Let’s continue to look at Nelson Searcy’s rockin’ assimilation book, Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church. Today, we will look at God’s assimilation plan discussed in chapter 2.
But before we get into our discussion, let me point you to the comments section of Part 1 of this series where Nelson Searcy commented and encouraged us to check out his blog and the free stuff that he is providing to help churches in their work for the Lord. Here are the links he mentioned along with a link to his website:
- http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/ (Website)
- http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/blog/ (Blog)
- http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/fusion/ (Free Stuff)
. . . . Now, on with the discussion. In chapter 2, Searcy wrote,
God has not only given us the responsibility of being hospitable to His guests, but He has also given us the perfect example of how to go about it. Jesus came to the earth to serve, not to be served. Throughout the New Testament, we see His examples of selfless service for those He had the opportunity to influence. And we’ve been left with the challenge of doing even greater things. When we serve our guests well, we reflect Jesus’ attitude and mindset toward them.
Although Searcy provided a thorough definition of assimilation in chapter 1, he sums up assimilation here as follows:
Assimilation is simply well-planned biblical hospitality through service. The head of our organization is the greatest server of all time. Doesn’t it follow that we should be the ultimate example of such service to our guests? With the right system in place, we can serve in a way that will truly touch lives for God’s kingdom.
For more thoughts about service, see my earlier post, American Idol. Also for more details about improving assimilation in your church, see my series, C.L.O.S.I.N.G. the Back Door.