So i managed to bring myself to school today- it was no easy feat.
I'm going to post some pics of the banquet this weekend so you can see the adorableness of our centerpieces, etc etc etc! We had an amazing time and while i still feel as if i have been steam rolled post banquet, it's ok because we made about $1000 for our church building fund.
Speaking of the church, my youth pastor sent me this email a few weeks back and i think it would benefit anyone of any denomination so i will copy and paste:
The People Business
By Jack Cunningham
The preaching may be biblical, the singing inspirational, and the sermon uplifting, but when a guest thinks church members don't care whether they are in church or not, they are not likely to come back.
The church is in the people business. The most effective church builders of our generation are men and women who build their concept of ministry around meeting the real needs of real people. Church builders continually develop their people skills. They are keenly aware that people are souls and souls are eternal.
Ministers allow many things to take our time buildings, grounds, vehicles, computers, musical instruments, organization, administration, and so on. Though necessary responsibilities of the ministry, these do not represent the core business of the church. The primary business of the church is people. People are God's primary business too. Buildings, vehicles, and computers are not going up in the Rapture ... only people!
The successful restaurateur knows that he is not in the food businesshe's in the people business. The successful clothier knows that he is not in the clothing businesshe's in the people business. The successful church builder knows that he is not in the building, music, or high tech businesshe's in the people business.
Success is the ability to get along with people. All things being equal, the main difference between a successful and unsuccessful business is usually the difference in how each treats its customers. Business owners know customers will return to a business where they are treated well. They are not likely to return to a business where they were not treated well.
The same applies to the church. Guests will return to a church where they are treated well, but they will not return if they were not received warmly.
Why do guests visit the first time? Eighty-six percent of first time guests say they went to church because a friend, relative, acquaintance, or neighbor invited them.
Why do guests return the second time? The number one reason a guest returns for a second visit is "how they were treated on their first visit."
Why do guests remain with a church? A popular church growth magazine published a list of why visitors said they remain with a church. The article lists thirteen reasons, here's the top four: (1) Helpful services; (2) Relate to minister; (3) Friendly people; (4) Theology.
(Jack Cunningham is the director of Global Impact for the United Pentecostal Church International. He also serves as the district superintendent of the Virginia District, and is pastor of Bible World Church in Chesapeake, Virginia)
