Regular Attendance

by Larry R. Ping II

It has been stressed before, and will continue to be stressed as it is an important and worthy issue. The matter of regular attendance is one of great importance. God commanded that we not “forsake” the assembling (Hebrews 10:25). Further, James admonished that if know to do good, but do it “not,” it is sinful (James 4:17). Who is willing to stand up and say that worship and Bible Study is not good?

On the back table today is the attendance figures for the year 2007 through the month of June. Every member needs to pick one up and see how well they are doing with this commandment. Needless to say, sickness, work and uncontrollable circumstances hinder attendance at times. But each time we decide to miss, we need to go through a thought process. This process needs to end with a legitimate reason as to why I will not be at services. If I cannot arrive at one, then I need to be at services!

I do want to commend the congregation. It has been mentioned that we are growing, and, indeed this is very true. In 2005, the average morning attendance was 90. In 2006, it was 102. As of the first part of the year, it is at 109. There should no problem in us averaging more than 110 this year. Sunday night attendance is doing pretty good. Those who are here in the mornings but not the evenings need to question themselves as to why this is so.

These are really great numbers, but we must not get complacent. Twice this year, we have had 132 on Sunday mornings. Numerous times on Sunday evenings, we have had over 100 present. It is not a stretch to hope we can have 135-140 sometime before this year is out, and to continue with our good attendance in the evening.

Look not at these sheets in a negative way. Use them as a tool to improve where improvement is needed. The biggest room in the world is the “room for improvement.” Let us keep on making this Church a bright, shining light in the community. Let us show others what living Godly is all about!