clicking with people in the PCA

[janny108]

Got a question; we've been going to Grace (PCA) and there are about 60 people. I know we've been going there for a month, but I want to be involved. Is that how you got to know people? I talk to people at breaktime between church and sunday school. When you were new to your church, did you concentrate on a few people or were you friendly to everyone? When did you start "clicking" with people as far as friendships? Be honest.
Jan

 

[calmcoolandelected]

Janny,


Just started chatting with folks before and after the service. Esp. those sitting near us. We were deliberate about where we sat and moved frequently (because folks tend to sit in the same place week after week) so we could get to know as many people as possible. Get involved in a Bible study or prayer meeting helps too. Since we are not "newbies" at our church any longer, our family tries to invite people over for dinner. We try to set aside two Saturdays or Sundays each month for this and we try to invite someone new one time, someone who has been there a while the other time. I think it is a huge responsibility of the membership to welcome new folks into the church and our family makes every effort to do that.

CC&E

 

[janny108]

Thanks we do try to talk to folks before and after the service. Our apt. is small, but I am considering joining the bible study. I'm taking one at another church right now; in fact it was the church before we picked this one.
Jan

 

[ClementofRome]

Our last church move took us about a year to get entrenched, and we are pretty outgoing. Patience and perseverance!

 

[JimfromOhio]

I just walk around to get to know people with simple "hi's" and quick conversations about the weather, sunday school and etc. I know God will lead me to some people that I will fellowship more deeper with. This takes time. My wife and I having been attending this PCA church for about 2 months now and we are still waiting. There are some good candidates and we are waiting for the Holy Spirit to connect us with them.

So.. at the meantime, we will still social between sunday school, church and other church activities.

 

[A New Dawn]

Thanks we do try to talk to folks before and after the service. Our apt. is small, but I am considering joining the bible study. I'm taking one at another church right now; in fact it was the church before we picked this one.
Jan

Joining a Bible study (or any other small group study) is a great way to get to know people, and it lets others know you are serious about your faith.

I am new to my church (it is a mega church), and after coming from a very small group (about 30) it is very daunting, but I got involved with a Bible study group and it is really only because of them that I continue going back. I am used to being highly involved, also, and in many ways I feel I am superfluous in a church that size.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Joining a Bible study (or any other small group study) is a great way to get to know people, and it lets others know you are serious about your faith.

I am new to my church (it is a mega church), and after coming from a very small group (about 30) it is very daunting, but I got involved with a Bible study group and it is really only because of them that I continue going back. I am used to being highly involved, also, and in many ways I feel I am superfluous in a church that size.

I moved from mega church because my wife and I could not really spiritually connect with anyone there after 2 years. I loved the church and I love the pastor. It was too large for us. So we moved to a smaller church. We went from almost 4,000 members to 300 members. Now, that's a big difference. My wife and I truly believe moving to a smaller church is more cozier.

 

[CCWoody]

Got a question; we've been going to Grace (PCA) and there are about 60 people. I know we've been going there for a month, but I want to be involved. Is that how you got to know people? I talk to people at breaktime between church and sunday school. When you were new to your church, did you concentrate on a few people or were you friendly to everyone? When did you start "clicking" with people as far as friendships? Be honest.
Jan

Still working on it. Of course, I've only been going about 2 months. But, I do seem to be getting there.

 

[A New Dawn]

I moved from mega church because my wife and I could not really spiritually connect with anyone there after 2 years. I loved the church and I love the pastor. It was too large for us. So we moved to a smaller church. We went from almost 4,000 members to 300 members. Now, that's a big difference. My wife and I truly believe moving to a smaller church is more cozier.

I definitely agree with you, and to me, even 300 is huge when one is used to 50. But I attend where I do because my husband doesn't share my spiritual journey with me, and as hard as it is getting him into the non-denom. church, it would be impossible to get him into, say, a presbyterian church. He continues to claim the RLDS as home even though he disagrees with much of it's current direction, and the non-denom. that we attend is the only one that I have found in the area.

 

[Wrigley]

I definitely agree with you, and to me, even 300 is huge when one is used to 50. But I attend where I do because my husband doesn't share my spiritual journey with me, and as hard as it is getting him into the non-denom. church, it would be impossible to get him into, say, a presbyterian church. He continues to claim the RLDS as home even though he disagrees with much of it's current direction, and the non-denom. that we attend is the only one that I have found in the area.

Will remember that bit for my prayer.

 

[A New Dawn]

Will remember that bit for my prayer.

Thanks, Wrigley. I appreciate it.

 

[calmcoolandelected]

I definitely agree with you, and to me, even 300 is huge when one is used to 50. But I attend where I do because my husband doesn't share my spiritual journey with me, and as hard as it is getting him into the non-denom. church, it would be impossible to get him into, say, a presbyterian church. He continues to claim the RLDS as home even though he disagrees with much of it's current direction, and the non-denom. that we attend is the only one that I have found in the area.

Yes, will be praying about that. Happy Birthday!

CC&E

 

[A New Dawn]

Thanks, CC&E.

 

[CCWoody]

Why, Jenda is old enough to be my sister.

 

[janny108]

Still working on it. Of course, I've only been going about 2 months. But, I do seem to be getting there.

Yes I think that is true with us too, after 1 month's time.
Jan

 

[A New Dawn]

Why, Jenda is old enough to be my sister.

Oh, go on and say it. I'm almost old enough to be your ma!

 

[edie19]

Got a question; we've been going to Grace (PCA) and there are about 60 people. I know we've been going there for a month, but I want to be involved. Is that how you got to know people? I talk to people at breaktime between church and sunday school. When you were new to your church, did you concentrate on a few people or were you friendly to everyone? When did you start "clicking" with people as far as friendships? Be honest.
Jan

I've been worshipping with many of the same people for the past 12 years (although this is the 2nd church - we're a plant). When I first started worshiping with them all those years ago one of the things that stood out was how friendly everyone was. At least 5 people introduced themselves to me before the service started. I'm pretty outgoing, but due to issues with my previous church, was pretty cautious about getting to know folks - I kept telling myself I was just looking. They were persistant however - got me going to small groups and Bible studies.

Where we are now we have between 25 & 30 members, maybe 40 - 50 people each Lord's Day (including children). We're growing gradually - God does have perfect timing. When someone new attends there are a group of us who make a point of greeting them, inviting them to return. We frequently get together for a lunch at someone's house after worship - we make sure the visitors are invited - gives them a chance to get to know others.

 

[mannysee]

Joining a Bible study (or any other small group study) is a great way to get to know people, and it lets others know you are serious about your faith.

I am new to my church (it is a mega church), and after coming from a very small group (about 30) it is very daunting, but I got involved with a Bible study group and it is really only because of them that I continue going back. I am used to being highly involved, also, and in many ways I feel I am superfluous in a church that size.

hmmn, i'll have to get my AV out for that one!

Happy Birthday this week

 

[A New Dawn]

hmmn, i'll have to get my AV out for that one!

Happy Birthday this week

Thanks, Mannysee!

/jenda runs to dictionary.com to make sure she used the right word

 

[CCWoody]

Oh, go on and say it. I'm almost old enough to be your ma!

If you conceived me at 13 perhaps. The scary thing for me is that I think time accelerates. It wasn't long ago that I preferred to think of 50 as my parents age. Now it is just an older sibling. Soon it will be a peer. Then, a child. Eventually, 50 will be those young whippersnappers.