“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
Who says the Church is not essential? And who is believing that hideous lie? The Church is absolutely essential! Yet many have believed that lie and have wandered away for Church these past several years. Many, maybe even most churches are operating with 60% or less of the people who were present pre-Covid. That means 40% less workers of the harvest, less givers, less prayers, and less children and teens! Sanctuaries feel emptier. These prodigal families have just disappeared. They have gotten into a different rhythm, where corporate worship and faith community is no longer essential for them. Are you one of them? If not, undoubtedly you personally know some!
Join me in crying out for those who have left your church during Covid to be awakened and either drawn back into your congregation or another one! Pray for these prodigal families to come back to their first love, to come back with wholehearted commitment, for the veil of compromise and tolerance to be torn off of them, for hearts to seek Jesus in this hour! Pray for your pastor to be ready for the flood of prodigal families returning. Pray for faith and hope to arise in your pastor! Pray that Church would once more be seen and valued as essential in our city, nation and world!