Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
- In America, 3500 — 4000 churches close their doors each year. (from the Barna Study — www.barna.org) 2012 statistic
- That has moved up to 4,000-7,000 estimated in 2014 (Huffington post quoting same survey)
- Reported periods of 2010-2012 only half of American Churches report ANY new church memberships.
- Churches lose an estimated 2,765,000 people each year to nominalism and secularism. (from the Barna Study — www.barna.org)
- Usual Sunday church attendance has from dropped from 1,606,000 in 1968 to 881,000 in 2005. (www.churchsociety.org)
- Only 21% of Americans now attend religious services every week.
(www.religioustolerence.org) - There are People out there still looking for a Church. Though something may have influenced them to leave, their problem is still there. We must be prepared to help fill the needs of those lost and forgotten souls…
Why Do People come to Church?
- The Church is not a building. The décor should not be a factor in whether people come to church, a Church needs to grow, but the right ways. We should not use the methods of the world to grow the church.
Let’s look at some reasons Why People come to church
1. Some come to Church for Community.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Some people just need someone to talk to
Some may lost a spouse, kids are grown, husband is always away at work.
2. Some come to Church because of Calamity.
Sometimes Church is like a spiritual Hospital
September 11th.. Temporary increase in Attendance
3. Some come because of their Children.
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Many parents are seeing the effects of a derogated society and seeking a better way.
Others Simply are looking for a safe haven for their kids.
4. Some come because they are Confused.
2 Timothy 2:15
Some may have sat under doctrine that over time showed itself false.
Others are seeking for a “True” faith… not a generic doctrine…
There is a reason we put the name on the sign….
5. Some come because of a Connection.
There are here because someone invited them to come.
They are here because they saw something in you… that they wanted too.
All good Reasons… But they are all wrong.
Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Maybe those who are no longer going to church, are not going there because they went for the wrong reasons.
Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.