Earlier this summer I enjoyed an incredible meal at a place called Southern Junction. Their “Twinkies” are one of the best food items I have ever eaten! I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely delicious they are and no, they are not related to those “Twinkies” we ate as kids.
The only reason I had that awesome meal was because someone told me about Southern Junction. If they had not told me, I still might not be hungering for my next visit there.
I went on a boat ride on the Buffalo River because after church one Wednesday when I was up in Buffalo, one gentleman started talking about how awesome the boat ride was, especially how it unveiled elements of history that he never knew about it. He was so right! It was a very special experience, and we could even see the new Buffalo Bills stadium in the distance from the boat as we travelled briefly onto Lake Erie.
And now my high school classmates are joining me for a boat ride when we get together in September because of my experience that would not have happened if that one person after the service of Holy Communion had not shared about his experience.
Marketing and public relations professionals know that the best method to get humans to try something new— whether it is a food item, an entertainment venue, or a new car— is to get people to share their positive experiences. When someone’s eyes light up as they are talking and they smile or get energized, those hearing them will naturally want to have the same experience.
Word of mouth is also how people discover churches these days. People no longer move into a neighborhood and go to the neighborhood church automatically. Many people no longer have denominational loyalties or a sense of obligation to a denomination. They want to go someplace where others clearly are happy.
One of the best ways to share St. Paul’s story with our West Deptford neighbors is at the West Deptford Family Fun Day, which this year is being held on Saturday September 20th. Yes, we will hand out an informational flyer to our neighbors passing by, but the smiles from church members are truly the best way to get folks to stop and talk. The conversation can just start by asking, “What church do you go to?” If they don’t have a church there is the opening to talk all about the joy we have in worship, the missions we take on, how children are welcome, the great music we have, and the fellowship where everyone is always welcome.
I hope that there is large turnout to help Jim on Family Fun Day, but every day we each have an opportunity to talk about our church. I hope that all of you pick up 5 to 10 of the promotional flyers so that you are always ready to share our story.
Your excitement, your energy, and your story just might bring to our church someone who needs God and Jesus Christ or just needs a special church to call their church home!
I am looking forward to that next boat ride with my high school friends, and my brother is excited about Southern Junction even though he’s never been there. He could sense my excitement as I told the story!
There are many who quietly are hoping someone will TELL THEM THE STORY of JESUS that they LOVE TO HEAR.
Blessings,
Pastor Dave