By Michael Bell
Mission Baptist Church
A wise person once said to me: “Be vocal in your encouragement and praise, and be quiet in your criticism.” Too often the opposite is true where church members or parents are vocal in their criticisms and quiet in their praise. I have been attending my church, Mission Baptist, in Hamilton, Ontario, for a little over two years now, and so I thought it was time to list a few things that I really appreciate about the church.
In no particular order:
1. A website that is kept up to date, and has all the key information of the first page. if you were to google “Hamilton Ontario Baptist Church”, you would find us among the first few entries. I am a web developer, and while I am not responsible for the development or maintaining of the website, I appreciate the fact that it is effective and well done. Many of the new people who have come to our church have found it because of the website.
2. A church that, while seeking to be contemporary, has not neglected the traditional. I have had a couple of newcomers comment to me that we still sing some hymns and have a choir that sings during significant times in the church year.
3. A church that was willing to embrace change. The church was founded as a German church, by German speaking Canadians, with German services. They realized that they would have to change if they were going to continue to survive as a church, and change they did. At our recent church retreat, half of the congregation attended (despite the fact that it was a four hour drive), and half of those attending were between the ages of 5 and 17.
4. A church that is welcoming. The church has picked up quite a few families over the last two years. All of them have been warmly welcomed into the church, and I believe feel at home in the church. I appreciate the wide smiles and handshakes I receive on Sunday morning.
5. A church that cares about its students. We are close to a University campus, and the students from the University add a certain vibrancy to the church. I have noted that especially at the start of each semester, the church has made a special welcome to students. The church also provides a lunch for the students once a month.
6. Members who aren’t afraid to share the gospel. While this is not yet what I would call a strength, I like that fact that some of the newest attendees come from a beginner Bible Study that some ladies are running in their neighborhood.
7. A church that supports small groups. For those under the age of 50, there is quite a high involvement in small groups (the older ones still have their own German study). The Pastors and leadership team promote them from the pulpit, and held a small group fair to encourage involvement.
8. A church in which worship music is consistently “well done”. As a former worship leader, I am discouraged when not enough of an effort is put into planning services. At Mission Baptist, the worship team has a philosophy of “If you don’t practice, you don’t play.” I wish more churches would have this philosophy.
9. A church that has very good leaders. Both the Pastors, along with the Elder’s board, are quality people, dedicated to Christ, and are good examples for the rest of us to follow.
10. A church that values both men and women in leadership. I am an egalitarian. This is important to me.
11. A church that believes in a plurality of leadership. There is no “cult of personality” here. Instead the Pastors work in close cooperation with the Elders’ board.
12. A church that is not into legalism. Being followers of Christ is emphasized rather than rules and regulations.
13. In additions to number 12 above, we have a Senior Pastor who believes in: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity.” I appreciate the good things he has to say about other denominations.
14. An Associate/Youth Pastor, who leads the youth in meaningful Bible studies, and who isn’t content with “pat answers”, but is willing to explore some of the issues that youth face today.
15. A church that believes in second chances. Our Senior Pastor was divorced a number of years ago. For many churches that would automatically exclude him from ministry. Our church recognized God’s calling and gifting in his life, and was willing to call him as Pastor six years ago, a decision which they have not regretted.
16. A church that supports missions. Constant attention is given to our own missionaries who have gone out from our congregation. Support is also given to those serving at home in full time ministry, as well as those going out on short term mission trips. This is a church that does “Missions” well.
17. A church that encourages further ministry. Along with those ideas stated in the previous point, the church has been very active in encouraging an older youth in our church who is interested in ministry as a Pastor.
18. A church that is multicultural and open to others. Along with the English services, there is a Bible Study in German, and an afternoon service in Spanish. The church facilities are also used weekly by a Korean church, as well as the Navigators campus group. Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship also uses the church from time to time.
19. A church that encourages those in their spiritual gifts. Despite being new to the church, and not yet a member (another story for another time), I have been given opportunities to use my teaching gifts within the church is ways that I probably would not have gotten in other churches.
20. A church that is not afraid of the charismatic gifts. Although the church is not outwardly very charismatic, there is an openness to what the Spirit might want to do, in ways that I have not seen in many Baptist churches.
21. A church with a plethora of volunteers. Having come from some very small churches, it is nice to be able to sit back a bit, and see so many people engaged and active in ministry so that the work load is quite well shared. It is also nice to see so many who are willing to invest time with my children.
22. A church where many work quietly behind the scenes. We have a great group of trustees, who while never very visible, get much done around the church in terms of maintenance and upkeep.
23. A church that assists the less fortunate through its monthly communion offering.
24. A church where youth are actively involved in the ministry of the church.
25. Finally, but certainly at the top in importance, a church where the “good news of Jesus Christ” is preached faithfully.
These are a few of the things that I have come to appreciate about the church. I am sure that I will have more that I will add to the list as they come to mind. All in all though, over the last two years, Mission Baptist has been a pretty wonderful place to be.
What are some of the things you appreciate about your church?
Michael Bell
Joshua Hearne
Tim Melton
Joel Black
This was a great post and rare to read. There is a wave toward house churches (and I am not immune) so it is encouraging to read of all the good you see in your more traditional church.
I started attending my church in January. I am not yet sure it is the right one but I can say two very great things about it
1 They LOVE children. A good part of their budget is poured into those under 18. They stay current with technonolgy and have a full time childrens pastor (apart from the full time youth pastor)
2 They are misison minded. They support 4 mission families full time and raise money continually to supply water towers for villages in Uganda
Thanks for making me stop and think of the positive…I’ve been quite hard on my chuch lately!
