I know of churches where deacons and deaconesses stand at the entrance to ensure that those who are poorly dressed are not admitted inside unless they meet the church’s dress code. Can you imagine Jesus Christ doing such a thing?

If our goal is to change people’s inner lives, their external lives will certainly follow. Our role is not to teach unbelievers how to dress. If a believer is not dressed decently, they will reform if we accept them into the church. But such a change will not be possible if we humiliate them at the door.

These kinds of archaic and inappropriate attitudes easily drive potential members away from the church. Dressing is a cultural matter that, in many respects, has little to do with spirituality. If you see someone who is poorly dressed, handle the situation intelligently but allow them to stay.

Love Engages

Some pastors have become like guest preachers in their own churches. They come only to the service to preach and have little to no interaction with the people. This is what I call the “guest residence pastor syndrome.” From a broader perspective, such a pastor becomes a stranger in their own church.

As much as possible, try to have personal contact with the people, especially newcomers. I strive to interact with people whenever I can by greeting them after the service.

You are not a guest preacher in your own church. After the service, spend time smiling and engaging with the people. At the end of the sermon, do not grab your Bible and head straight back to the office. Some people come to church because of you, and they will feel privileged to shake your hand. This will encourage them to return.

Pastors of single-service churches have more time to meet the people, especially visitors, after the service. But for all pastors, Sundays are the best days for church growth. Therefore, do your best to meet as many people as you can. Be the first to arrive at church and the last to leave.

Treat visitors and members with respect. As best as you can, try to remember the names of your members, and with all your skill, call them by their names. I do my best to keep my members’ names in mind. I have worked hard at this, and God has granted me success. When I invite people for prayer on their birthdays, I try to call most of them by name; this makes them feel important, loved, and respected.

When you treat people warmly, they will naturally gravitate toward you. If some pastors do not change their lethargic and unfriendly attitudes, their churches will not grow…

This text is an excerpt from the book “From Small to Medium to Mega” written by Bishop Charles Agyinasare.

We invite you to read the next article, “SOME MINDSET BARRIERS TO CHURCH GROWTH.”

Love Looks at the Inside, Not the Outside. Love Looks at the Inside, Not the Outside.

Love Looks at the Inside, Not the Outside.