Church Attendance

[jacko]

As someone who has returned to church after being away for 25 years. I would say that it is VERY important to greet someone who is new and get to know them. My pastor did exactly that I set up a meeting with me in a 1 on 1 for 1 hour.
I felt very welcome at the church and the elder and many of the congregation introduce themselves to me as well.
My old church was so big in terms of people that I got lost sitting in the back.

 

[j55]

Randy is 100 percent correct. I back Randy up. He told the truth. 1 Timothy chapter 3
The saying is trust worthy, if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires noble task.
Acts chapter 20
Pay careful attention to your selfs, and to all the flock, in which the holy Spirit has made you Overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Those who have Holy Spirit,are called and chosen. Not many people have holy Spirit. Shepherds are to nourish and teach sound doctrine. Shepherds are accountable to Jesus. Misleading people is serious and has serious consequences.
1 Peter 2:2
Like new born infants, lomg for pue spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. How long will congregation be in diapers. Shepherds feed milk to new convert. Then move on to meat of Gods word. We are to nourish the flock. They need spiritual growth. Sadly, many people are bibillcy illiterate. No spiritual growth. Look, cemetery school doesn't cut it. God's word needs to be taught by former rain and latter rain. We understand this.
Titus chapter 1
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he mabey able to give instruction in Sound Doctrine and to rebuke those who contradict it. True shepherds will never sugar coat Gods word and use manipulation. If shepherds have Holy Spirit, they will never go against God's word. The flock is hungry, they need shepherds who will nourish them. The goal, is to get them off milk, and on to meat of Gods word. The diapers have to come off at some point. After 20 years, the congregation should be teachers of Gods word.
If individual wants to leave, and chase after false shepherd's, let them leave. We don't want trouble makers.
John chapter 21
When they finished breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of john,do you love me more than these? He said unto him, Yes, Lord, you know that I Love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs.
Jesus wants His servants to teach sound doctrine and Nourish the flock. Jesus appreciation of trust and truth. Peace.

 

[Nichermosillo]

@Billyd will definitely be praying for the church?
What are you all doing to track the trends and attendance for the church?

 

[Billyd]

@Billyd will definitely be praying for the church?
What are you all doing to track the trends and attendance for the church?

We take a count for each service, and compare week to week. If we have a significant change, we take a look at what's going on for that week or period of weeks.

For instance, we have had for the last three weeks of unusually low attendance at all services. When we look carefully at those who are missing, and at our prayer list, we find that we have a community wide strep and RSV problem. Time for phone calls and text messages to those who are sick.

Earlier this year we had a period of up one Sunday, down the next, then up the next. What caused it? We still don't know. Why did it stop? Again, we really don't know.

 

[Nichermosillo]

Are you using any type of Church mangement system to help you automate the follow up process with people that miss two services in a row? Or something like that?

 

[Billyd]

Are you using any type of Church mangement system to help you automate the follow up process with people that miss two services in a row? Or something like that?

No. We're a small church. We keep a list of the number present at each service. If you are not at church on Sunday morning, you will probably get at least one phone call by Monday evening.

 

[jacko]

I pray that the Holy Wind will blow all the sinners into your congregation.
Amen

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

As someone who has returned to church after being away for 25 years. I would say that it is VERY important to greet someone who is new and get to know them. My pastor did exactly that I set up a meeting with me in a 1 on 1 for 1 hour.
I felt very welcome at the church and the elder and many of the congregation introduce themselves to me as well.
My old church was so big in terms of people that I got lost sitting in the back.

My church is the same, as they greet you and want to get to know you.

It’s 34 minutes away, so I watch my church’s sermons online but I talk to the pastor often through email, maybe not as much in the last few months though.

I feel like spiritually, God is holding me back from attending and I’m not sure why but I make sure to watch every week, as well as seek God daily by praying morning, noon and night, as well as a devotional and a written prayer. I also sometimes will read a book out of the Bible as well, then listen to worship music daily.

I come here to fellowship and I battle forces that are against me daily.

Life is a little tough without a working car and the darkness that surrounds us.

 

[Nichermosillo]

No. We're a small church. We keep a list of the number present at each service. If you are not at church on Sunday morning, you will probably get at least one phone call by Monday evening.