Cynthia,
I think that when we are positive and vocal in our praise, we are more likely to be listened to when we have genuine concerns. My church isn’t perfect. There are some things I would like to see done better, but I continue to try to be content in where I am and what I have in all things.
Cynthia,
Thanks for your comment. Obviously I do not know either church, although I have had glimpses of both through your writing. The thought that immediately comes to mind is that you should (as opposed to must) involve your children in the decision. As with all of us, the likelihood of us staying with a church is very much dependent upon the number of relationships that we have within a church. How have your kids reacted to your current church as opposed to your previous one. Have they got friends in either one?
One of my recent postings talked about how most decisions (85%) about whether or not to attend church are made before the age of 24, so what you do now is so crucial to your children’s long term spiritual decisions.
One other thought I had: A friend of mine always wanted to leave the church when he got burnt out from working to much. Whatever you decide, take some time to recharge your batteries, so that you know that you are making the decision from a spiritually good place.
You are blessed! In the next month we will work on #1, all others are to be emulated. would that all God’s children had such a family.
Hi Will,
Consider using something like Advanced Ministry 2.0 (which is what our church uses), and is quite easy to use as a layperson.
Alternatively, google “Creating a website using wordpress”. You can create a good looking site that is easy to update and maintain for almost free using this method.
Your post began a heart journey for me…took me back in time to a bad turn in my road. Not long ago I left a rather dull little church deep in tradition and reverence but short on contemporary worship and programs, for a contemporary church rich in programs and worship teams but achingly devoid of tradition or respect for the house of God. There is no perfect church, as you say…and I am tired of looking for one. This Sunday we may be swallowing our pride and returning to the little old church once more.
Mike…that is wise. And getting burnt out at my last church was my own fault. No one forced me to sign up for everything! My children liked the former church. The new one has bells and whistles but the former one has depth and tradition.
Have you ever welcomed someone back who had decided to leave and six months later,changed their minds and was spied in the pew again? This is new. NOt sure what I will be facing!
Cynthia,
No one forced you to sign up for everything , but they allowed it. This is something that you need to address with them, as your burnout contributed to you leaving.
A former church of mine had a policy of a maximum of one major responsibility and one minor one for each person. That way, no one got overloaded, and everyone had a chance to participate. When I was elected as an elder at the ripe old age of 26, I had to give up my responsibilites of leading the college and career group. Having this kind of balance I think is very good for the health of the church. If there is no one to do a ministry, then either that ministry ends, or priority is switched from other ministries.
Be sure to communicate clearly with the leadership (preferably in writing) why you are back. That way, there can be no second guessing. I would recommend taking a year off ministry and then look to take things on slowly. Consider starting a small group bible study. That might help alleviate some of the other things that got you leave in the first place.
Mike
I really agree with this post. I would like to say something I am very passionate about….and that is youth ministry. I have no problem with a youth pastor, but I also think it should “include” the parents. The youth ministry should not be designed around presumed unique needs and desires of young people, but centered on God’s will for young people as revealed in His Word. I really believe that it should be parent driven. The goal is to strengthen parents in their God-called resposibility to “bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The so called “generation gap” and the “adolesceent years” are a result of sin and should not be encouraged by the church or youth ministies. Youth ministry should not be centered on music, drama, comedy, or other entertainments but on the faithful preaching of God’s Word and Small Groups for application of Scripture, meeting personal needs, and one-on-one discipleship and accountability. While other activities may be allowed, they must never take the place of or de-emphasize the preaching of the Word or the leadership of fathers in discipling their children. I realize I am treading on thin ice!
Ike,
While I think this is off topic, I agree up to a point.
The model that I have liked the best was my College and career group in Ottawa. We met on Friday night and had one big social event a month, two bible studies a month, and one semi-social with a devotional. The social helped to draw people in and to get to know us and each other. The semi-social was used as a transition, and then we had some pretty good Bible study groups. We were all young adults at the time, so there were no parents involved, but this is a model that I think can work well at a youth group level as well.
Mike
I wanted to let you know that your words rang true to me and as I prayed I felt your advice was solid. I took your advice and feel very much that God is pleased! Thank you for your ministering heart toward me..
Cynthia,
I hope things work out well for you and your family. Lest anyone else thinks that I do this on a regular basis, I only offered up suggestions in your case, because I felt I had a fairly good grasp of your situation. You are a prodigal daughter returning home, and like the bible story, reaction may be varied. Tread carefully and slowly.
God bless as you take this step back to your old church.
As a somewhat humorous aside, I first interacted with you through my friend’s blog, as you were deciding to leave. Seems like things have now come full circle.
Great advice on the blog website! looks like it will work,. Thanks Mike!!
Send me the link when it is up.
That’s quite a list, Mike!
The main thing I appreciate about my (our) church is that the law is preached not to make us better, but to expose our sinfulness, and the gospel is handed over freely with NO strings attached.
[...] a long search we found a church in a third community. We quite love it, and I have some very good things to say about it. Again, we didn’t qualify for membership, this time because my wife’s mode of baptism [...]
[...] a long search we found a church in a third community. We quite love it, and I have some very good things to say about it. Again, we didn’t qualify for membership, this time because my wife’s mode of baptism differed [...]