~The Church~

What is attraction?...alluring...something that draws one in….entices one...one is gravitated to it...something inviting...So, how is “the church” attractive? In this writing I am not using the term “the church” as in “you are the church”. If you are a Jesus follower you KNOW that you are the church...the living, breathing church. In this writing, I am using the term “the church” as the group of people who congregate in the church building.

What attracts people to “the church”?( I ask again) For some it may be the style of music...for some it may be the social events the church offers...For some it may be the place to meet up with friends...For some it may be the pastor who preaches their particular favorite style of sermons...we are all attracted to “the church” for our own reasons.

No one person has the same mindset...or the same reasons to be attracted to “the church”. Just as some are attracted to being near a lake….some attracted to the woods...some attracted to the city...some attracted to the mountains...some attracted to travel...some attracted to staying at home...we all have our own “attractions”.

So, my question is...what can “the church” do to attract the variety of people of whom not one thinks alike...acts alike...shares the same passions…

The church...made up of the variety of people...can it really entice, allure, draw...people to it? YES! It can! How so?

“The Church” needs to become a praying church. The people who attend need to have a prayer mindset. “The Church” needs to pray for its leaders. It needs to pray for its worship team. It needs to pray for individuals who attend. It needs to pray for the Holy Spirit to touch hearts, minds, and souls and for those to truly listen and obey. “The Church” needs to pray for those who have not entered its doors yet. “The Church” simply needs to take TIME for prayer!

“The Church” needs to listen to and be guided by the Holy Spirit. I can’t say what the Holy Spirit would do in and with the people as each church is different as each person is different. The Holy Spirit works as needed. “The Church” needs to be ready to act upon what the Holy Spirit desires.

“The Church” needs to invite. That’s right...it needs to reach out and invite people to attend. We can get all excited about going to a new movie...or a sporting event...or a concert….or the grand opening of a spiffy store…or a restaurant...and invite friends. How much more meaningful to one’s soul is participating in “the church”.

We make “the church” attractive to others as we PRAY (letting God work in and among us) and as we listen to and obey the HOLY SPIRIT. People need to know they need Jesus. They need to know they are welcome. They need to know it’s necessary to meet together for encouragement and learning and growing in Jesus.

“The Church” will attract when we realize that people may think it is the music...the social events...their friends...the style of sermon…BUT we KNOW it is the LOVE of Jesus by way of the congregants (people who attend), their PRAYERS and that they allowed the HOLY SPIRIT to truly work and flow through them.

THAT, my friend, is how “The Church” attracts!

(Not about my adventure post) :)