In this episode we discuss...

• our five points on announcements in the rural church:
  1. Should we even do announcements?
     • What even are announcements?
       • Invitations and explanations about our life together as a body.
       • A response to the hearing of the word.
     • Announcements are not merely a necessary evil, but worthy communication.
     • Announcements must either be redemptive or redacted!
     • Don’t let them be an afterthought.
       • Know why you’re doing them, plan carefully, and express winsomely.
  2. Your members are listening...kinda...
     • You have the family together. But, watch out! What is too familiar is often tuned out.
     • If you are doing something you want the members to know about or participate in, it better have redeeming value.  Show that value!  Help them understand and engage.
     • Tim Scheiderer's article Make Church Announcements Great Again
  3. Your guests are listening!
     • You never know when a stranger is going to attend your service. It may have been months or years, but this Sunday could be the day the Holy Spirit brings someone in!
     • Don’t treat your announcements like “it’s just us.” See them through the eyes of a stranger.
     • What about your announcements might confuse a guest?
       • Calling a classroom by a person’s name.
       • Saying we’ll meet at “sally’s house."
       • Not introducing yourself.
       • Leaving important things out that will help a guest.
  4. It's not a funeral, Sam!
     • One extreme, that is probably the most common, is the boring announcement giver.
     • Try to find someone who can communicate with the kind of energy the important thing you’re doing deserves!
  5. It's not a pep-rally, Sally!
     • The only thing worse then lifeless, boring announcements is fiend excitement.
     • People are at church to grow in their love for God, His people, and the lost around them. Some of them are really struggling. Don’t cheapen it by some over-the-top, whip people up method.

Stuff Rural Pastors Can Use Review:

• Joe lets us know about a cool new YouTube channel begun by his father and the elders at GFF! Check out Regular Guy Theology.

Our Quote of the Day:

• Read this article over at spurgeon.org: How Spurgeon’s Beard Launched His Ministry!

CONTACT (give us feedback, topic ideas, or just say hey)

Call and leave a message at (570) 724-3741

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://ruralpastorstalk.buzzsprout.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ruralpastorstalk

Twitter: @ruralpastors

LISTEN

Itunes

Spotify

Stitcher

Google Play