This newsletter from LeaderLines discusses upcoming church events like a World Changers project and block party, provides tips on welcoming newcomers such as explaining "the invitation" and including them in activities, and lists regular meetings like the men's prayer breakfast and CODE BLUE gatherings at the Colleton Baptist Association.

1. LeaderLines
Publisher: Zane Brown, D. Min Volume Number: Three Issue Number: Three Date: July 7, 2010
Great Lessons in Life Growth & Change: Two Sides of the Coin
In ancient times, a king had a huge boulder placed in the middle of Why They Don’t Come Back by Calvin Ratz
a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone Matthew 5:47
would remove the boulder. Some of the king‟s wealthiest subjects Visitors can be turned off by behavior, buildings, & disorder. Here is an
came by and simply walked around it. Many were very vocal in inexhaustive list of situations that can place barriers between your
their blame for the king not keeping the roads clear, though none congregation and newcomers:
did anything to remove the boulder. Then a peasant came along
carrying a load of vegetables. Seeing the boulder, the peasant put 1. Large Family Networks - These networks tend to have their
down his load of vegetables and tried to move the large stone. It own social gatherings and often exclude outsiders. Tactfully alert
was almost back-breaking, but after a lot of sweat and effort, he decision makers in these families and challenge them to include
succeeded to pushing the boulder to the side of the road. After the outsiders and newcomers in some of their gatherings.
peasant picked up his vegetables, he noticed a bag where the 2. Church History – People looking for answers don‟t go to a
boulder had been. It was filled with gold coins and a note from the church because of its history. If they return for a second visit, it‟s
king stating that the gold was for the person who removed the usually because they experienced the presence of God and the
acceptance of His people.
boulder from the road. The peasant learned a great lesson that day.
3. Special Events - If we hold a special event that attracts the
Every obstacle presents us with an opportunity to improve our unchurched, it‟s unlikely they will stick with us unless that
condition. particular kind of ministry continues.
4. A Reputation of Crisis - Financial crisis or relational crises.
Both indicate the questionable nature of the faith the church
FISHing for Success proclaims. Be good stewards and emphasize confession,
forgiveness, & reconciliation.
The Invitation 5. Class & Cultural Distinctions - No church can truly be all
With newcomers attending our services, don‟t assume that they things to all people. One social culture is usually dominant.
understand what „The Invitation‟ is. Include an explanation in your What we can do is try to sensitize insiders, gently but
bulletin. A sample is included on the next page of this document. Also, consistently, to the need to make everyone welcome, while
consider providing alternative methods of making decisions. Consider recognizing that most of your church growth will reflect your
placing „decision cards‟ in the pew racks or bulletins and encourage them dominant culture.
to fill them out and give them to the pastor as they leave. Consider 6. Poor Attitudes – “Church bosses,” fearing a threat to their power
having a “Pastor‟s Tea” after the service. Stay briefly with some light base, might resist newcomers. Existing members can resist the
refreshments and drinks and engage anyone who might not want to walk financial costs of growth, Sensitize the congregation by including
the aisle just yet, but they would like the chance for a non-threatening talk new members on committees.
with the pastor.

2. LeaderLines pg. 2
This publication is designed to provide information and inspiration to local church leaders in Colleton Baptist Association.
World Changers Walterboro Project
What is “the Invitation?”
The 2010 World Changers Project will be July 12-17. 18 crews At the end of our service, we offer the opportunity for you to make a public
will be working 15 projects around the county. We will also be response to what you‟ve heard and experienced in worship today. When the
hosting an evangelistic BLOCK PARTY on Wednesday, July 14, congregation begins to sing that last “Hymn of Decision,” you can come
on the vacant lot behind Walterboro First Baptist. We will be down to the pastor and he will pray with you about your decision for Christ.
reaching out to the neighborhoods around Rivers St, Black St, & This is an invitation to make a public commitment.
Gerideau St. Pray for our World Changers, host churches, and the
neighborhoods where they will be working. Pray also for God to Here are some possible decisions/commitments that God could be asking you
use the Block Party to meet needs and share Christ. to make:
1. Receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
2. Be baptized by immersion and become a member of our church.
3. Transfer your membership from another church.
4. Rededicate your life to Jesus Christ. As a Christian, you realize that
you have not been living the way Christ wants you to live. This
would be a public renewal of your commitment to Christ.
5. Surrender to God‟s call to some vocational or volunteer service.
Dates to Remember
If you are uncertain about what God wants you to do, feel free to contact the
July 10 8:00am Men‟s Prayer Breakfast @ CBA pastor this week. By phone: _ _ _-_ _ _ _; by email: ______@_________
9:30am CODE BLUE @ CBA
If you choose to use something like this, don’t forget to include an area
July 24 9:30am CODE BLUE @ CBA
code, since not all newcomers will use cell phones from the 843 area.
July 27 7:00pm Men‟s Rally @ Pleasant Grove Include your cell phone if you are willing to receive text. And consider
starting a Facebook page for your church. It is a wonderful way for
young folks to stay connected to your congregation, even when they are
away.