On any given week, we will have more than 70 different events and activities taking place in our facility- many of them involving 'outside' groups. It seems like there is always something great going on at New Hope- and that is the way we like it.

Coordinating all those groups and activities isn't easy. Making sure our facility is safe, inviting and functioning for all those events and meetings, takes a lot of work. That is part of Scott's job. He will work with contractors, volunteers, members, guests and staff to make sure our facility is more than just a building, but a tool for ministry.

 On top of that, Scott will also oversee our finances, budget, equipment, information technology, administrative staff and marketing. Its a full plate!

  Scott and his family have been a part of New Hope for about a year and we are delighted that is part of our staff. If you don't know Scott yet, stop on by and introduce yourself. 

 

 

It's Good to be Home!

  We have been on vacation for a few weeks. It was a great time to recharge the batteries- and it's good to be home!

  Part of coming back is catching up- and a lot has been happening!

• Our Pre-school opened for the new year. Almost 40 3 & 4 year olds are enrolled.
• Our Summer Interns (Josh & Katie) finished up a terrific summer of service and have headed back to school.
• Nick Sortore led one of our Summer Interest groups on "Authentic Italian Cooking". Even the pictures look tasty!
• Austin Hazelhurst received his Eagle award- congratulations!
• Several discussions were held using the "Living the Questions" curriculum.
• Session launched the "Close the Gap" campaign, and folks are responding!
• Another great group attended "Faith Day at the Rockies"- and saw the Rockies win!

  We have a new Director of Operations!  Scott Risby started yesterday. I'll introduce Scott in another post, but for now, "Welcome Scott!"

  As I am getting back, I am also excited about what is coming up in the next few weeks!

• LIFE Group leaders are making plans for the Fall
• Our Sunday SDchool Kick-off is  September 9.
• September 9 is also the date of our "Senior Summit: Part 2".
• We are participating in "National Back to Church Sunday" on September 16. It's a great time to invite folks back to church who have been away awhile.
• Erik and I finish up our sermon series on the Book of James.

  It is good to get away, catch your breath and enjoy God's great creation. It is also good to get back and be part of what God is creating here at New Hope!