Summer is a time when leaders of local religious congregations find themselves preparing quite intently for the beginning of their new ‘program year’ which usually begins right after Labor Day. Many Christian congregations, such as ours at Second Congregational UCC in Manchester, mark the beginning of the ‘new year’ with a special ‘kickoff’ Sunday, often going by such terms as Rally or Homecoming Sunday. In the view of these leaders, Fall is a wonderful time for people to either connect with a congregation for the first time or perhaps reconnect after being away for a while.
With this reality upon us, I thought that this would be a good time to put a question out there on the table ( or, at least, on this Blog), a question to which I invite you to respond. What I am wondering is: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION, i.e. in a local congregation? In other words, what might cause you to consider connecting or reconnecting if you happen to not already be involved?
In putting this question out there, I am led to consider my own response as well. Were I not already in the position I am in as a pastor, what would I be looking for if I happened to be searching for a church? From my perspective, the following would be important:
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Meaningful worship with good, relevant preaching about real life
- Opportunities for educational and service programs for children and youth
Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Significant educational programming for adults on topics that are important
- A sense that I would receive personal care from church leadership were I in a time of need
- Opportunities for me to interact socially within the congregation- through dinners, game nights, movie nights, concerts, and the like. If my children were to happen to be of the right age ( my three are all grown now!), I would want some real intergenerational activity!
- A chance to serve those in need through the programs and commitments of my local congregation
How about you? Responding to this question is a great way of sharing what leaders in local religious communities need to hear!
I look forward to your responses...and to responding to them as well
Pastor Bob
Rev. Dr. LaRochelle is pastor of Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street, in Manchester. The church’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/secondmanchesterucc
He is the author of three books, available at www.amazon.com
