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| JUST
A THOUGHT . . . . . |
| (FROM
THE PERSON IN THE NEXT PEW) |
 August
. . . the last "month" of summer. At TAPC summer means
visitors. Lots of visitors. I look around each Sunday to see
how many "new" or "unfamiliar" faces there
are in the "next pew". I wonder: Why do people select
a particular church? A convenient location? Yes. A good speaker
in the pulpit? Yes. Inspiring music? Yes. An attractive building?
Yes. But a more essential element in attracting visitors, newcomers
and prospective members is friendliness - both in the pew and
throughout the community. Where there is a warm, dynamic congregation
with an enthusiasm that's contagious, visitors will usually
be found, and will return. A church can buy many advantages
with money, such as nice buildings, trained leadership, effective
advertising and an abundance of supplies for spiritual and social
use. But old-fashioned friendliness, of which the world is sorely
in need, can't be purchased with money. It comes only from the
hearts of dedicated people who love God and enjoy helping others
feel at home in their church. We must "reach out and touch"
our visitors to share Christ. |
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