Why so important to be accepted?
The church is where all are accepted. Here are some pointers for thinking and discussion –
To be accepted is like saying not to be rejected.
It’s more than “not rejected”. Not to be rejected is a good start. To be accepted includes addressing differences between individuals. Agreeing about something is an important point, but holding that agreement over time is another point. Do you agree, and what other important aspects?
Why so important to be accepted?
Some of us will be more an “active player” in church than others. Or we have specific parts to play, meaning that we are active in some but not all activities in church. To some extent we have activie contributions is about us being accepted by the church we are attending.
The church accepting all is not about playing any particular role. Serving in some roles in church might be a result of being accepted, but serving is not a pre-requisite or condition for acceptance.
The church accepting all is a huge deal. Jesus taught and demonstrated this, from the youngest to the oldest, from the wealthiest to the sickest, the most devout to the rejected, he accepted them all.
Discuss further what is necessary for your church to accept all.
What does it mean about the church accepting all?
What might be the concerns behind this question?
- Unable to continue with current activities?
- Having to upgrade buildings?
- Our attention to “everyone” is going to be very stretched?
Such concerns are valid. From an organisation point of view, it could well be chaotic. From God’s point of view, he desires that churches accept all, because he welcomes and loves all. Discuss, then, what different people are likely to become part of your church, and “what is your church like”.
What is our church like if we accept all?
Do we have particular individuals or groups that need the gospel to whom we reach out? What are the “blockages”, perceived or real, that are in the way of the church accepting them?
Who are people we are to accept?
Planning for the future – that’s it, this sounds like we don’t know what will happen, and we can’t plan for it. The status quo remains in itself could pose challenges to us developing “accepting all”.
- For example, if we say our regular meetings are at a time where families are not able to take part, then we could lose / reject more than accept more / all.
Consider –
Pray | Place | People |
What do we need to do to accept all?
Reflect on the words of the hymns The church is wherever God’s people are praising. What are other aspects of church we should consider and do more to accept all?
