Try One New THing

I’m not going to lose 30 pounds sitting on the couch. I need to lose the weight. I want to lose the weight. I’ve lost weight before, so I know it can be done. The challenge is turning the wanting into doing.

A lot of us face a similar challenge in our spiritual lives. We’d like to do something, and we know we should be doing more things for Christ, but we’ve gotten a little too comfortable on the couch. We need some motivation. And God has a way of giving it, even if He’s got to tip the couch to get us up. He’s very persistent when it comes to His Kingdom.

And here it is: Christians who act on their faith by serving and sharing Jesus save lives. Especially those closest to us. Faith is always a hand-me-down. Or hand-me-over.

Toward that end, we’ve adopted a goal for everyone in our Church Family for 2025: Try One New Thing. We actually have three components to this goal:

1. Try one new thing;
   
2. Invite one new friend;
3. Meet one new person.

 
Here’s how it works, along with the why and how. 
 
Try one new thing.  This means getting involved in some aspect of faith life that you haven’t done before, or haven’t tried in a long time. This is where I use the V word: volunteer! As a matter of fact, you do have the time and the energy, if you ask God to manage your time and your energy.

It can be a one-time activity, or a longer-term commitment. You and the Lord choose.

Why? We have over 200 ways to try new things at SHLC, mainly because we have about over 2000 people who might need a little help here and there. By trying one new thing, you serve the Lord (personal blessing) while you share the Lord (community blessing). God reaches us…

How? First, pray. Then listen. We will be sharing with you the ways you can connect with whatever ministry, project or event the Lord is drawing you to. You can also ask any staff person and we’ll help you figure it out. 
 
Invite one new friend.  I believe we have a really good thing going here, as reflected in the comments of members new and old, as well as visitors and neighbors. The Holy Spirit has blessed us beyond measure, and He designs every blessing for His Church to be shared.

Why?  Recent surveys show that the vast majority of people who don’t go to church would go if a friend invited them. We also know from multiple studies that our current culture craves belonging, to a place and, more importantly, to a group of people. Acts 1:6 says, “You also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” If you care about someone, open the door. …with the love that reaches others.

How?  First pray. Then, personal contact. Talk. Phone call. Text. Email. However you communicate with the people close to you. Pick a Sunday or an event (Night of Hope, God’s Deer Camp, etc.) that works for them, and plan to meet them here, or even pick them up if they need a ride.
 
Meet one new person. We have over 1800 members of the family here, and nobody knows everyone by name, including me. We also have first-time visitors every weekend, at almost every service. The field is ripe for the harvest.

I know you introverts are cringing already, almost as much as when I make you stand up and shake hands. But this is the simplest act of evangelism any Christian can take: smile and say hello, and call someone by name.

Why?  It comes back to the belonging. With so many people in one place, some folks may not feel like they belong, and then they drift away. But a Church Family that makes it feel like Home tends to find people not only coming, but staying.

How?  First, pray. Ask God to put someone new on your path today. Then, wear a nametag. Make it a point to find someone you don’t know. Introduce yourself with, “I don’t believe we’ve met…” (NEVER ask if they’re a visitor; who cares?!). Better still, join a group or an event you haven’t been a part of before. The ultimate? Go to a different service once!
​
So first, pray. Then try it. See how it goes. You’ve got nothing to lose.