The Theory of Attendance

I think that I'm so convinced of this now that I could nearly write a book on it. I've thought this for years as I served at different churches. It didn't matter where I was: Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado and back to Oklahoma, I think that this relationship is true. My theory is, if you will, that church attendance is an indicator of a person's spiritual walk. If they are struggling, they tend to stay away (or are being lured away by the evil one). If they are strong or at least growing and open to growth, they are here more often than not. Now before you get your feathers ruffled, let me explain further.

I have seen this all the time, it seems. You have an individual or a family that are members or regular attenders at church. They are committed to being there, at least on Sunday mornings. They are seen on Sundays and fellowship with others in the body. Then, you don't see them. It's like they were here and then they vanished. They are like a vapor. You notice that they are missing and feel like you should call, but you don't want to offend them. If you do call they give you a LONG list of excuses to their lack of attendance (and commitment really). Maybe it's been a few weeks now and you know that you should call. Then you find out what's really going on. In many cases, they have now grown cold to God or the fellowship of the saints. They are stuck in a sin pattern and don't want to feel the guilt of facing it on Sunday mornings (even though the guilt may be exactly what's keeping them away from the church). Usually the attendance is an indicator of the spiritual walk.

Derek, our youth pastor, came to me this morning. He's had a student who was heavily involved become uninvolved of late. The student's attendance has decreased over the last 2 months. Now that student seems to be in a lot of trouble and making some very destructive choices. Regardless of age, the theory still holds true.

And it really makes sense if you think about it. When you are strong in the Lord and walking with Him everyday, it's easier to worship Him and be involved in corporate worship with brothers and sisters in Christ. When you're making poor sinful choices, or choosing worldly things over Godly things, it's hard to "face the Christians" every Sunday. It's even hard to be in the presence of God in worship, taking communion, etc. So many people live this way and choose to put masks on and "play" Christianity. This is sad but true in many cases.

So, the next time you notice someone who's been missing from your congregation, pray for them and call them. Get them back into the fellowship of the saints. Encourage them to deal with their sin or their feelings or whatever is holding them back, and help them work through it. Their lack of attendance is probably an outside indicator of an inward spiritual struggle. Be prepared. Getting in people's lives can be messy, but God has called us to help one another in the faith.

Galatians 6:1 "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."