Nuts & Bolts/Dollars & Cents

 

Recently, there has been an increasing emphasis on the role each one of us can play in terms of creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, especially for those who are new to Southwest. Maria Sullivan and others are working extremely hard at putting together a team of volunteers who enjoy extending a warm welcome and a smiling face to each person who enters our campus. Hopefully each of us has been thinking about which role we can fill to make this "every member ministry" a success. I say "every member ministry" because, to be the kind of warm and welcoming church we want to be, it takes each one of us thinking about and acting out that friendliness Southwest style.

In that same spirit, I want to talk about another role that is an extremely valuable part of this whole effort. I'm sure each of us have known people at Southwest who never really move from the periphery to the core. They don't become regular members of a Bible Class or Life Group and they never find a meaningful place to serve. We generally think of newcomers but we all know that there are those who are long time members or attenders who have not really connected in terms of feeling that sense of family and belonging. Many things contribute: Shyness, the large size of our congregation, and even a desire by some to remain on the periphery can all be factors. One factor that should never be part of the equation is the one that each of us can control. That is our willingness to introduce ourselves to someone or to invite them to our Bible Class or Life Group or, better yet, into our home. These small acts can make a huge impact on their sense of belonging and on how quickly they feel like a part of this big church family

Every small group at Southwest has at least a few outgoing and naturally talented people people. Let's call them "connectors" We need them working in our Life Groups, Bible Classes, and Ministry teams helping people on the periphery connect and move toward the core. For many this is as natural as breathing. Some of us need a little push to help us get started. What we envision is to add to this kind of "free flowing" and natural welcoming ministry a layer that is slightly more organized and intentional. It takes a little planning to organize fellowships, and form Dinner Clubs or BK's. What if your Bible Class decided you wanted to drop off a pie to each newcomer or pen a note or make a phone call. If no one is responsible it might happen or it might not. Making sure it happens requires a little more organization. Are you willing to take an expanded role as a "connector" in your small group or class? Or would you like to learn more about this rewarding ministry? If you are please contact Fred Huggins at 870-974-3850 or email me at fhuggins@swbell.net.