Loving Churches Have More Members

The Dalhart Update
September 16, 2007

(The following is taken from a lesson I preached concerning God-Approved Church Growth)

That’s what the article said. Based on a survey for 8,600 people from 39 different denominations, Dr. Win Arn found that “Growing churches are more loving – to each other and to visitors – than declining churches.”

Arn said, “Loving churches attract more people, regardless of their theology, denominations or location.” Probably you already know that. Arn concluded, “Most churches that are growing today have learned to love. A church that loves people is a church that grows. Unfortunately, not all churches are practicing, the command to love ….”

So, are we a loving church? Let’s test ourselves. Remember, people judge groups by individuals. What have people seen in me? In you? That’s how they’ll judge the church.

• Do I speak to strangers at church with a warm word of greeting, or do I pass them by and look for my friends?
• Do I look for visitors in my Bible class so I can make them feel welcome?
• Do I ever invite a visitor out to lunch or to my home for fellowship?
• Is it important to me that guests feel “at ease” at the Dalhart Church of Christ?
• Do I sit by a stranger or a visitor in the worship services so they will not be alone?

Let’s concentrate on being more loving to visitors and to each other.

By this will all men know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. (John 13:34, 35)