Jeff Adams

One of my favorite times is hosting a reception in our home each month for folks who have  come through the First Connections Class that is designed to make sure they are connected to God and to the church. It’s a great time to meet new members of our church.

I like to ask everyone to tell their story, how they came to faith and how they connected with KCBT. Whenever I get discouraged, just a few minutes with these folks is more than enough to lift the clouds of despair.  Here are a few of the comments I remember from tonight that people gave as reasons they were attracted to KCBT.

• Ministry to Children. Both parents and kids love the ministry to children – this only  get better shortly when the campus expansion is finished.
• Bible teaching. In almost every group people say they were attracted by solid, understandable, practical Bible teaching that they can follow along with their Bibles open.
• Friendly people. Almost always folks comment about how friendly and helpful people are. Tonight, one lady shared that she felt the people she met here were “authentic” and not hiding behind a mask of what they or anyone else felt a Christian should look like.
• Ministry opportunities. People often have the idea that a larger church doesn’t need them. Then they learn the truth that a larger church has a multitude of ministry opportunities of all types imaginable.
• Diversity. This is one of the first things people notice as they walk into our church and it is a huge draw,  especially to folks with kids. They want an environment where their kids can learn that people are people regardless of ethnicity. They are excited for the richness of lessons we can learn from each other as we  grow spiritually together.
• Systematic approach to disciple-making. A couple commented that there is often a gap between the initial enthusiasm and joy of coming to faith in Christ and learning how to grow as a follower of Christ. They appreciate that there is a pathway to growth – we call it Get Connected to God and the Church; Get Directed in your Spiritual Growth; and Get Perfected in God’s Plan for your life.

Those were comments I remember from the group tonight. Thinking back over the past months, other responses frequently heard are:

• Emphasis on God’s global mission. People appreciate the accessibility of being able to get involved in what God is doing here in Kansas City and around the world.
• Worship. Though music styles differ in each service, people often comment about the worship services and how they sense the presence of God’s Spirit.

Here’s something else I have noticed. People end up here more often than not because of a relationship – a friend, co-worker or family member. Isn’t that interesting? In this age of marketing, slick literature and massive campaigns and events, it still comes down to people reaching people. Someone seeing Christ in another and wanting what they see.

This morning in our study of Nehemiah I was talking about needing a Fish Gate in our lives and how we are called to fishers of people. Let’s go fishing!