OK, we have a particular sheep in the house who will show one Sunday, maybe that Wednesday for Bible study and then we won't see them again for a month. We call to ask if everything is ok...it is.
They tell us that when they are away, they're still at home praying.
All I know is when they do show, we've got to get them delivered at the altar all over again. They come in so heavy and so weighed down. And we're like, could you please just come consistently? Could you be faithful? The word of God is going forth...the other sheep are faring quite well. If you stay put, you'd be farther along too.
It's a scary thing when sheep try to pastor themselves. And a lot of work for those of us working the altar!
My favorite is when they say they're having "home church," in the same way some people homeschool. One person I knew said that her family went to church on the Internet!!
Yea, I've heard every excuse that you've (all of you have) mentioned. We even have one man who wanted to be part of the worship team, but he would only show up every few weeks (one time because he was having a yard sale!). He was very hurt when he was dropped from the team. We have to have dedicated, faithful people in leadership. Duh!
There is no forumla to get people back on track. We keep praying -- because God is the only One who can help them. I pray that God will create a hunger in their hearts. But also, I don't think it has to do with lack of interest so much as busy-ness. The pace of life has increased in the last 10 years. I can't keep up.
