“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul:
and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions
and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need……Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41-47).
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WHAT MAKE PEOPLE COME TO CHURCH?
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By most measurements, our church is a great church! When congregations in the community want to build they come to see the facilities at our church.
When a church was looking to create an emergency disaster plan they came to our church. When churches look to finance their building programs, they come
to our church to review our procedures. First Baptist has become a paradigm for how to have a well-run operation that is biblically sound and Christ-centered.
However, recently our attendance at worship has been down. From 2004-1994 we averaged over 110 people joining our church each year.
In the last two years we are no longer a community church. Others say it is because we have so many professional people who have averaged 76 joining each year.
Our attendance in worship has mirrored these statistics. There have been many insightful reasons given for this decline. Some
see Sunday as their only day of rest. Still others contend it is because our people live so far from the church. I would like to offer some reasons
as to what I believe make people come to church.
First, people (visitors) come to church because they are invited by the members. Studies have concluded that 70% of first time visitors come
to church because of a personal invitation from a member. The early church was an inviting community of believers. When was the last time you invited
someone to come to church with you?
Second, people come to church when their needs are met. People come to church seeking a remedy for unmet needs.
In the early church, when the people came together “many wonders and signs” were done among them. In 3:5, the lame man encountered Peter and John
who were the representation of the church) he expected to receive something. When people come to church they come with an expecting-spirit. When you come
to worship, are you sensitive to the expecting needs of others?
Third, people come to church when they feel that they belong to the congregation. In the day,
people would refer to their church as “my church.” I believe that was because they had a sense of belonging and investment. It is important for people
to move from spectator to participant. Do you make new members and visitors feel like they are part of this community of believers? Do you encourage them
to participate?
Fourth, people come to church when the worship is creative and dynamic. People come to church saying, “Sirs, we would see Jesus.”
Worship in the early church included teaching, fellowship and praises to God. People must be able to see Jesus in our worship. Can people see Jesus in you?
Fifth, people come to church when they believe they will grow spiritually and be challenged to be a better disciple for the Lord. The worship and the
activities of the church must be geared to making disciples. People must sense that the church is unlike any other venue, in that they get from the church,
what they cannot get no other place. Are you a disciple-maker? Finally, people come to church when they witness committed leadership. The congregation is
encouraged by committed leaders. If you are a leader, do you think God is pleased with your commitment to worship?
In spite of where we are now, I am convinced that we stand on the threshold of greatness! In the next few years
our church will experience a growth that will be amazing. Let us strengthen our hands for the bountiful blessings that God is about to bestow.
(Mal. 3:10). The best is yet to come!
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