Hi Billy, I've worked with smaller churches in the past- would you be open to learning about how some simple software could help automate the followup process with people that miss service?

 

[Billyd]

Hi Billy, I've worked with smaller churches in the past- would you be open to learning about how some simple software could help automate the followup process with people that miss service?

No, thank you. The way we do works.

 

[btr215]

I noticed fluctuating attendance for years during the onset of summer. College is letting out, but most families will start vacation season when grade schools and highschools end their semesters.

Since it's not summer yet, the other thing I've seen are non members who attended our evangelical mega church I used to be a member of. There was another mega church that didn't have an evening service and many of them would come to that service . They usually showed up and for whatever reasons they sometimes wouldn't.

A lot of us quit going when they required those stupid suffocation masks a few years ago. The doctrine was waining anyhow when I heard sermons like why we should not use offensive KJV Bible words with the lost. The term Saved might offend someone because it implies they are lost!
How in the world is someone going to get saved from the wages of sin, death in hell, if we don't teach like Jesus?? That's what happened to my church attendance there.

Permanent hearing loss and ringing of the ears from the pastor blasting the rock music! For crying out loud. One more reason.

In a previous church my pastor got offended because I had to wear ear plugs because he'd shout at the top of his lungs out if the blue and the speakers were cranked way up.
What is it with morbidly obese preachers that think they have to overcompensate by hurting everyone's ears?
I can't speak for others. But I don't want to go there anymore either. I'm not a church bouncer. I attended those for a long time.
There's just a few reasons, like gross heresy and a false gospel that are non negotiable.
There's a few reasons for attendance dropping off.

THIS 100% Too many pastors are in it for the money these days and it turns people off from praising in a building. Also, god work doesnt equate to giving a pastor and a building your money, each person probably could do alot more and better work on their own if they tried..

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

THIS 100% Too many pastors are in it for the money these days and it turns people off from praising in a building. Also, god work doesnt equate to giving a pastor and a building your money, each person probably could do alot more and better work on their own if they tried..

Welcome to our forum btr215.
☕😎👍📖

I have the highest respect for humble servants, brothers and sisters who are coworkers in our Father's service.
It just got to the point where I had to step back and look objectively at whether or not I should endanger my health and hearing for sake of the rock concert volumes and lack of oxygen. I just wanted a Bible based assembly that had believers interested in sharing the good news with the lost.

 

[btr215]

Welcome to our forum btr215.
☕😎👍📖

I have the highest respect for humble servants, brothers and sisters who are coworkers in our Father's service.
It just got to the point where I had to step back and look objectively at whether or not I should endanger my health and hearing for sake of the rock concert volumes and lack of oxygen. I just wanted a Bible based assembly that had believers interested in sharing the good news with the lost.

my issue with the current church i did attend is. They pass the collection plate everyday there is service. This week the pastor stood infront of everyone and said , "next month were having our special day of giving to the lord and i expect you all to sacrifice even if you cant, it should be more then you can afford amen" we need a new , ill leave this word blank but the word im leaving out we do not need at all...
its also disrespectful when you brag as a pastor about your $300 dress shoes and spending $1000 on your kids sneakers when half of our church goers are struggling..
Its also preached were not about relig rules but a relationship with jesus, that is untill its time to guilt trip people into giving then suddenly were all jews and dont do enough if i make sence.
Ive seen others bothered clearly by this as well, many who give their lives to this church.
Ive also noticed signs of idoltry, when the pastor is roaming the country going here and there no one really attends..
This week im trying a new church out and see how it goes...

 

[shittim]

my issue with the current church i did attend is. They pass the collection plate everyday there is service. This week the pastor stood infront of everyone and said , "next month were having our special day of giving to the lord and i expect you all to sacrifice even if you cant, it should be more then you can afford amen" we need a new , ill leave this word blank but the word im leaving out we do not need at all...
its also disrespectful when you brag as a pastor about your $300 dress shoes and spending $1000 on your kids sneakers when half of our church goers are struggling..
Its also preached were not about relig rules but a relationship with jesus, that is untill its time to guilt trip people into giving then suddenly were all jews and dont do enough if i make sence.
Ive seen others bothered clearly by this as well, many who give their lives to this church.
Ive also noticed signs of idoltry, when the pastor is roaming the country going here and there no one really attends..
This week im trying a new church out and see how it goes...

