Open Heavens Feb 23rd, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: John 18-21

NEED FOR CARE

MEMORIZE: "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42)

READ: Matthew 10:39-42
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42). Taking care of people is a very important task for all and sundry. A new born baby that is deprived of care will die in a matter of days. This is why we need to take special care of new converts. When I first visited the RCCG in those days, it was quite small. In the eve of my first Sunday worship there, the General Superintendent and four others paid me a visit. I was so impressed that I decided that that was going to be my church. Then some people began to follow me up. If I attended service on Sunday morning but did not show up at Sunday evening service, early the following morning, someone would visit me to find out why.

Today, churches do not take follow-up as important as it deserves. You would be amazed to know the number of people we lose every week, month or year due to inability to follow up visitors and new converts. Many people have interceded for pillars, financial helpers, as well as workers who will help to stabilize the various departments to come to their churches. Unfortunately, after God answered and brought them, nobody took care of them and they went elsewhere. Do you know that you will give account of everyone that comes into your church?

A sister visited a church and continued for a while. Along the line, they observed that she had a 'gift'. She could prophesy and predict certain events. She was desirous of developing the 'gift'. Unknown to them, she had the spirit of divination which easily manifested during praise and worship sessions. One day, she was ill and did not show up in church for a period of three months. When she was visited afterwards, she accused the ministers of lack of care, and told them she had found another church where her 'gift' was appreciated. When a new pastor came to that church and visited and prayed with her, he discovered that she was not even born again, but operated under an unclean spirit. The lady whom the Lord brought into a sound gospel church for deliverance from the spirit of divination, ended up somewhere else- where she would be nursed into hell! How are you taking care of your visitors? The reception department of the church should come up with strategies for effective follow up. Take their details. Take the telephone number and immediately flash them to confirm it is theirs. Send text messages, call them on phone and in person. Back them up in prayer.

ACTIONPOINT: Find out how many visitors came to your church within the last 12 months. How many of them are still in your church? Devise a strategy to retain new comers and converts.