82% That’s A Pretty High Number



Spring is always a beautiful season. As the trees begin to bud and flowers bloom the very season speaks of new life. In spite of cooler temps and snow in the northeast it is coming. Our clocks have sprung forward, the sun is out later, and store shelves are filled with Peeps, Chocolate rabbits, and jelly beans.

The Bible speaks of this season in Song of Solomon 2:12 like this;

“Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land."

The birds are returning and the air is warming. After those bitter cold days of single digits in January and February the 40s can feel pretty wonderful. It's a great time of year.

There's something unique about Spring spiritually as well. Our family, friends, and neighbors are often more open to the things of God during this season. Perhaps it's the new life all around them, but whatever it is there are friends and loved ones who will join you in church or a spiritual conversation over the next month that normally may show no interest. This is most evident as guests fill churches on Palm Sunday (March 25th), Good Friday, and Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I’ve read that the #1 reason most people give for why they don’t attend church is that they haven’t been invited. In fact, studies have shown that between 80-82% of people will attend an event/service at church if invited by a friend, neighbor, family member or co-worker. It’s hard to walk into somewhere uninvited. Although we say everyone is welcome church is a social activity. Walking into a social function without an invitation is awkward.

I travel a great deal and attend a lot of different churches. Quite often I’m the guest preacher. However when I enter the people do not necessarily know who I am. My experiences are varied. I’ve never been made to feel unwelcome, but sometimes I seem to go unnoticed unless I speak up. I’ve attended church where I am the only white person present and felt like I was with family, and on the contrary I’ve attended churches where everyone looks like me (just not as handsome), and never even heard a hello. Be sure you make guests feel welcome when they attend your church.

I encourage you to make the most of the opportunity of this season. Let's invite those around us to join us in worship as we celebrate, and pray that the plants won't be the only thing experiencing renewal. My prayer for the church this week will be for God to freshly anoint you in this season.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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