I received a hand written letter from Allison yesterday who is a full time ministry member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in our area. She enclosed a tract that invited me to reach out to them if I needed more information on God’s plan for His children in troubled times or desired a personal visit.
They believe that to follow in the footsteps of Jesus you go out daily and spread the word and many of us have had one or more visits in our lifetime. They have slowed to a 2-3% growth now from a peak of 5% in the 80s. They don’t knock on doors too much anymore but use direct mail and target areas where large crowds are likely to be found.
I guess I should get to my point. How many times have Lutherans handed you a tract or knocked on your door to share the “good news”? I read that 95% of us will die without ever trying to bring someone to Christ. Jesus just left us one thing to do when he returned to heaven and that was make disciples. Big difference between a Christian and a disciple isn’t it.
Have you ever heard of the mystery worshiper? A real organization exists that sends worshipers to congregations and rates many factors that would influence a return visit. How do you think we would do? When a visitor sits in your pew, or God forbid your seat, do you help them follow the service, make sure they leave information in the visitor books located in each pew or in the Narthex, invite them to coffee, introduce yourself to them and to other members, and answer questions?
How would the mystery worshiper rate you?
George Walker
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