Circuit Thoughts

Okay folks, it is time to get real. There is an elephant in the room, and it is running out of peanuts. Yes, I am talking about CHURCH ATTENDANCE.

I know that every church is concerned about it. I know that every church member thinks we should do something about it. I also know that many members intend to show up, but things get in the way. Let’s face it, we have had a built-in excuse for over a year, and it is time to stop the excuses and start showing up.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to “…consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” This is the Biblical mandate to gather for worship, prayer, and study. We are called to gather to love and good works. We are called to gather, PERIOD.

So how do we encourage one another? That is actually the easy part. Now, before I get into the examples and guidelines, let me point something out. The writer of Hebrews did not say, “let only your leaders and elders encourage people to come to church.”

Church attendance is a concern for everyone in the church. Whether you are a registered member, or someone who shows up every time, the concern is yours. Every person who is connected to ANY church should be concerned about those who are not coming.

We should be concerned because those who aren’t coming are losing out on the blessing of a message and community. Your preacher has a message to share, that needs to be shared. Your heart needs the love and community that church offers. We need prayers and support that only church can give. The Bible study and Sunday School are necessary to face the world on a daily basis. We need to be in church.

In order to get someone to church all you need to do is call them. If they had been coming and aren’t now, call them and see what is going on. Offer to help get them to church or if they need other assistance. For children, offer to get them to Sunday School. Don’t take for granted that someone will return to church, call them.

And then invite everyone you meet. Don’t assume someone is going, invite them. If that person says they attend another church, encourage them. We don’t live in the Godly nation we thought we did. So, invite everyone.

Bringing people into church isn’t about building your personal church up. It is about building the kingdom of God, and we all have a job to do. We are told to make Disciples; well, the best way is to get them to church.

There is no reason why our churches shouldn’t be full. There are plenty of excuses, but if a person can make it to a rainy-day baseball game, or a sub-zero football game, they can make it to church.

Okay, you have your marching orders. There are plenty of lost sheep out there, let’s go get them.

See you in church.