A Loaded Word

welcoming& affirming church?”

“Is this a

welcometo accept h to receive

a l w a y s b e e n a c h a l l e n g e f o r c h u r c h e s

Churches have never welcomed everyone to join.

racially unlike majority

ex-cons

mentally ill

special needs

ideological opponentspolitical opposites

disgraced

recovering addicts

gays

homeless

outcasts

unwed moms

ex-gang members

physically challenged

misfits

poor

The Sin of Self-inflation

Mark 9:33 At last, they came to Capernaum where they gathered in a house.

Jesus: What was it I heard you arguing about along the way?

34 They looked down at the floor and wouldn’t answer, for they had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest of Jesus’ disciples.

The Problem with Pecking Orders

Ancient IssuePermanently Stuck

Problems with Worth*Everywhere

Four-chapter Gospel

Mark 9:35 He sat down with the twelve to teach them.Jesus: Whoever wants to be first must be last, and whoever wants to be the greatest must be the servant of all.

Mark 9:36 He then called forward a child, set the child in the middle of them, and took the child in His arms.Jesus: 37 Whoever welcomes a child like this in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me is welcoming not Me, but the One who sent Me.

Still Powerless & Unimportant?

Jesus calls us to welcome everyone,

especially people we think are unimportant and unnecessary.

And whenever we do, we should realize that we are

also welcoming Jesus to be with us, too.

For He came to us as a powerless, unimportant child.

Look for Jesus amidst the

resulting mess and chaos

more than enough love

Colossians 1:3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of

your love for all God's people. 5 When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what

you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven.