It is been awhile since I posted here. I hate how this sub-reddit become a target for outside Bible groups that will likely ask for donations if you attend one of their online meetings like a internet grifter. I mean.. I'm glad people are doing things on the internet, but advertising here is like rubbing things in our face. We don't even do our own Bible study groups, why would we join yours?
I've been thinking about Beyond the Walls a lot recently. I was at the very first gathering and I've been to the Centre Place in IRL. I can't tell you how great the guys are and their hospitality is off the charts. Not only John is engaging, but Leo and Michael are also equally so. I know not everyone is a people person, but come on, they seem to have no trouble interacting and making you feel special. I'm sure they would rather rest or do hobbies but they went out of their way to open the doors for a tour and a hang out. I work with semi-famous people in my work, the good ones always goes out their way to spend even a few minutes to acknowledge you as a human being.
I've always thought that the key to getting more excitement into the ministry is to involve the people and create relationships. I've had push back from this from a couple of congregations now. They talk about the past and how they used to bake pies for the community.. well, why did it stop? There is a fall festival coming up, why aren't we there? We just put our hopes in the whole "Build it and they will come" that worked years ago. It doesn't work like that anymore and our society doesn't put up with non-action and going through the motions. The building doesn't bring people in, being seen does.
Beyond the Walls is an example of being a part of the community and having an engaging presence both in IRL and online. John is gifted, no doubt, but we can also use our unique gifts as well. If we even had the 1/4 of the charisma John does, we will see more interest in our church. I challenge all of us to be more like John and not be scared or be concerned about our lack of something. It's good enough, we just have to move and try.
Create a plan and go BEYOND the NORM. See if you can get some people to try it with you. Good luck.