My church is going through a leadership transition so focus is on the church . But every church is in need of some help. Yesterday I saw this article: Five Ways You Can Help Your Church My thoughts follow: 

If you believe your church could be better, the mirror is a good place to look for improvement. It’s easy to criticize leadership, but you’re not likely to directly affect that, even if it is the problem. That doesn’t matter because the real health of a church is best measured by the condition of those in the pews.
Another potential area of improvement is in “theology.” Most of us believe that the church we belong to could sharpen it’s “theology.” Usually that means my brothers and sisters could and, in fact, should, believe a bit more like me. That’s not happening any time soon either, so let’s put that aside.
Of course it would be great if we served as a one person admissions committee that could decide who got to attend our church. That’s not happening either.
So what are we left with? Basically, what can I do better. These are factors we can change, so the potential for improvement is great. 
1) Be Committed. 
Some folks like to be “one foot out and one foot in” when it comes to their church. It’s like the pseudo-sports fan who says, “We won” in times of victory and, “They lost” when things don’t go so well. Get completely on board. Have a little ownership. Call it “my church.” Attend. Participate. Pray. If worse comes to worse at least you will have earned the right to complain.
2) Be On Time
People who show up late cause distraction and are subtly putting down the church. It’s like showing up late for an appointment or a date. If you don’t want to be there for the announcements, re-read number 1 above. 
3) Be Honest
In the original article this one reads “Be Positive.” I prefer people that are honest. One of the real problems in church is that people aren’t real. Everyone believes that a Christian should always be smiling and if there is a struggle in life, it’s a sign of failure. That attitude prevents us from really knowing, connecting with and helping each other.  Be real.  If you’re suffering through a crisis, the church should be the first place to cry. Don’t come with a mask. But also don’t come with a super-critical eye. Come intending to give back to the body with your gifts and talents. Come intending to be fed the Word, but also disciple and encourage others. Come ready to love and forgive and hug and forbear. Come to church ready to forgive small and big slights. Also, be pro-church. Greet guests warmly, advance the church goals and ministries with a smile.  
4) Be Prayed Up
If Sunday is the only time you think about or talk to God don’t expect much to happen. Sunday’s not your once-a-week time with God. It’s your time with the people of God sharing what God is doing in each of our lives. If we’re prayed up during the week we show up overflowing instead of dry and needy. The difference will change our experience of church forever.
5) Be Solution-Oriented
Come to fix not to be fixed. I heard a great piece of advice this week. If you’re discouraged, go find someone to encourage. If we will stop looking inward at our problems but instead look outward at other’s needs, we will finally learn what church is all about.

Does your church need some help? Isn’t it time you did something about that?

Be blessed.

Nick

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