We like books
Pastor Patricia Douglas has a bee in her bonnet. She thinks people ought to read more books. I agree with her. Patricia’s response is to create an initiative called ‘The Big Read’.
The suggestion from Pastor Douglas is that the church divides into small groups to read. The idea is to find time and the best way for you and your congregation to get together and read. The suggested method is to do the following, as Patricia describes,
"We instructed the church to divide up into small groups; with a child in each group; they were then given 10-15 minutes to share a story together, using age specific books for the children. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part on the Sabbath afternoons that we ran the programme. This may be the catalyst that inspires parents to see the necessity of spending quality time with their children. You could develop this in your local church by forming a book club or by creating a story hour etc."
Here are a couple of suggestions for you. Pastor Curtis Murphy has applied the method in the following way at the Nottingham Central church. He, and his Elders, linked the Conference strategy of 'rebuilding walls' with the need to deepen his congregation’s knowledge of Scriptural knowledge. During a free spot in the afternoon, just after lunch, Pastor Murphy runs a book club. They choose a book, read it and discuss it.
You could modify that idea to suit your congregation so as to encourage a greater number of participants - not just the adults.
The idea has a wider application than just a time in church to read books. Rose Gomez, a Bible Worker in the Manchester area, spotted a need in people she visited. Parents were asking for advice on how to encourage their children to watch less TV and not to be so transfixed by the latest games console. Parents were asking for help on how to restore home life.
The solution came with the development of the book club. Rose can speak with some authority when she says that the idea works. The programme has been running for several families for over 3 years. Each family creates it’s own club. A time is set and books are chosen from the book box. The family then sits and reads. Your average three year old child may need a little help from parents, sixteen year old young adults will choose and read their own books. Mum and Dad, where they can read along as well.
Does it work? On one occasion, on book club night, the two teenage friends turned up. Rather than ask the boys to return later the invitation was given to join in. Books were chosen and 45 minutes was spent in reading time.
You could modify that idea to suit your own situation. You could apply that to a particular family night at home – or you could apply it in your church.
Have a look at the 2 poster’s Pastor Patricia has created. Think about the suggestions – and work out how you might apply the initiative in your church and your family to the precious gifts God has given you to nurture. You might take the idea to your Pastor and Elders and urge them to promote and develop 'The Big Read' initiative for your church
