Mark Lauer's Story

Mark Lauer is a pastor of small groups at Calvary Church in Los Gatos. He's one of the HUNDRED PLUS leaders that is launching a seeker small group. He's planning to lead a group on Sunday evenings, 6:00-7:30 this fall in Los Gatos for six weeks (to start). His hope was to meet at the home of a seeker who was willing to host and inquire. But finding someone to host seemed like a challenge. Then, a woman named Laurie called the church one day, and she was very upset. The previous day in a local Starbucks she had overheard folks from my church discussing salvation through Christ alone with another person. She found this very offensive, anti-semitic, and anti-Jewish. She called the church and asked the receptionist if our church, indeed, believed this. “Well, of course, it’s true,” said our kindly, senior citizen receptionist.

Mark was the 'pastor of the day,' meaning he was to handle emergency requests, and, he says "boy howdy, did our receptionist have one!" Here's his story:

"Laurie was transferred to me and we spoke at some length about life, culture, history, prejudice, and her concerns about religion—I even managed to squeeze in a comment from the Bible here and there. After 20 minutes or so, she was curious about some of my statements. Having spoken to a minister, she committed to talking that week with a priest and a rabbi—which reminds me of a little joke I once heard… (not really…).

I mentioned that I had a meeting to attend and I asked if I could call her back in a couple of days. We set a time and date. I called right on time and she answered. We spoke again at length and tried to solve all the world’s problems, but in particular she wanted to know more about Jesus and what the Bible states about sexual morality. I cited a few verses and quickly learned that she couldn’t find her Bible. I offered to give one to her. 'Really?' she said. She was astounded that I would just give one away. We agreed to meet at the church the next week to talk about the Bible and sex!

Laurie came to our appointment immediately following her regular tennis game at a local club. I gave her the Bible I had set aside and she asked specifically what the Bible says about sexual morality and promiscuity. It became clear that she WANTED to find a clear boundary so she could share it with a male friend of hers. She held firmly to a Judeo-Christian sexual ethic, even though she wasn’t observant in either faith. I asked about this, and we spoke quite a bit about her upbringing, adult children and the husband who had mistreated her. She mentioned that at one time she was an observant Jew, but had wandered away and had many questions about religion.

I mentioned that I would soon begin a group for those seeking to understand more about spiritual issues, but my home was under sufficient remodel that my wife didn’t want to host anything just yet. Laurie said she’d be happy to host. From moment one, I sensed the God-check in my spirit that something was up with Laurie. By simply being available and willing to hear her real story, she stepped closer to Jesus—and jumped right into the group as host!"

Mark is going to follow Garry's suggestion for the first meeting where after several ice breakers he'll ask each participant the question, 'If you could ask God anything, what would you ask and why?' Their questions will form the 6-week curriculum. He says he will very likely draw from Garry's "Tough Questions" series for help. After the six weeks, he'll ask if any of them want to continue.

Thanks for your contribution of this story, Mark. Anyone have any comments or encouragement for Mark? - Mary

Comments

[Fran Goodrich]

Mark - that is a great story! How encouraging to see that there are people out there who are honestly asking questions, and people like you who are willing to take the time to hear and help.

Just a thought: I'd like to recommend that after your group gets to a point where they believe the Bible is worth studying, try having them go through the Neighborhood Bible Studies guide in the book of Mark. It doesn't assume any previous knowledge, is low-key, non-threatening, very user friendly and answers the question, Who is Jesus? Check it out at www.NeighborhoodBibleStudy.org

Let me know if I can help. Fran

[Mark Lauer]

Thanks, Fran!