Hot Topics: Part 4 - 'Accessible Church'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

2 Corinthians chapter 2 verses 5 - 11

5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.


Prayer and Reflection:

Jehovah Rapha, O God of healing, we say sorry for when we have hurt people, or wounded Your creation. We ask You to forgive us for the times we have caused harm, and for withholding forgiveness. Forgive us too for when we have made it hard for people to come to You and to your church. Help us to do better, and to do so wisely and well. Jehovah Shalom, God of wholeness, peace and complete wellbeing, we pray for ourselves and others that you would restore and make whole again the people who have wounded and been wounded. We pray for peace within them, and peace between them, and forgiveness of themselves and each other. Jehovah Nissi, God our banner who is above us, covering and protecting us, keep Your flock safe from those who would do us harm. In Jesus name,

Amen.


Questions to Consider

1. What people of groups of people might find it difficult to access churches?
2. To what extent is this true of EBC?
3. What people groups do you personally feel uneasy around – and how do you feel about welcoming them into church?
4. What are the risks when we invite strangers in?
5. What are the potential blessings?
6. Is there a situation in your life when you have experienced rejection or abuse, or felt unwanted? How did this make you feel?
7. What is the best way to treat people who may (perhaps partly because of their own wrongdoing, or perhaps not) have been turned away from church?
8. How do we safely manage the tension between being a Restored ‘Beacon’ church with the idea of welcoming people who may have abused others in the past?
9. Will you pray into this issue?