Intentionally Diverse

Ephesians 3:8-11

Dan spoke about how this passage answers the question of why we do church? That it is not about what we get out of it, but about God's wisdom and glory being shown through the church. Dan was asking the Lord to change our mindset on this matter.

Dan then went into three ways we are trying to be a church that does this, and some details of what we are going to do in the year ahead to progress in these areas.

1. Intentionally invitational

Acts 5:42

We had our quiz night and open homes in December which were very successful. For this year we have our Burns Supper happening on 25th January that lots of people have been invited to, and a ceilidh coming up 22nd May.

2. Deliberately Diverse

Galatians 3:28

In this Dan particularly spoke about us being a church for all ages. He encouraged us to start a bible reading group or something similar with someone older and younger than us to build friendships across generations.

Dan also mentioned that we are making changes to the building to support young parents and carers more and to help children feel included in the church. To do this we are going to:

  • Redecorate the King's Kids rooms to make them homely and nice to be in
  • Build a temporary partition in the side hall so that it can be 2 King's Kid's rooms instead of 1.
  • The room upstairs from the auditorium will be used as a comfortable and welcoming space for parent and carers with young children.
  • The foyer will then be free as a space to welcome people into our church well.

3. Multiplication Mindset

Ephesians 1:22-23

We want to multiply groups for people to go to and to multiply in leaders to enable this, and good care of our church. This year we have already started another small group in the North of Edinburgh, and another small group will be multiplying in the next couple of months.

We are also now going to have Rachel Fleming on staff for 2 days a week, to lead the King's Kid's ministry. This will give Rachel time to develop King's Kid's and to raise up great team leaders that will enable multiplication.

Dan then mentioned 3 things that would help us to grow in this mindset of the church.

1. Prayerfulness (Ephesians 6:18)

Dan encouraged us to be praying for God's kingdom to come. The prayer week starting on 27th January will be a great way to do this, so get signed up. Also join us for our half night of prayer on 31st January from 6 - midnight.

2. Togetherness (Hebrews 10:25)

Dan encouraged us to be together in serving. This is for regular Sunday services but also for the events that King's regularly put on. When we serve together we can get to know each other well whilst also contributing to the building of the Kingdom.

3. Grace Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)

Dan encouraged us to keep using the gifts given to us by God.


Questions:

  • What does Ephesians 3: 8-11 tell us about the church? Has anything in that surprised or challenged you?
  • Intentionally Invitational Have you invited anyone to one of the King's events? If so, how did it go? Can you think of anyone you'd like to invite to future events? Your small group could maybe discuss who they would like to come along to keep asking each other if invitations have been given.
  • Deliberately Diverse Do you have friends that are in different stages of life to you? Why do you think this might be important? Think of who you could develop a friendship with that would help you with this.
  • Multiplication Mindset What gifts do you think you have that could be used in leadership? How do you think you could grow in them and use them within the church? (You may want to talk about POD for small group leaders here if you think it is appropriate)