Like most sports fans, I love a good comeback! There’s nothing quite like when a team mounts a comeback after falling hopelessly behind. It is thrilling to experience how the players, coaches, and fans rally to support one another and celebrate each step along the way just to get back into a position to potentially be victorious!
Recently, my wife and I came back: After a six-month absence from the church we attend when in town, we were finally able to come back to worship on a Sunday morning this month. Life and ministry commitments had us on the road since Easter and we truly missed the church that had become family to us. But the comeback we experienced was not personally thrilling for me. Instead, I sheepishly walked through those doors, wondering what people were thinking of us after all this time. I even found myself saying “the prodigals have returned” to one of my friends.
As I began to process it, my experience really bothered me. Why did I feel this way? No one was judgmental at all. Not one person asked, “where have you been?” Many greeted us with joyous expressions of welcome. So why did I, a minister of the Gospel who should definitely know better, feel such guilt and shame? And if I had this intense struggle, for how many others might similar feelings be an obstacle to coming back to church?
As we approach Advent and Christmas, we are more likely to encounter people who may not be in the pattern of attending church regularly. Many may be struggling with intense feelings of guilt and shame even thinking about returning to worship. Some of these feelings may get projected onto other church members, like my thinking we would be judged or looked down on. Other feelings might be more of an internal spiritual battle. Regardless, it is mission-critical for the church to cheer on the comeback.
If you haven’t been active in church lately, I want my experience to be an encouragement for you. While the devil will use every trick he can to keep you away from the life-giving experience of a faith community gathered around word and sacrament, trust that God desires your presence and participation. I am confident that you will encounter a loving, welcoming reception by your church family who will celebrate your presence.
If you are a regular worshipper, please enthusiastically support and encourage any and all comebacks! Begin to pray daily for the Holy Spirit to gather those whom the Lord calls to come back to worship. Pray for God to bring to mind specific people to pray for and encourage. Perhaps God is leading you to reach out to someone. Be mindful to not inadvertently contribute to any feelings of guilt or shame. Instead, take an interest in them out of genuine love. Offer to meet for coffee or lunch. Find out what’s going on in their lives and how you can pray for them. Consider inviting them to a special event, small group, or service project that gives the opportunity for casual, relational connection. And most importantly, when you see someone new or that you haven’t seen for some time, warmly welcome them and simply let them know you are so happy to see them. These simple actions can make a difference as we cheer on a comeback!
