how do you love one into church?

[Neil D]

what factors are needed to get someone into church?

While I appreciate the bible studies, I am looking for some way to get someone into our church [no one specific]....Just what does it take to get someone to come to our church? and it's ok to say, "Hamilton, I dont know."

[teresaq]

I don't try to get people into the church...Yeah I know that's what we are supposed to be all about but I have yet to read it in the bible/SoP...

I, personally, make friends with people and when "religion" comes up share what I know.

I figure it's God's job to get them into the church if He wants them there.

I will, if I am going to church in front of them, ask if they would like to go, in case they would...but it isn't my goal.

Yeah, I know. I need to duck from all the bricks ready to be thrown at me.

[phkrause]

I agree with you teresaq, so there wont be any stones coming from my direction. But hamilton makes a good point, because as we show love towards others they will ask questions and at that point we can answer and tell them all about were we are coming from.

[CoAspen]

2 gd psts!!

[Gail]

I think it was Shawn Boonstra who said that what you do is find people who the Holy Spirit is already working with first. Then concentrate on helping them in (loving is a great thing for this time!)

We are not doing all the work. God is leading and convicting hearts. Once you are done with them then by that time you can comb over the same territory because God will keep working and more hearts will have been opened.

[phkrause]

Most of the time we will never know who's lives we touched. All we are is a conduit for the HS.

[teresaq]

Is this a companion thread to this one?

http://clubadventist.com/forum/ubbthread...html#Post473302

[Neil D]

Yes, it is...origionally, this thread appeared in townhall, and it was moved to the theology forum....it was considered a religion topic....So, I started this topic in this forum after some conversational exchange with a moderator or two....And I learned some things about the moderators and thier practices....nothing directly bad mind you....just different....

[teresaq]

Ok, so that means we can respond to both, right? Should make for more conversation.

[teresaq]

Shane had some good ideas in his first paragraph, supply a need. Gordon1 also had a point that I tend to agree with which is why I don't try to get people into church.

Thanksgiving or Christmas time last year we had a first time community dinner. Mostly church members and those who come to the pantry every month came.

There didn't seem to be much notice given in order to reach those who would need it on the one hand--and serious disconnect on the other.

The church was doing its job but not trying to get to know the non-members.

Should we do it again I plan to be much more involved since I know what the problems are now.

[Gibs]

Hamilton,

Why try to get them in YOUR churck, talk to them and have them follow Jesus and Him Only and you got them in HIS church and that is the one that saves him or her. Church is where two or three are gathered together in His name and He is in the midst and then you have church but it is His and not ours.