People have a life time pattern of not attending church, so what can we do to change that?

Only 10 % of first time guests return to church. It is not because we don't do church well, it's because people are not use to coming to church. Just like people are used to eating bad opposed to eating healthy, it's hard to start making right food choices. Then there is the problem, not knowing what a healthy choice is. The grocery store will tell you things like, "All Natural", "Healthy Choice", "No GMO's", and several other misleading labels. Recently my husband was to bring home all natural peanut butter. It was to only contain peanuts. Even though is said everything I told him, the ingredients said, (sugar and palm oil). Let's all say, "Misleading". Needless to say, we were not able to eat it. So, people try but they just don't have enough information to know why we need to go to church. The church has lost it's relevance. The church isn't welcoming, open, and helpful. We can all do our part to change that. Be the church that God intended us to be. Loving, king, considerate people attract others. People want to trust people. Be trustful. Be concerned. They will come.

Hebrews 10:25 "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

With all these people not going to church we don't have to be concerned about another church stealing our people, we need to be concerned with the 80% of people who don't even go to church. People all want to belong. People are all needing help in raising their children, keeping a positive attitude, hanging onto their marriages when so many are letting go, how to stay faithful to parenting when so many are walking away... The reasons go on and on. We the church can help. We have the answers. However, if you and I don't bring them in the door and help them make church part of their week on a regular basis, we can't help them.

Action Step: Go to church with fresh eyes. Go to church like a first time guest. What's it like to park your car? What is it like to go to the bathroom? What is worship like? Is it too loud? Welcoming or clubby? Is there a place to bring children that is safe and inviting? Are the pew seats all taken in the aisles?  First time visitors don't want to have to get in the middle? Did anyone shake your hand? Did you feel welcome? Go home and think about your experience. Would you go back?

Now, what can you do about it? Yeah, you. Because U R part of the chURch.