Sunday Review 10/25/09 FRIEND DAY

Let me begin this post by admitting that I have never been a fan of "promotional days" that churches often pull just to artificially inflate their numbers for one or two Sundays a year. I have personally been invited to attend (and have attended) "Friend Days" at other churches. I always felt a bit out of place, mostly due to the fact that I was leaving my own church which I was faithful to and to which the person that invited me knew I was faithful to, just to make a one time appearance and help "pack the pews" of another church where I would likely never visit again!

However, what I witnessed this morning at West End Baptist Church was something quite different. From the moment we announced this campaign weeks ago, our emphasis was on the un-saved and un-churched, as well as those who traditionally attend church but might be without a church home at present. While I'm sure that some present did indeed leave their own churches to be with us today, I know that the majority fell into one of the above three categories.

The end result was an attendance of approximately 300 (298 is the exact number I was told)! To God be the glory! In my time at West End, this was the most unified effort at evangelism that I have witnessed. Currently, there seems to be an enthusiasm and anticipation in the air at what God is about to do in our presence. Most are realizing that West End's best days are not behind it after all and that they are now fortunate enough to be witnessing what it takes to truly build a church, the right way! The pieces are slowly being put into place and I'm excited (and priviledged) to be a part of it. I can't wait to see what happens next week!

As for my review of today's music; in one word: AWESOME! We did have one hiccup in the introduction of the first set, but the musicians all pressed on until we could get the train back on the tracks. Audience participation was much better during the second set, and I was amazed at how many of our visitors actually knew the words to our selections. I guess not all the other churches in our area stick to traditional hymns and southern gospel after all (did I just say that? That's a topic for a later post! lol). Today's service was an example of "blended worship" at it's best.

The choir was the best I've stood in front of. Most don't even realize that our choir has more than doubled in size in just the past three months! We've added dedicated people who actually consider it an honor to sing God's praises as part of a larger group. Those are the people God can use. Neither He nor I have much use for those who came and went when they weren't awarded a solo (ouch! I said that too didn't I?). Thank you choir! You finally "get it!" We are not performing for our congregation, we're singing praises for our savior! Now wait and see what we can do...and He can do through us!

Next Sunday we'll see how much fruit the seed we sowed this week will bear. I can hardly wait!

God Bless!
Michael