The Value of Visitors: From Stranger to Family

Every Sunday morning around the world, Christians gather to celebrate and worship the Resurrected King. God does something amazing every single Sunday for his people. He sends them gifts. Gifts? Yes, gifts! These gifts that God sends every single Sunday are people like you and me. They are the new visitors that walk through our door each week. 

At Oasis Community Church, we understand the value of every visitor and try our best to be hospitable.  Every Sunday tons of new visitors visit churches all around the world and many times, churches have no idea what to do with them. There are two reasons for this: 

1. They aren’t sure how much we value them. (In other words, we know they are important, but we don’t know how important they are.) 
2. They don’t know how to reach out to them. 

Here are some ways we understand the value of a new visitor and try to reach them.

The Value of the New Visitor:

• We understand that new visitors don’t just wander into our churches unguided and on accident. These new visitors are gifts from God to us given freely and intentionally. 

• In John 4, Jesus pursues the Samaritan woman over and over again even though she rejects him. Jesus demonstrates his eagerness to see this woman transformed by the Gospel. We should demonstrate this same type of eagerness whenever God leads a new visitor to our churches. 

• Jesus tells us in Matt. 28 to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Why? Because Jesus wants to transform sinners into saints. Jesus values all people and so should we. When a new visitor shows up, we must see them through the lens of Christ. Only then, we will understand how much value people have. 

How To show Biblical Hospitality: 

• The purpose of Greeters at the door way entrance at our church is not only to welcome our church family (although that is important), but rather to help identify new visitors. 

• Once a new visitor is identified, we need to have someone ready and willing to show them where the children’s ministry is, the bathrooms, the Sanctuary, etc. We use the mantra, greeted, directed, treated and seated to describe the way we care for first time visitors. 

• During the service (usually during announcements), we make sure there is a moment where we welcome new visitors and tell them how much we value them, the same way God does. 

• We also invite all new visitors to the Visitor Welcome Center where a member of our connect team thanks them for coming, has a gift for them, and invites them to a lunch with the staff and Pastors. 

• Along with all of this, we also reach out to them via email and the mail to invite them back and receive feedback from them about how well we were able to care for them on their visit to our church. 

By understanding the value of each visitor and seeking to show hospitality toward each person, we as a family of God can help welcome in His children. We hope you'll join us in this mission we feel called to.

Blog post author:
Director of Ministry, Joey Venegas

Favorite bible verse:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9  

Sunset Hills List of Items to Donate

Shepherding your Family Well

Parenting and Family as Instruction | Ephesians 6:4 

Ephesians 6:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Law and Not Gospel

Some Fathers are: Harsh, mean, overbearing, intimidating, frightening and provoking.

But the biblical goal is not to crush but to cultivate into maturity of the Lord. Everything in the life of a child is ultimately the responsibility of the father along with his wife. (Education, spirituality, work ethic, vocation, social skills etc..) Other institutions (Church, school,) help and assist under the headship of the father.

Cultivate Children by Cultivating Your Soul and your Wife’s Soul 

Purpose: Restoration and Peace 

Hebrews 12:1–13 (ESV) — 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

Discipline:

Proverbs 29:17 (ESV) — 17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

Discipline for delight and rest (you will pay attention to your children, now or later). 

Proverbs 3:11–12 (ESV) — 11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Discipline to cultivate into a spirit of self discipline.

Instruction: Purpose 

Providentially provided moments.

Proverbs 19:27 (ESV) — 27 Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Instruct to impart knowledge - giving of or sharing in truth.

Proverbs 13:1 (ESV) — 1 A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

Instruct to impart wisdom - the careful application of knowledge.

Proverbs 23:19 (ESV) — 19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.

Instruct to impact the heart.

Practical ways to make it happen: 

Family Worship

What is the difference in your home and the non-Christian home? 

(Start small, stick with it, be realistic, have a plan, give it time, be interactive, be transparent.) 

Praying as a Family

(Bed time, dinner time, driving time, on the way to school, keep a prayer list.)

Serving as a Family

Determine if the time you're spending on good things is outweighing the time you have for Jesus. For example you may be running around with little league, sports, scouts, VBS and Sunday school and still miss Jesus in the midst. It's important to find balance here.

Journaling

Notes, thoughts, scriptures for your children 

Journey Days

( Dad and kids dates) 

Family Planned Meals

Dinner time meals and covenant go together (Jesus often gathered with others while eating and drinking.)

The High Desert and the Kingdom of God

What Does Mission in the High Desert Look Like?

It is the mission of the Church to see God worshipped where He is not, by those whom He is not. As John Piper says, “Mission exists because worship does not”. Therefore, the Mission of Jesus most often involves going to places where the shalom of God does not exist, and to expand the reign of His Kingdom. Such would probably be a good description of the place I have called home for most of my life. Here in the High Desert of Southern California, our culture and community faces many difficulties. Often our challenges are economic, but we also deal with things such as racial tension, and substance abuse. There is a suspicion and even a fear of our neighbors that has all but completely choked out any sense of community, and to many, any type of optimism about our desert community is mocked as sheer naivety. It is often the joke that everyone in the High Desert is looking for an opportunity to leave.

