Rather than looking at a
question this week, I think it’s time for another update. First off, the
eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that the “Meetings” tab is down. It might
be that way for about another week, as I decide what topic we will discuss and
when. Labor Day and a few other scheduling issues are making it so that it has
to be pushed back a little. Right now, I am looking at September 18th
being the next time we can get together. That means we are looking at a bit of
a gap, but it won’t be too bad. And of course, I will be keeping up the online
presence so QF stays in people’s minds.
Online
For one thing, these
articles will continue on a weekly basis. As a reminder, their purpose is to
take a look at questions about Christian spirituality, God, and the Bible. I
want to help people work through difficult passages, concepts, and
circumstances, to show them that faith does provide answers. For another, I
will still occasionally share articles from others that I feel coincide with
the mission here. That happens irregularly, though, as the mood strikes me.
More frequent are my short takes. I have begun posting a few verses every day
or two with a brief explanatory and encouraging comment. These small posts are
meant to be an accessible way to experience QF regularly.
Meetings
There is also a change
coming to the way meetings are done, which I want to introduce now. As I have
mentioned before, my eventual goal is to plant a new church in the Greensburg,
PA region. Let me say, I certainly do not expect or
intend for every person who comes now to also have to join the church once it
starts. They will be welcome, obviously, but I am not trying to snipe people
from other churches or pressure people into more of a commitment than they are
willing to make. For now, I just want people to join the discussions. But this
is part of the process, and the plan.
The forums are to be an
extension of the church, as the primary method of instruction. Of course, that
requires them to become weekly at some point. We are not quite there yet, but I
do feel monthly meetings leave them spaced too far apart. Therefore, starting with
the next meeting, they will occur every other week rather than on the first
Sunday of every month. Having them more frequently will hopefully keep them
more in people’s minds, giving them more reason to try it out. And obviously,
it will be a good step toward the goal of meeting every week.
Outreach
Outreach is another
issue, and a complicated one. I have never wanted to exclude anyone based on
age or education, but I have made it clear that my primary demographic is
college students and young adults. They are, after all, a group in need of
reaching. That is why I am targeting Greensburg. But it makes the ministry
seasonal, in a sense. With the colleges empty for summer, there have not been
any developments on that front. My hope is for that to change soon. I will be
submitting flyers for distribution around the campuses, and I will also be
reaching out to the various campus ministry groups to seek their advice and
assistance in attracting this audience. Again, however, I am not looking to
keep others away. Flyers are also going up in stores, coffee shops, post
offices, and anywhere else with a bulletin board. I also send out reminders on
local community Facebook groups. If you want a flyer to put up, or if you know
of a local group page on which I should post, let me know.
The Goal
The steps taking place,
new and continuing, are all designed with the goal of getting a core group and
growing attendance. I have not yet approached any church, even my own, for
support. In my case, because this ministry and the plans for it are a bit on
the unusual side, I feel I need to have something to show before I develop or
submit any type of prospectus. With just 20 people in regular attendance,
though, I would be ready to take that step.
Help Wanted
But to get there, I
need your help. A ministry like this spreads by word of mouth. Please tell
people about what I am doing. “Like” and “Share” the posts on Facebook, and do
both, because they provide different things. Retweet articles on Twitter. Ask
questions I can write about. Invite friends to the meetings. If you know anyone
at Seton Hill University, Pitt Greensburg, Westmoreland County Community
College, or Saint Vincent College, put us in contact. That would require the most
effort, but most of these should not be any trouble. If you are reading my
posts, it takes maybe two extra mouse clicks. But for every person who does
that, I get an audience that is exponentially increased. If you get anything
out of what I provide here, please commit to spreading the word. I cannot do it
alone.
Along with that, please
commit to praying. If you can do nothing else, whether as a result of distance
or lack of time, please at least keep me in mind when you communicate with God.
Ask Him to bless this, to make it fruitful, to encourage me to continue and to
give me wisdom. Partner with me, and with Him, to bring this to life.
My Quest
Thanks for checking out the Quest Forums
blog! If you enjoyed this post, please consider following me here, on Twitter
(@Quest_Forums), or on Facebook (“Quest Forums”). Links are in the sidebar. I
am always looking for new questions and comments, so submit yours on any of
these sites or by emailing questforums.ask@gmail.com.
And please, spread the word! The share buttons below are
a great way to do that. I want to connect with as many people as possible, so
if you know anyone with questions about the Bible, send them my way.
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