Attendance

by Perry Hall

"Attendance" is a biblical topic (Hebrews 10:25), but how we approach attendance is not always biblical!

I have visited congregations where Sunday morning attendance was almost matched on Sunday nights. Usually, these are smaller groups. However, I have also seen larger groups that were very impressive. On the opposite side, I have seen attendance drop from past the 100's to barely reaching the 20's!

For various reasons, some congregations cancel Sunday night service, which is scriptural and only contrary to tradition. Nothing in the Bible requires two services. Some cancel because of the lack of attendance. That is an indicator of something saddening. Some find different ways of meeting on Sunday mornings to accommodate their autonomous needs.

One wrong way to increase attendance is to make it equivalent to the Law of God — "If you don't attend, you sin." Another wrong way is to appeal to the fleshly senses — "Entertain them, and they will come."

The right ways to increase attendance need a biblical focus.

Let's begin where too many forget. Does a congregation have an obligation to make services meaningful? "Everything is to be done for building up" (I Corinthians 14:26). "Having church" for the sake of "having church" is ritualism. As one who regularly stands before the congregation, I bear a great responsibility. This is one reason I appreciate the classes based on the topics you request. I also appreciate the efforts many put forth, whether by serving or encouraging.

Now, let's look at the individual. Does the individual have a responsibility to make services meaningful? Are we setting our priorities right? Putting God first includes our calendars! I will use the same Scripture again since individuals use their gifts for others: "Everything is to be done for building up" (I Corinthians 14:26).

Congregations should be challenged to give purpose to our meetings. Notice I didn't say, "Give people a reason to come. " That's because people should challenge themselves to see how active their response to God's grace is. Attendance is not the indicator of faithfulness, but wanting to be built up and to build up is a proper response to grace.

Come because Jesus came.