Why is it easier for folks to wake up, not feel good and go to Work But Miss Church??

[Scott Hutchinson]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

So what's a valid reason? I mean, that seems so open to interpretation. Maybe it's valid to me and my family, and not to someone else.

You know sickness,or a death in a family being out of town,things like that, I'm talking about legitimate reasons like someone having to work on sunday you know things like that.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

Depends on who you ask.

Ron,

Do you worry about folks who miss church services on a regular basis? Do you think missing church is sometimes a sign of other spiritual commitment problems?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Ron,

Do you worry about folks who miss church services on a regular basis? Do you think missing church is sometimes a sign of other spiritual commitment problems?

It can be a sign of other spiritual issues....it does not necessarly mean though someone is just out living like the devil either.

We should go to church for many reasons, other than the bible says not to forsake the assembly, but simply because that is what the NT church does....It met regularly. They met to worship God. They met to be fed.....but equally as important they met to edify one another. It's not all about us..

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

I'm not talking about someone in a position of some sort of responsibility... If someone's helping me in the morning, and they're not going to be able to make it, I'd appreciate a call so I can plan accordingly, sure. Not because they answer to me but because I'd give them the same courtesy... I've done that for anything I've been involved with at other churches as well.

I'm not gonna gripe at them and demand to know if it's a VALID reason. I'll ask if they need my help with something, but I'm not going to prod them.

I never do that either. It's pointless, and further alienates them.

On the flip side, I have close friends who may have missed for no good reason, and I feel comfortable enough to say "You bum, get yourself to church next Sunday!"

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Ron,

Do you worry about folks who miss church services on a regular basis? Do you think missing church is sometimes a sign of other spiritual commitment problems?

This thread is about folks who miss because they're sick and yet go to work the next day... not about chronic misses.





With that said... Maybe the chronic misses aren't happy there. Maybe they are looking for a place they feel they fit better. Maybe they feel the pastor shows an attitude that he thinks people OWE him something for ALL that he does for them...

Maybe they're struggling...

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

It can be a sign of other spiritual issues....it does not necessarly mean though someone is just out living like the devil either.

We should go to church for many reasons, other than the bible says not to forsake the assembly, but simply because that is what the NT church does....It met regularly. They met to worship God. They met to be fed.....but equally as important they met to edify one another. It's not all about us..

I agree. We need each other as the body of Christ. We are members one of another.

But I know the times I was lax in my walk with God, that I was also lax in going to church. I didn't need anyone to make me feel guilty for not going, either. God would convict me.

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

On the flip side, I have close friends who may have missed for no good reason, and I feel comfortable enough to say "You bum, get yourself to church next Sunday!"

I have friends like that too...


The time I was sick, my pastor, who is also my best friend and mentor, when I CALLED him to tell him I was laid up in bed after being in the restroom all night and that I just couldn't come that morning, said "stop playing hookie, ya bum" and I knew he was joking. He was just being lighthearted about it, even though I knew he was disappointed at me not being able to be there.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

This thread is about folks who miss because they're sick and yet go to work the next day... not about chronic misses.





With that said... Maybe the chronic misses aren't happy there. Maybe they are looking for a place they feel they fit better. Maybe they feel the pastor shows an attitude that he thinks people OWE him something for ALL that he does for them...

Maybe they're struggling...

Or maybe they are being carnal and lazy.

Originally Posted by mizpeh

I didn't need anyone to make me feel guilty for not going, either. God would convict me.

And he doesn't need a baseball bat or a pastor griping about how much you don't love God... to do that either...

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

This thread is about folks who miss because they're sick and yet go to work the next day... not about chronic misses.





With that said... Maybe the chronic misses aren't happy there. Maybe they are looking for a place they feel they fit better. Maybe they feel the pastor shows an attitude that he thinks people OWE him something for ALL that he does for them...

Maybe they're struggling...

My pastor and I just recently discussed this, actually, and I thought he had some good things to say. One thing he said was, "People who stop supporting the church, whether its with their attendance or their money, are voting." They're saying they don't like it, its not helping me, I don't see any reason to invest myself, my money or my time. So it's our job to try to include those people, or give them something to invest in. If they don't take ownership in what is going on in the church, chances are they'll lose interest.

Along those lines. So then I look at each person in our department, especially those who seem to be losing interest, and I think...okay, what are they interested in? What kind of ministry have they expressed a desire for? And then I set out to create an opportunity for them. Voila! They're right back on board...they were probably just...bored.