A sense of belonging

We have had many people after attending our church once or more times decide not to continue but move on to another church. There are many reasons – maybe the style of our worship or they disagree with our doctrines. Perhaps they have moved to another area and it is convenient to worship at a nearby church. There are those who stay on and become involved in the activities, or even become Salvationists or adherents. Some prefer to keep the membership of their own church, but choose to attend our meetings and share fellowship with us. There is a welcome for everyone in the Army.

The probability of new people becoming actively involved is directly related to the number of friends they develop soon after joining the church. Survey shows those who have found new friends and formed personal relationships within the congregation are more likely to remain in the church and become more actively involved. Those who stayed had developed an average of more than seven new friends in the church.

On the other hand those who dropped out could identify an average of less than two friends. This may not be due to the church members being unfriendly. The new members may not be overtly rejected. Often, dare I say, there is a superficial level of friendliness. So let us not go just for superficial courtesy – this ‘nice to see you’ then leaving them. They are forgotten. “The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference” says Ken Abraham.

Let’s offer people genuine friendship, enquiring about their families and seeking to bless them with any practical help we can give. Try and sit with them on the same table. Let us love them with the love of the Lord. Every person is precious in the eyes of God.

 It is good to have our special group of friends – people who talk the same language, share common interests or citizens of the same country. The kingdom of God knows no boundaries. It is inclusive not exclusive. Broaden your group to make new people feel they belong. Let us all unite to create the atmosphere where when new comers feel they belong. And they will want to come again because they have found friends here!

  In Christ there is no east of west,

      In Him no south or north,

But one great fellowship of love

     Throughout the whole wide earth.  John Oxenham (SASB 826)