Many people around the world have left the church and have no desire to ever enter one again. There may be many reasons why they don't attend, but months and years have past since their last visit. These situations can cause the person to lose their faith in Jesus; turn from God; and return to a life in the world.

Matthew 18:11-14 (KJV) - For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Sadly, many churches do not seek those that have gone astray. Though many churches take the position of having an open and welcome door, they take no steps to initiate contact or to help them where they are. They maintain a pacifistic stance by welcoming people to come to them. I do not believe this is the position our churches (and its people) are to take today. We should be actively seeking the people that leave...

What happened to Mr. Jones? I haven't seen Sally in a while. I wonder how Joe is doing...

We hear these statements all the time, but few take the step to check on those individuals. Even if the person is 'persuaded' (aka - coerced) to return to church, it doesn't mean their problems are solved. The person may be just as far away (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) from the church as they were physically before.

But with an invitation back to the church, have we fulfilled our commitment as Jesus describes above?!

In the parable above, Jesus is speaking about people that are turning away from the Father, not just the church. It is the Father's will that none of these little ones should be lost.

So, what do we do?!

1. Make an effort to find those that have gone astray.

Too many people in the church are focused on the 99 sheep. They have so many things in place to keep the 99 sheep 'entertained' (i.e. meetings, seminars, conferences) that they have little time to focus on those that are lost. As disciples of Christ and members of His universal body, we must make an effort to find those that are lost. Many of us know people RIGHT NOW that are lost - have lost faith in Christ and will not return to the church (or God).

2. Consider your focus.

Often, a return to church does not happen without a return to God first, where they allow God to correct what has been broken - their heart, mind, and faith in Him. Each of us can be a part of wonderful reunion between that restores people to the family of believers.

Are you willing...?!