Breaking the Stronghold of Idolatry

I must admit, at times I have embraced such skepticism, however, something has repeatedly changed my perspective, and renewed my love for my community. As Christians, we live our lives on mission with Jesus in the world. As I stated earlier, mission exists because worship does not. While there are various difficulties faced by the desert community, they ultimately can all be traced back to the single issue of worship. Idolatrous worship, people pursuing peace, pleasure and prosperity, satisfaction, security and salvation, in things that cannot deliver. People looking for identity in their particular niche of the culture. So we see, the real issue behind our other issues, is worship. And that is why we are here…

Encouragement to Proclaim the Gospel

Let me encourage you, and perhaps challenge you, my fellow High Desert citizens. Together, God has called us to be His Church, here in this place. He has commissioned us to make Christ known in a place where He is not known, to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to people who have not heard, that is why we are here.

Acts 17:26 tells us:  “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

God has put you right where He wants you, to be a missionary to the people of your city - our city. Don’t like the culture of the city? What are you doing to change it? True transformation in the High Desert will take place when the Church lives on mission, when worship is transformed, and when the people of our city learn to shape the culture from their identity, rather than have their identity shaped by the culture, and to direct their worship to Him who truly satisfies. It really is a matter of worship. Let our prayer and purpose be that what Isaiah has written would be true of our desert home:

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing.” Isaiah 35:1-2

Author: Chris Centola, Pastor at Oasis Community Church Hesperia CA

Take Time to Reflect on Life

This past week Sherri and I had a little rest and reflection with our kids during spring break . I thought I would share some of the thoughts that occurred to me while we enjoyed time together.  I like lists, lists are fun so….here goes.

1. Sabbath rest is both awesome and necessary.

Sometimes you need to know when to say: "It's time for some rest for the family and I." We spent most days at home together just enjoying the gift of our home and family. In past years we rushed to figure out what "great experience" we would give the kids.  This time we focused on justing being rather than doing.  Living room campouts, hide and go seek and a few movie nights were great simple things we enjoyed. 

2. I Love my Wife and Kids!

There is no one other than Jesus I would rather spend my time with.  The moments we laughed and giggled and snored with one another this week were awesome. Ephesians tells us that all families are named for our Father in heaven. If this week was just a glimpse of the eternal joy that awaits being with God forever, bring it on! 

3. I love Jesus!

Time away from work doesn’t equal time away from Jesus. Spending time with my bible and Jesus is precious to me. I was reminded of this again this week during a conversation with one of our Elders, He always knows the right questions to ask and the Holy Spirit gave me a great encouragement this week. Jesus first. 

4. I really love Oasis Community Church!

The family, community and relationships Sherri and I and the kids have with our family at Oasis are a true blessing from Jesus.  The community of love and care we have through the gospel is alive and well here.

5. There is still lots to do…

We have had a great wave of momentum coming out of Easter and the temptation to slow down and bask in the blessings is great, but now is the time to push forward on mission, in prayer and with great expectations.  Spring time is a time of planting and investing.  Who are you praying for and loving in Jesus name. 

A Gospel to Be Proud of: Focusing on Romans

Romans 1:16 | The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." 

In Romans 1 the Apostle Paul boldly proclaims his dedication and confidence in the gospel as the power of of salvation to everyone who believes, but what is this gospel that Paul is unashamed of and holds the power to save?  

The answer is simply and beautifully: Jesus.  

In Jesus’  life, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, sending of the Holy Spirit, and promised return, we find the power of God for salvation and strength for living.

The Life of Jesus

In the perfect life and ministry of Jesus the believer finds Freedom from slavery to Satan, sin, and death.  Jesus’ perfect righteousness is credited to us.  His reward becomes our reward.

The Death of Jesus

In the death and penal substitution atonement of Jesus the believer finds Victory over death and the penalty of sin. Jesus’ perfect death satisfied the wrath of the father and becomes the payment for our sin.

The Resurrection of Jesus

In the resurrection of Jesus to life the believer finds the Redemption of his brokenness.  Jesus’ perfect resurrection reveals the restoration of this life to its true purpose; one in which God is glorified.

The Ascension of Jesus

In Jesus’ ascension to the throne and the right hand of the Father the believer finds true Justice. Jesus’ perfect ascension to perfect authority assures the believer that all that occurs in this life is under Jesus’ control and rule. The unjust will answer for their injustice in this life to the true authority and power in this world.

The Sending of the Holy Spirit

From the day of Pentecost and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the believer finds Power to live in and through the gospel life.  Jesus’ perfect sending of the Holy Spirit to apply His work of redemption perfectly allows the believer to rest not in his own strength or force but in the supernatural power of God to continually put sin to death and live in the light of who Jesus is and what He has done.   

The Promised Return of Jesus

In the literal and approaching return of Jesus the believer finds Hope for this life and the next.  Jesus’ perfect coming return offers the believer the hope to push through the turmoil and torture this life delivers. Trusting in the return of Christ brings peace for today and hope for tomorrow for the believer as he knows that it is not a matter of if Christ will return, but when He will return.

Freedom, Victory, Redemption, Justice, Power, Hope.  This is the good news of Jesus. This is what the Apostle Paul was unashamed of. This is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. This is simply Jesus.

Author: Vinnie Hanke, Lead Pastor Oasis Community Church Hesperia CA