Introduction:
Opening Thought:
“People may come to church for many reasons, but they stay because they are known and loved.”
Scripture Anchor:
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Prompt for Reflection:
“How does your church ensure no one walks through life alone?”
What Is the People Element?
Definition:
The People Element is the church’s intentional effort to cultivate community, offer care, walk with people through life’s events, and resolve conflict in ways that honor Christ.
Why It Matters:
- It reflects the character of Christ and the heart of the gospel.
- It prevents people from slipping through the cracks.
- It deepens discipleship by connecting truth to life and love.
Core Expressions of the People Element
1. Building Relationships
- Goal: Create intentional environments for people to connect, belong, and grow together.
- Practices:
- Welcome teams trained for connection, not just greeting.
- Small groups and events that prioritize relational depth.
- Encouraging personal hospitality and “get to know you” rhythms.
- Guiding Question: “Do people know someone who knows them?”
- Healthy Sign: First-time guests become long-time friends.
2. Visitation & Presence Ministry
- Goal: Be present during times of crisis, transition, and need.
- Practices:
- Hospital, hospice, and home visits.
- New baby visits and senior shut-in care, meal-train.
- Follow-up with those grieving or facing chronic illness.
- Guiding Question: “When people are hurting, do they feel the presence of their church?”
3. Life Events & Milestones
- Goal: Walk with people through key transitions with pastoral care and celebration.
- Practices:
- Premarital counseling and weddings
- Funerals and grief care
- Baby dedications, baptisms, anniversaries
- Guiding Question: “Are we shepherding people through life’s most sacred moments?”
4. Counseling & Support
- Goal: Help people navigate mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles.
- Practices:
- Pastoral counseling practices
- Referrals to professional counselors
- Support groups for grief, divorce, addiction, etc.
- Guiding Question: “Do hurting people know where to turn for help in our church?”
5. Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation
- Goal: Lead people toward biblical resolution of offenses, misunderstandings, and division.
- Practices:
- Peacemaking conversations
- Mediation support for staff or members
- Teaching a culture of forgiveness and grace
- Guiding Question: “Do we deal with conflict biblically and quickly?”
6. Unity & Belonging
- Goal: Build a community where diversity is celebrated, unity is protected, and every person feels like they belong and have input.
- Practices:
- Vision casting around unity and mutual love
- Leadership Representation across generations, cultures, backgrounds
- Regular pastoral presence with congregants
- Guiding Question: “Does everyone have a place at the table?”
Activity: Community Care Audit
Instructions:
- Rate the following on a scale of 1–5 (1 = weak, 5 = strong):
- Guest to friend pathway
- Small group relationships
- Visitation ministry
- Life event care
- Counseling or referral systems
- Conflict resolution culture
- Sense of unity and belonging
Personal Reflection:
- Where is your church strong in the People Element?
- Where have people fallen through the cracks?
- What is one step you can take to better care for your congregation?
- What part of the People Element is most difficult to scale as your church grows?
- What story comes to mind when you think of someone who felt truly loved by your church?
- How do you balance programming with personal care?
Application: Strengthening the People Element
Ideas for Action:
- Launch a new care team or visitation ministry.
- Host a reconciliation or relational health workshop.
- Train greeters and small group leaders in relational follow-up.
- Start a story-sharing rhythm that highlights community wins.
Closing Thought:
“Programs may impress, but love transforms.”