Ask Him where He wants you to go.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

my issue with the current church i did attend is. They pass the collection plate everyday there is service. This week the pastor stood infront of everyone and said , "next month were having our special day of giving to the lord and i expect you all to sacrifice even if you cant, it should be more then you can afford amen" we need a new , ill leave this word blank but the word im leaving out we do not need at all...
its also disrespectful when you brag as a pastor about your $300 dress shoes and spending $1000 on your kids sneakers when half of our church goers are struggling..
Its also preached were not about relig rules but a relationship with jesus, that is untill its time to guilt trip people into giving then suddenly were all jews and dont do enough if i make sence.
Ive seen others bothered clearly by this as well, many who give their lives to this church.
Ive also noticed signs of idoltry, when the pastor is roaming the country going here and there no one really attends..
This week im trying a new church out and see how it goes...

On one hand, the pastoral letter to Timothy says,
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

The next chapter says in 6,
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

This sin is called covetousness.
We have all been guilty of it and probably more often than we are aware. Nobody is perfect, but it sounds like there's been an ongoing problem that is affecting the entire church.

The last pair of shoes I bought, I told the Lord I don't want to be covetous. I'm trying to be a wise steward of His money. I put in multiple miles of walking every week and will not be able to drive until I recover from injuries. My current walking shoes have worn a hole through the sole.

At the thrift store someone donated a pair of shoes that I tried on for fit.
I didn't want to buy them since I have boots to wear while the weather is bad. The price was right at $7 and.50¢! That is such a blessing! I will wash them tomorrow. They are like new and am very grateful for them and the ability to walk.
If I could, I would go to the best church I could find.
I will pray that you find the best church in your area.

 

[Need2believe]

I have noticed that our attendance has developed an unusual pattern. It seems to developed an every other Sunday cycle. This Sunday we had about half the attendance that we had week before. If things follow the pattern of the last few months, we'll have a full house next Sunday.

Has anyone else had this problem, and what are you doing to deal with it?

Society is beginning to realize that worship should be the reason we attend rather than hearing subjectivity in sermons. All worldly attempts of articulation fall short of the validity spiritual discernment yearn for. I think as leaders of a congregation it should be understood that belief should not hinge on someone’s subjective interpretation.
while im confident MOST not all preach with sincerity and conviction… they still expect humanity to take their word for it rather than foster an individual personal relationship with our savior. through this concept I’ve begun to realize Repentance is not something we can explain. Let scripture do that, I’ve always been taught it’s an act or an outward expression. As if my pastor expects to define it, rather repentance is the most loving welcoming embrace. It’s not some intimidating contortion of guilt. It’s love, sincere reflection of Agape love. Leave egos at the door of your sanctuary this will make a wonderful difference in your organization! I speak with love and hope that you all can feel my sentiment… God bless

 

[Gideon300]

Society is beginning to realize that worship should be the reason we attend rather than hearing subjectivity in sermons. All worldly attempts of articulation fall short of the validity spiritual discernment yearn for. I think as leaders of a congregation it should be understood that belief should not hinge on someone’s subjective interpretation.
while im confident MOST not all preach with sincerity and conviction… they still expect humanity to take their word for it rather than foster an individual personal relationship with our savior. through this concept I’ve begun to realize Repentance is not something we can explain. Let scripture do that, I’ve always been taught it’s an act or an outward expression. As if my pastor expects to define it, rather repentance is the most loving welcoming embrace. It’s not some intimidating contortion of guilt. It’s love, sincere reflection of Agape love. Leave egos at the door of your sanctuary this will make a wonderful difference in your organization! I speak with love and hope that you all can feel my sentiment… God bless

I don't agree. What passes for church these days has little resemblance to the early church that changed the world around them. The focus for the first believers was teaching and fellowship and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Do a bit of a word study on teaching and you will discover how important it is.

Yes, we need to be like the Bereans and check out the truth of what we are being taught ourselves. The problem with emphasis on worship is that people can easily be caught up in emotion. Some fellowships teach nothing. The truth sets us free, not an hour of singing banal, repetitive rock songs that stir emotion and that's it.

