Shut-In NOT Shut-Out

Written By

Christopher Mentzer

Recently I spoke with one of our elder members of the congregation, a woman who is unable to attend services often. She felt like she wasn’t edifying the other members because of her lack of presence. She also recounted to me what she had done thus far for the Kingdom of God and now she doesn’t know what the future holds for her.

Here’s some hope for her and others who might be a Shut-in. Recently I heard a wonderful lesson on the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16: 1-13). The summary of the parable is: When faced with a dilemma, decide what action to take and then do it! Those who cannot travel outside their home often can still be involved in the work of the Church.

For Those with a Computer

1. If you have access to the Internet, you can create your own website for free featuring articles, outlines, study notes, or thoughts on scripture passages. There is no law that says you must be a preacher to put out a website! See mine for ideas.

2. On the Internet, visit other sites and read their articles and sermon outlines. Then when someone calls or visits, share with them what you have learned.

3. E-mail denominational sites and challenge their beliefs by asking them where the Bible supports it. Then share with them the truth of the scriptures.

For Those with a telephone

1. Although you may be called by one of the members of the congregation each week. Return the favor and call someone else. Pick up a directory from other congregations and call them. Simply introduce yourself and discuss an article you read, a sermon you heard, or a passage of scripture you really like.

2. If you get an answering machine when calling, introduce yourself and make a brief comment about what you learned from an article, sermon, or passage.

Here are some verses of encouragement:

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy purposes shall be established.”

Psalms 9:1 “I will give thanks unto Jehovah with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.”

Psalms 64:9 “And all men shall fear; And they shall declare the work of God, And shall wisely consider of his doing.”

Psalms 90:17 “And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”

So you see, she was a source of encouragement for me as it gave me the idea for this article. Although one is advanced in years, there’s still things you can do in the Lord’s Church.