Through People
Article by Andrew Smith : Photo courtesy Sarah Meggitt Photography
Whenever we look at ideas on parishes attracting more people, we can find a common thread working through.
People.
I know, it’s somewhat obvious – so much so that, on it’s own, it’s rather unhelpful.
Whether it’s Bible studies, a lecture series, Visitor’s Sunday or something along those lines, it’s all about bringing people together with more people.
Is it really about the Bible study? Well, sometimes. Sometimes people don’t know a particular thing, so they’re encouraged to find someone talking about it. That’s a great thing. It’s also very unlikely: most tech-savvy people could easily YouTube an answer from the perspective they’re looking for.
W
hy have it at all, then? There’s the obvious benefit of the Bible Study, of course. When it’s posted on YouTube, you’re only accountable to the comments box. When it’s presented face to face, you’re accountable to the people in front of you. It’s a rare speaker that isn’t forced to answer some questions or give some clarifications in their speech. The best reason is to bring the people together, to identify other people in the parish who are also interested in finding Biblical interpretations or viewpoints. To give community.
The same logic can be applied for lectures or Visitor’s Sunday, too. Why have it? To bring people together.
With all the technology around us, when iTunes puts out entire courses online (e.g. in iTunes U), when TED talks commands such huge audiences, we don’t factor in the human element – the need that people have for other people.
Everyone’s got that need. Maybe you could reach out to someone this weekend? It could be someone you’ve seen for a long time but just never spoken to much, or someone that you’ve never seen before. Reach out.
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My book, Introduction to Orthodox Christianity, is still for sale at it’s new vendor, Ebookling. Click here for more information.
