“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
John 13:34
Positively influencing the culture of our church through intentional warmth, friendliness, and regular gatherings is what this ministry is all about. We believe that when people come to Rosebank they are longing for a touch from God and that often happens through the worship and preaching that is done. But it also happens by being seen, approached, spoken to and invited to share a cup of coffee.
In each of the two morning services we have 10 seating sections where every section is treated as a church community. Each section is led by volunteers who have a database of people in their section, encourage them to be friendly and co-ordinate section get-togethers. There are 21 section leaders in the 8am service and an ever-growing number in the 10am service. However, people in these sections are ALL responsible to recognize every new person and connect them with others. This is a ministry that EVERYONE can and should do. No special gifts required. Only a friendly spirit. People who are involved in section community are beginning to feel the thrill of God using their life. We encourage those who aren’t currently being active with their warmth and love towards others to ‘GET IN THE GAME.’
The section community ministry is a very important part in MAKING SUNDAYS GREAT. As people enter the sanctuary and sit in a particular section of the church, they aren’t ignored. People don’t pretend not to see them. They are looked at… acknowledged…greeted and often invited to stay afterwards for tea or coffee.
One section team member from 10E shared that she was encouraged chatting to a lady at their meet and greet tea. This lady had been coming to Rosebank for 10 years and only knew one other person. Now she has come to know quite a number of people that she can say hello to on Sunday.
“Section Community is very important to me because it has given me the opportunity to meet new people.”
In addition to the formal tea gatherings, spending time one-on-one is also being done in a very meaningful and inclusive way.
What’s my Section?
For both morning services, the church is divided into 10 sections (A – J) as per the image displayed. People tend to sit in the same section each week, so the goal of Section Community is to facilitate opportunities for people in each section to connect over coffee. Look out for your section community leader wearing a nametag with a bright green lanyard.