Friendly Obedience

Reprinted from the newsletter of Second BC, Bowling Green, KY                                                                                     Vol. X, No. 9, Nov/Dec 1997

An interesting study was done a number of years ago of the reasons people choose to attend a particular church. There are many factors that might be taken into account for choosing to attend one church over another. Yet 88% said that the main reason they came to attend a specific church was because someone invited them. It wasn't mainly because of the pastor or the programs; it was because of an invitation to attend.

That, is why it is so important for you to invite your neighbors and friends to attend church with you. After all, many of the things we do or go to are as a result of an invitation or recommendation of another person: restaurant, movie, store, etc. The same will hold true for church, provided of course we are just as enthusiastic when we invite people to church as we are when inviting them to worldly activities.

We must make it a faith-habit to invite to church everyone we come into contact with during the week. Imagine the impact of being invited by 20 or 30 people to attend church. Then imagine this process being repeated week after week and month after month. It would not be long before the church pews were filled and the baptismal waters continually stirred.

We must also make EVERY effort to make our visitors feel welcome. This starts at the front step of the church and continues into the sanctuary and Sunday School class. There should never be a visitor who is not personally greeted at the church doors. And while this may be the function of the ushers, it is the responsibility of EACH member. If you see someone you do not know, go to them and introduce yourself. You can never make a person feel too welcome! Those who can should either invite the visitors out to eat or invite them to your home for dinner. Nearly 25 years later I am still on personal terms with three families who did just those things for me.

When everything is reduced to the lowest denominator, our church will be as strong and significant spiritually as you decide you want her to be. Obedience is the key. If you will be obedient in inviting people to church and obedient in thinking more of the other than you do of yourself, God will bless our fellowship.

Jesus gave His life for the church. Surely we can give our time and obedience to Him.