If you have not been to church services in a while, we want you to know that the church misses you. We need you.
We want you to come back. In fact, this entire issue is a love letter to you. It is our appeal to you to come back to church. There are a lot of reasons people leave.
Sometimes people leave because we have not treated them the right way. If that is your reason, we apologize. We beg you to forgive us. We want to make it right.
Sometimes people feel that they have gone too far to come home. Paul (Saul) consented to murder (Acts 7:58). Peter publicly denied Jesus when He needed him most (Luke 22:54–62). When they repented, they were forgiven, and God used them again for His purposes. None of us has gone that far.
You will not be alone. When you come home, you will find that other members know how you feel. Each of us has sinned (Romans 3:23). This church is a family that can relate to where you have been. We offer you our love and support.
Each church member is like a part of a body (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Without you, we are limping along, doing the best we can. We will never be whole without you. We are a better congregation with you.
God never gives up on people—even if we give up on ourselves. He is eternally optimistic that we will come back. Take to heart His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Not all of God’s success stories are told in Scripture. God takes people from unusual failures to amazing successes all the time. Could He right now be making a space for you? It is not too late… yet. But one day it will be.
We love you. If there is anything we can do to bring you back to Jesus, we stand ready to do it. Do not wait until Sunday. Call today and let us help you make it right.
What would you do with a second chance? We are about to find out.
Please, come home.
This article is from a special issue of House to House, Heart to Heart, offering encouragement, hope, and a heartfelt invitation to members of the church of Christ who have been away. Explore more articles from the special Come Home issue here.
