The Friends We Make Along the Way.
I had an interesting thought a few years back when considering why someone would stick in a dying church. Why? Why stay? Why fight so hard when the ship has obviously sunk?
Relationship.
What I discovered was almost universally along the lines of “My family has gone here for generations;” Or “My great-grandfather started this congregation;” Or “I’ve known these people for decades.” Every time I am given an answer, relationship is involved. Most of the time that was based on a family member, but every so often there was an indicator of shared life experience between friends.
As a pastor who has been in more than a few churches, the perspective I have is unique. I see visitors seeking out congregations most every Sunday. And most often, those one-time visitors remain that: one-time visitors. Why don’t people stick? They are handed pertinent information, greeted by lots of people, welcomed from the stage multiple times… and then they sit alone. Again, this is not universal, but it is a trend. What is lacking in their experience is relationship.
Yes, this is a call to further evangelism (like our sermon yesterday, click here!), but it is also NOT a post meant to shame. It is human nature to stick together and remain within our comfort zones. We celebrate our ability to fellowship together, so we’re not going to frown on that. But the one-time visitor has stretched themselves outside of their comfort zone, sat in a strange place in which everyone seems to know everyone else. It’s no wonder most don’t come back.
So what are you writing about then, Chris? Simple: share Christ with those that you already have a relationship with. It is not about strangers, it’s about those people already within our sphere of influence. The First-Century Church flourished when neighbors shared with neighbors when homes, tables, and benevolence opportunities were shared.
Shared life experience outside of the Church is the PERFECT opportunity to create a shared life experience within the Church. So where should we start being Unapologetically Evangelistic? Everywhere we already are: home, work, school are great starting places.
If we want people to stick with us to the very end, we need to give them a reason to do so. The friendships and relationships we already so carefully foster every other day of the week are a great place to start.
Colossians 3: 12 – 15 12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.