REMEMBER WHEN?

One hundred and fifty two worshipers at the eleven o’clock service with 50 more at the eight-thirty service. How long ago was it that this was the Sunday attendance at Winterville United Methodist Church? Can anyone remember? Can anyone recall who these members were and where are they now? Can you recall having twenty-five to thirty youths attending the church regularly? Where did they go? More importantly, why did they leave?

We know that several of our brothers and sisters in Christ have been called home by the Lord. But what about the rest, where are they and why did they leave? Another question to ask is what can we do to get new members in the front door and keep them coming back?

We know the answers to all these issues – and – we do keep one important factor in mind every time a visitor comes in to worship, we welcome them with a heartfelt love and invite them to join our activities. We call on them and ask if there is anything the church can do for them. We do not, as so many churches do, leave it all up to the pastor. But, we stop there. We do not go the second mile and find out what it is that the visitor is looking for in a church. We seem to have the mind-set that this is who we are and what we have to offer and if it is not what you are looking for – good luck in your church search. I recognize that we cannot be all things to all people. However, we do have very talented people in our church who can offer many services that the visitor needs in a church. We could have a vibrant and active Sunday school program for all ages that would appeal to most of the desired needs. We also could develop a Youth fellowship inclusive of a contemporary service. Plus additional activities to involve all ages and a physical atmosphere that would appeal to their visual senses too.

When Joann and I joined, it was not the building, it was not the preacher (sorry), it was the love and fellowship we felt from the moment we arrived. I can recall one lady coming up to us during the fellowship moment at the beginning of the service and welcoming us, as did another gentleman and yet another wonderful lady. After the service, these same people invited us to the last Wednesday supper which is the picnic and softball game at Wesley Whitehead Park. Actually one lovely woman's invitation was a bit more forward in that she said she would come get us and take us there. We also had met another couple at Tuckston UMC a year earlier. Add to this friendly atmosphere a music program far above that which a church of this size should have and we were sold. But, what about the other new-comers who visit our church? Can a warm and loving atmosphere do it all? Can good music do it all? I don’t think so.

A small church with good music, good preaching and friendly people is what my wife and I looked for, but that may not be the norm. Many people want a small friendly church, but with programs for their young children and teens. Many want Sunday Schools that cater to the needs of today with video, computer lessons and inter-active classes with lively teachers. Many are looking for an active and exciting youth program to help keep their teens in church and avoid the beckoning of that hedonistic culture so prevalent in today’s world.

So, how does a small church on a limited budget get all this going? Volunteers; volunteers who love this church and want to see it prosper in the future and not die. We have the core talents to make it all happen, but do we have the fortitude to stay-the-course? The United Methodist Men’s group a few months ago had 5 men (including the minister) show up for their meeting. The following month the number jumped to about 9 or 10, then, a good pal of mine challenged each man there to invite one man to come and join us. That next meeting we had 16 men show up. This story illustrates what just announcing and asking can do for membership. So, if we want more youth, have the youth members invite just one more to come and see what is happening. If done with enthusiasm – it will work. That goes for all our programs – go out with enthusiasm and invite just one un-churched neighbor to come and visit, no pressure, no hounding by the church to join. Step up, become part of the solution to helping this church grow exponentially so that having 150+ at the eleven o’clock service will be the norm – and – fifty or more in our eight-thirty service be a normal turnout. Can you imagine what we can do with that active membership who are committed to seeing Winterville UMC continue and grow? I can.