Enjoyed a great conversation with an adult class who are revisiting the Church Member’s Manual, now entitled Walking With Jesus.
They had lots of good insights about how important it is to share our blessings and our concerns as a way to build community. We spoke about the need to “take something when you visit” and that nothing could be better than a story to share!
Some folks recalled the not-so-good old days in their history when “testimony service” was not their favourite. But that now they freely share what’s new and what’s up and who’s needing a visit or a prayer and it just flows right out of the gathered community.
“We had a prayer and testimony service once last year” somebody offered. Then we all kind of laughed because we realized we’d just had one, right then and there giving praise for Judy’s new granddaughter, and remembering Bruce’s need to have the summer off from his chemo (which is working for him, thank you God!).
Never mind the labels; just don’t forget that sharing builds up community.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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We do get hung up on verbage. The very word "testimony" says to me "this better be good". I've got stories coming out my ears but only one or two "testimonies".
ReplyDeleteAnother word that I trip over (but I'm getting better) is preaching. I can prepare a worship service that will knock your socks off, but "preach"???? Why is that so intimidating? Again I think "this better be good". When it comes to presenting a worship experience, that thought is the correct one ... this better be good!
So, I guess for me the answer has more to do with context that verbage. Sometimes we just have to lighten up. Other times the pressure will make us try harder, study more, pray more, prepare more and do a better job of "preaching".