Any preacher worth his salt will seek God to find out what He is saying and pass that onto the congregation. Paul's principle applies: "What I received from the Lord.............. I pass onto you". Jesus gave the ministry gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church for a reason. (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Worship is certainly important. I led a youth group for a time and one of the best meetings we had was a time simply of thanksgiving. However, that was definitely a one off. I also encouraged the kids to bring a word themselves. I'd teach one week and someone else the next. It's amazing how that incentive gets people to study God's word for themselves.

Repentance is best defined as a change of mind leading to a change of heart. I don't get what you mean, but if you want to know a good example, Psalm 51 is a good place to start. Paul rebuked believers where necessary. Sometimes that is love, not a nice warm fuzzy feeling.

 

[Dino246]

my issue with the current church i did attend is. They pass the collection plate everyday there is service. This week the pastor stood infront of everyone and said , "next month were having our special day of giving to the lord and i expect you all to sacrifice even if you cant, it should be more then you can afford amen" we need a new , ill leave this word blank but the word im leaving out we do not need at all...
its also disrespectful when you brag as a pastor about your $300 dress shoes and spending $1000 on your kids sneakers when half of our church goers are struggling...
This week im trying a new church out and see how it goes...

I'd be looking for a new congregation to attend as well. Then again, I've already been in a congregation where the leadership had unhealthy attitudes about money, so I'm more sensitive to such.

 

[Need2believe]

I don't agree. What passes for church these days has little resemblance to the early church that changed the world around them. The focus for the first believers was teaching and fellowship and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). Do a bit of a word study on teaching and you will discover how important it is.

Yes, we need to be like the Bereans and check out the truth of what we are being taught ourselves. The problem with emphasis on worship is that people can easily be caught up in emotion. Some fellowships teach nothing. The truth sets us free, not an hour of singing banal, repetitive rock songs that stir emotion and that's it.

Any preacher worth his salt will seek God to find out what He is saying and pass that onto the congregation. Paul's principle applies: "What I received from the Lord.............. I pass onto you". Jesus gave the ministry gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to the Church for a reason. (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Worship is certainly important. I led a youth group for a time and one of the best meetings we had was a time simply of thanksgiving. However, that was definitely a one off. I also encouraged the kids to bring a word themselves. I'd teach one week and someone else the next. It's amazing how that incentive gets people to study God's word for themselves.

Repentance is best defined as a change of mind leading to a change of heart. I don't get what you mean, but if you want to know a good example, Psalm 51 is a good place to start. Paul rebuked believers where necessary. Sometimes that is love, not a nice warm fuzzy feeling.

Eternal love is beyond compare. We inherently fall short teaching answers to an equation humanity doesn’t know how to calculate. I applaud any effort made with sincerity and courage, but let’s be honest with ourselves…
Discernment isn’t learned, it’s earned with a personal commitment and relationship with our savior. Scripture is riddled with reassurance found not line after line but in between. Intellectual understanding is not the hope we should harken towards. Wisdom whispers to our hearts, celebrate the glory in fellowship. Emulate the unfathomable embrace repentance is, “Love covers a multitude of sins”
amen

 

[Gideon300]

Eternal love is beyond compare. We inherently fall short teaching answers to an equation humanity doesn’t know how to calculate. I applaud any effort made with sincerity and courage, but let’s be honest with ourselves…
Discernment isn’t learned, it’s earned with a personal commitment and relationship with our savior. Scripture is riddled with reassurance found not line after line but in between. Intellectual understanding is not the hope we should harken towards. Wisdom whispers to our hearts, celebrate the glory in fellowship. Emulate the unfathomable embrace repentance is, “Love covers a multitude of sins”
amen

Sounds nice, but niceness never saved anyone. Whatever it was you said.

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:14

"Distinguish" is a synonym for "discern". NKJV uses discern, Berean (my preferred version) distinguish. I don't rely on others to teach any more than I expect my words to teach others. The Holy Spirit is the Teacher, using the means of those who teach God's word to lead the hearer into the truth.

Love rejoices in the truth and it is truth that sets us free. We need both. (Ephesians 4:15)

Scripture is "riddled" (not a word I'd use) with reassurance. Yes. It is also for "....teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness....."

It is unacceptable to cherry pick scripture to fit your pet doctrines. We need the whole counsel of God.