"Being a Christian in a Secular World" - Extra notes for Study 5 on Page 33.

BEING SEEN AS RELEVENT IN THE WORLD
This is a very difficult task for the church, but unless the secular population see what we are doing as relevant to their needs, we will never get to first base.
In attempting to relate to the community around us, first we have to find out what the needs are.
Eg: (a) If you are in an area where there are a lot of single mums or dads, it maybe helpful to arrange cooking classes. But not just cooking food, but also how to cook economically and nutritiously. This could be a task undertaken by various churches in the area, where the skills of the total population could be drawn upon. Eg: Cooks, Dietitian etc.

(b) If you are in an area of large unemployment amongst men, maybe a skills workshop could be undertaken with the skills of the local congregation. Eg: woodwork, metalwork, welding or if there is spare land around the church, a community veggie patch could be undertaken.

WE HAVE TO BE SEEN
Many of our churches are in prominent positions and it is important that we make use of this. (Sadly many churches miss this great outreach possibility). Having a prominent notice board with a changing weekly message that can be easily read by people driving by is one excellent way. The changing sign needs to be at least 1800 x 1200 in size, using Helvetia type about 150mm in height with the occasional graphic. The message needs to be pithy and can be scriptural, relational or amusing. The sign message needs to be varied to keep the interest high. Eg: an everyday life comment like "Born free - Taxed to death" or for the football season "Jesus_ the runner with messages from the coach", "Jesus - A man in white you can trust", "God - the greatest full back - nothing gets past him". Then the more religious thoughts to ponder over
1. The bible is like a bank_ useful when open
2. We're Son Worshippers Here.
3. Eternity is not something you want to be wrong about
4. Fight truth decay - study the bible daily
5. People that aren't usually read Bibles falling apart
6. Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church
7. Easter - the greatest comeback ever!
This may also mean organises to be part of community events, setting up tent displays, making a presence at the trash and treasure or craft markets or similar.

MAKING WORSHIP RELEVENT
If on the other hand our church has been relegated to the back blocks, a different strategy is needed. After all, the secular world has no problems in travelling distances to go to the large department or speciality stores when they need them. Our churches need to recognise this as well. It is important that we provide resources and worship that is relevant to our time. This does not mean one has to throw out the baby with the bath water. We should never apologies for the faith and what we believe. However how we apply it may need to be re-looked at. The key word here is "Variety". We are all different, and have different needs and as a result the church should be providing diversity with its' worship. That way the various age groups are catered for. Sadly, as the old "Hymn sandwich approach ­ 4 hymns and a sermon" is the less stressful to organise, many other possibilities are shunned.
Eg: In the one week the worship could include traditional, family worship, healing service, young mums & Dads service etc.

SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER ­ Using modern media in these services would be essential
Special monthly events which are promoted in the community
* Saint Patrick's Day ­ Congregation to wear something green. For morning tea this could consist of green beer, green wine, green cordial, green biscuits, cake or pikelets with green cream. A great fun day but also an opportunity to use the day to emphasise how the church's mission to go into the community to provide this or that cf; Saint Patrick's mission to Ireland
* Anzac Day ­ Special service. Or near this date a service for the airforce cadets or the Vietnam Vets (or in August for their special commemoration)
*Songs of Praise - Similar to the UK TV version. This could be in a local hall and would be an excellent opportunity for a combined churches approach.
* Renewal of Marriage vows ­ inviting couples previously married in the church or to the community at large with a wedding breakfast to follow.
* Church Parade for scouts, guides or other groups but making it relevant to those attending.
* Pet Sunday ­ Blessing of pets in church. Pet lovers are known the world over and this is an ideal innovative road into the secular community. In many cases, it would be the first time for many years, people had even considered attending a church. This could be held at other locations, but having it at the church enables people to know where you are, and being able to see the church as relevant.
* Sports or Civic Service - If you are in an area where racing, football, etc is prominent, then suggesting a service to start their season can make huge inroads. But again, it must not simply be the normal service with a few special prayers. Drama, Video, Music are all-important additions and it must be produced excellently. The local council may also be open to having a service to commence the year.
* Teddy Bear's Picnic ­ Using the bear as a security for children and how Jesus is security for a Christian, this theme can be developed in innovative ways as a service followed by a picnic.
* Friendship Services ­ Where the congregation is encouraged to bring a friend to a specially arranged service that is very friendly user oriented.

ALTERNATIVE WORSHIP
For those parishes really wanting to reach out in new ways some suggestions include:
Pub Church - Services at the local hotel in a different culture. This takes special people, but can be well received it organised well with a positive licensee
Café Church - A service around tables after a meal.
Seeker Services - Similar to the Willow Creek model

The above suggestions are only the tip of the iceberg and are offered for the purposes of discussion. None of the above have been failures, and have all be used in the parishes of Werribee and Swan Hill (Victoria) and Unley (South Australia). Father Max Bowers from the parish of Werribee regularly conducts workshops on outreach and innovative worship in Australia and overseas. If you are interested in exploring he idea of a workshop in your area or you require additional information then Fr Max can be contacted at < frmax@grassroots.com.au >.