Dear Friend Who No Longer Attends Church
I want to give you 5 good reasons why you should even consider coming back.
Melanie Redd is back today! You may already know this incredible lady from her blog and/or because she has been my partner this year in co-writing the Delight in Doctrine series. She is a precious friend and someone I consider a mentor. She's sharing one her top posts today for the #summersizzlebloghop. Enjoy!
Hey, Sweet Friend...
I’m writing to let you know that we’ve missed YOU in our fellowship!
We really have! No, we haven’t called or checked on you like we should have. I’m really sorry for this.
We’ve not been as sensitive as we should have been. We’ve dropped the ball in our follow through. We’ve failed you in our outreach.
But, I’m reaching out to you now – today. I really hope it’s not too late.
I want to invite you to come back to church.
And, I want to give you 5 good reasons why you should even consider coming back.
This is "An Open Letter to My Friend Who Has Stopped Going to Church."
Reason One - You were created to worship God corporately and publicly.
There is something that God put deep within our souls that NEEDS to be around other believers. Listen to the wise words of David Mathis:
“Worshiping Jesus together may be the single most important thing we do. It plays an indispensable role in rekindling our spiritual fire and keeping it burning. Corporate worship brings together God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, and so makes for the greatest means of God’s ongoing grace in the Christian life. ”
As an example of this... I sing in the choir at my church. As much as I enjoy a great solo, there is nothing quite like the intricate and beautiful music of a choir that sings in harmony while being accompanied by a group of instrumentalists. It’s amazing! It's beautiful!
~ Come back to the church to rekindle the spiritual fire and for the sheer beauty of worship.
Reason Two - You need the support & accountability.
I had a friend in college who swore that he could be a great Christian all by himself. He didn’t need the church, the fellowship, or the accountability. I have no idea where he is today, but I think he must have grown weary walking all by himself.
We were NOT made to walk through this Christian life all by ourselves.
We are part of an incredible team. It’s like the members of a football team huddling up before a big game.
When you and I skip church, we miss the huddle. We go out into the “game” of life unprepared and all alone. God created us to be surrounded by and supported by our teammates.
~ Come back to church for the support and the strength of the team.
Reason Three - We need you and your gifts.
When you met Jesus as Savior, He specially gifted YOU with a spiritual gift. One of the best places to use this gift is within (and in association with) a local body of believers.
Because you are away, there are gaping holes. No one else can fill that role that was specially designed by God for you!
You are the only one who can meet that particular need and serve in that particular way.
~ Come back to church because God has gifted you in a precise way, and we need you!
Reason Four - Your family and friends need your testimony.
You are the pivotal piece in someone else’s spiritual journey.
Your kids, grandkids, spouse, extended family, friends, neighbors, and/or co-workers are watching your life.
None of us live in isolation. All of us make an impact. The sheer testimony that you give when you get up and take part weekly in corporate worship is powerful. Your actions will affect others.
~ Get up and come to church because you want to be the “light” to those around you.
Reason Five - The Bible instructs us to gather together in groups to worship.
I’m sure you know this reason, but I couldn’t really leave it out. The writer of Hebrews put it this way:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25-26)
~ Come back to church because God wants you to; He instructs you to come.
That’s it!
I’m finished with my plea for you to come back and join us. I know it’s hard sometimes to regularly attend a church. I’m a pastor’s wife, and there are some days when I don’t want to get up and go to church.
I know you may have been deeply hurt by the church or some of the people in the church. Don’t let that keep you away from all of the good things!
~ Church attendance is a worthwhile, necessary, and beneficial practice.
Why don’t you just take it one week at a time?
Here’s what I suggest for this week:
· Tell the Lord that you don’t want to go, but you will do it anyway.
· Decide to attend one service this week.
· Tell 3 friends that you will attend, and invite them to pray for you.
· Make yourself go. Just do it - force yourself to walk through the doors.
· Reward yourself afterward. Take yourself to lunch or dinner.
· Be willing to try it again.
So, what do you think?
· Are you involved in church? Why or why not?
· Have you stopped attending? I’d love to hear why?
· What might draw you back into attendance?
· How can I pray for you today?
Melanie Redd Bio:
Melanie is a Christian blogger, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Marketing and Social Media Consultant. She’s married to Randy and mom to two awesome college students. God’s grace never ceases to amaze her.
You can find out more about Melanie & her ministry at www.melanieredd.com.
Linking up with Deb Wolf at #faithandfriends (Friday), #GraceandTruth (Friday), Holly Gerth at #coffeeforyourheart (Wednesday), Susanne Eller at #livefreeThursday, Carmen at #salt&light (Thursday), Kelly at #RaRalinkup (Tuesday), and Lori at #Momentsofhope (Monday)
