Tell Me About Your Church

If you were talking with someone at the store or on the sidewalk and at some point in the conversation the person said, “Tell me about your church,” how would you respond? If you had thirty seconds or so to tell about our church, what would you say?

When I recently met with our church staff, we discussed that very question. Because the truth is that quite often opportunities to talk with other people about our church or about our faith come up suddenly, and so it’s wise for us to consider what we would say when those circumstances arise. After all, there is an old joke: “What do you get when you cross a Presbyterian with a Jehovah’s Witness? The answer: someone who rings your doorbell, but who has absolutely no idea what to say.” But instead of being speechless when we have opportunities to share something about our church or our faith, I believe God wants us to be prepared to share some good news with people.

When people ask me about the church, the basic message I am communicating these days is this: God is doing exciting and amazing things through Crafton United Presbyterian Church to make a positive impact on the community. And to back up those words I would point to the 50 or more children who gather each week for Youth Club and Adventure Group and the way that young lives are being changed for the better. I would point to the dozens of older adults from across the community who gather regularly for our CAMP senior citizen program, and how much they enjoy and appreciate the fellowship and activities. I would point to the way that our church supports the community food pantry ministry, and assists many families each month who are going through difficult times. And those are just a few of the many examples of the great things that God is doing through our congregation to make a positive impact on the community.

As you interact with friends and neighbors, what message are you communicating about our church and about your faith? Think about it. Consider what you’ll say. Because God gives all of us opportunities to be bearers of the Good News.

Ed Bowen