Attendance Will Be Prime In '99
By Glen Young

        When we come to the end of a year, it is not uncommon to look back and see
how we did. Looking back to the year of 1998, we see many things both good
and bad.
        The church at Road Creek has experienced much good in the past year. At
the top of the list are the eight baptisms which came about through the
teaching efforts of the church. Another good thing that happened was the
joining of our number by those who came to us after the Steele church
disbanded. These were not the only good things which happened. There were
babies born, young parents showing dedication in the spiritual growth of
their children as well as their own, an increase in spiritual growth
generally, concern for the sick and sympathy for those who suffered death
in their families. All of which goes to show that 1998 was a good year for
the Road Creek church of Christ.
        However, there is an area that I believe we need to address. I speak of
attendance at services. We began the year 1998 with the Sunday morning
worship service averaging in the low to mid eighties in attendance. The
average attendance for the same service in April was ninety-five. In
September, our number was increased by eleven due to those who came from
Steele. Yet, our attendance at Sunday morning service for September only
averaged eighty-three which was only an increase of three from August's
average of seventy-nine. The attendance has steadily declined with November
and December's 
averages being in the mid seventies.
        What has happened! I know that we have had some leave because they were
not happy with us. Such things always happen. I realize that there are
health problems and do not suggest that one jeopardize their health to
attend services. However, maybe we need to ask ourselves just how sick are
we? Or, better yet, what kind of sickness do we have? I realize that we all
have a life outside of the assemblies of the local church, but shouldn't we
prioritize the things that put demands upon our time.
        Some may be asking, what is the big deal? What is so important about
assembling with the Road Creek church? Christians are told to assembly to
provoke one another to love and good works and not to forsake their
assembling together (Hebrews 10:24-25). The failure to assemble with a
local church is an indication that one's spiritual life is waning. When
this happens, a Christian is in danger of loosing interest altogether.
        How can a Christian maintain a healthy interest in spiritual matters, or
the spiritual growth of other Christians, or the well being of a local
church, if they seldom attend assemblies and then only as a spectator?
        What can be done? I suggest that every member of the Road Creek church of
Christ make a New Year's resolution that their attendance to the assemblies
of the church will be prime in '99. Will you do it? The soul you save may
be your own!