TELL YOUR STORY (9 OF 10)
by Jeff Strite
Scripture: Acts 9:1-2, Acts 9:4-31, Acts 9
This content is part of a series.
Tell Your Story (9 of 10)
Series: Upon This Rock
Jeff Strite
Acts 9:1-31
What is the most memorable sermon illustration you've ever heard? I'm pretty confident that the first thing that came to mind was a story. I'll take it one step further- I'll bet it was a personal story the preacher told on himself. If I'm wrong, you can collect an extra taco when you come over to our open house this afternoon. The preacher I grew up learning my faith from would be proud of the illustration that immediately came to mind as I considered this question for myself. I don't remember his text, I don't remember his point. What I remember is his sharing a story about getting really cool red jeans for his birthday and in his efforts to not miss out on anything at his party, he ended up with wet jeans. I remember thinking, ''Wow, he just shared that from the pulpit. This guy is really confident in who he is in Christ and is willing to let us see his faults.'' His transparency was part of what encouraged me to pursue being in ministry.
A lot of church experts are writing articles, creating facebook posts, and recording podcasts bemoaning this idea that young people are leaving the church en masse. Surveys indicate that our nation is increasingly unchurched as more and more people respond by saying they have no religious affiliation. So how do we reach people who may have been burned or decided they have no need for God in their lives?
The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: ''What was responsible for you coming to your church?'' This is how they replied.
I had a special need 2%
I just walked in 3%
I liked the Preacher 6%
I visited there 1%
I liked the Sunday School 1%
I liked the programs 3%
A friend or relative invited me 79%
Bob Russell once illustrated this idea at the Southeast Christian Church Leadership Conference. He told us of a time he approached a visitor and asked how they had come to the church. They told him ...
Series: Upon This Rock
Jeff Strite
Acts 9:1-31
What is the most memorable sermon illustration you've ever heard? I'm pretty confident that the first thing that came to mind was a story. I'll take it one step further- I'll bet it was a personal story the preacher told on himself. If I'm wrong, you can collect an extra taco when you come over to our open house this afternoon. The preacher I grew up learning my faith from would be proud of the illustration that immediately came to mind as I considered this question for myself. I don't remember his text, I don't remember his point. What I remember is his sharing a story about getting really cool red jeans for his birthday and in his efforts to not miss out on anything at his party, he ended up with wet jeans. I remember thinking, ''Wow, he just shared that from the pulpit. This guy is really confident in who he is in Christ and is willing to let us see his faults.'' His transparency was part of what encouraged me to pursue being in ministry.
A lot of church experts are writing articles, creating facebook posts, and recording podcasts bemoaning this idea that young people are leaving the church en masse. Surveys indicate that our nation is increasingly unchurched as more and more people respond by saying they have no religious affiliation. So how do we reach people who may have been burned or decided they have no need for God in their lives?
The Institute for American Church Growth asked over 10,000 people this question: ''What was responsible for you coming to your church?'' This is how they replied.
I had a special need 2%
I just walked in 3%
I liked the Preacher 6%
I visited there 1%
I liked the Sunday School 1%
I liked the programs 3%
A friend or relative invited me 79%
Bob Russell once illustrated this idea at the Southeast Christian Church Leadership Conference. He told us of a time he approached a visitor and asked how they had come to the church. They told him ...
There are 8918 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
