Show and tell —  it’s not just for kindergarten and early elementary school.  It is a powerful tool for improving your life that works wonders for people of all ages.

For instance, when people are stressed out, caught up in a harmful habit or addiction, or struggling with depression; one of the most effective ways for them to get better is to be a part of a support group where they can show and tell what they are going through and gain encouragement and strength from one another.  Examples include AA, Overeaters Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous.

However,  being an active part of a show and tell group can help anybody improve her/his life.  It even works in church.

Several years ago I had a dream.  I was in a church that had no pulpit or altar.  It had chairs instead of pews.  There was a big sign hanging up that read:  “Show And Tell What God Has Done.”

Shortly after that dream, my wife and I were asked by The Salvation Army to start a “non-traditional” church in East Nashville.  We we given permission to be creative and to do church a fresh way.  So we set it up where people have the freedom to show and tell what God has done.

Each Sunday morning we have a different person lead us in passionate praise and worship.  Then instead of having a sermon, we ask:  “Who has something to share?”

People begin to testify about what God has done.  They share Scriptures, prayers, words of encouragement, and gifts of the Spirit.  It is always amazing how it all comes together in a beautiful symphony of God’s Presence manifested in our midst.

This is not a new thing.  The New Testament teaches participatory church in I Corinthians 14:26.  The Quakers practiced it.  The early Methodist practiced it in what they called “class meetings.”  It has been the way of worship in the modern Chinese House Church Movement.  Many others around the world are engaging in support group style church meetings — sometimes called organic church and/or simple church.

Come and see how wonderful it is when God’s people show and tell what He has done.  Visit us at The Salvation Army Berry Street Worship Center, 225 Berry Street, Nashville, 37207 on Sunday mornings @ 10:45 & Tuesday nights @ 6:00.