It's Dinner Time at Coats Baptist
written by Neal Thornton, Senior Pastor (September 26, 2022)
I thought about titling this post “Five reasons I like food.” But that would be too transparent of me!
Starting Wednesday night October 5 we’ll be offering 6 weeks of Wednesday night dinners each served from 5:30-6:30pm in our multi-purpose worship space. It’s a trial balloon of sorts, a low risk way to drive meaningful fellowship this fall as we make disciples together. If traction takes, we’ll reassess for the new year. Let’s give it a try!
So here are five reasons—five reasons that is, as to why I’m excited about dinner with YOU on Wednesday nights this fall.
1. It’s an opportunity to bring ministry momentum.
Over the last few Wednesday nights, we’ve seen the highest number of people on campus since pre-COVID. Nearly 100 people of all ages were participating in discipleship of some kind. Dinner time adds value to time already well spent, and incentivizes people to think twice about staying home. Let me encourage you to try a Wednesday!
2. It’s a convenient way to meet a practical need.
For some families dinner time is crunch time. We realize nights can be a strain, if not impossible. We want to help families participate in ministry activities. An evening meal at the church is a way to do that. Simple, fun, convenient. We hope such a service will encourage involvement and connectivity for folks church-wide.
3. It’s an easy platform to invite guests.
Some people are uneasy about attending church. But food can take down the guard. (We see that every year at VBS). Eating together brings a sense of fellowship and friendship. Leverage this meal time to invite guests from Sunday, and throughout your week. It may just be that for some folks Wednesday night is the front door of the church, and to Jesus.
4. It’s a likely intersection to say hello.
Maybe it’s my personality but I never feel like I greet enough people on Sunday morning. Time simply fails me to make it around to everyone. My best intentions don’t measure up. Perhaps you understand. Well, Wednesday night provides another connection point for relationships. So, if I see you on Sunday, I may just say, “See you Wednesday!”
5. It’s a fresh opportunity to serve from scratch.
Coats Baptist is full of fantastic people. Potential ministry leaders abound. But people need small steps of service. Such a low commitment with an easy win can bring life and encouragement to many. Know that you can always serve God’s people in very simple ways. If your time avails, here’s your chance.
Serve: If you would like to help serve, please contact Bryan & Anna Sanders.
They will be running point each night and could use your help. Set up, clean up, and simple food service will be the need. And you might even get first dibs on leftovers!
Email Bryan at bryan@justchurchjobs.com.
Info: Visit coatsbaptist.com/dinner to sign up for meals and to see a listing of groups offered on Wednesdays. A few quick points you should know:
- Be sure to sign up for only the meals you need for your family. Have four kids but only need two meals? That type of thing.
- Payment options are multiple. You can pay online, drop it off on Sunday or in person on Wednesday.
- Most important, we need your sign up by noon on the Monday prior. We’ll order food on Tuesday.
In addition, our children and student ministries are in full swing as well. Should you have any questions about ministry to family, contact Haley King for children or Pastor Tommy Austin for students. They’d be glad to assist you.
Let me encourage you to join us on Wednesdays for dinner and Bible study. There are groups for all ages. Children, students and adults.