Albert O Aina

Attracting Retaining And Assimilating Albert O Aina

I entered into the church premises, no one noticed me. The usher hurriedly passed me into church service as if I was disturbing the traffic. When I tried to park my car on my first visit to the church, he yelled and barked at me because I was wrongly parked. I did not complain. I even greeted him heartily, but I was answered under breath with scant murmur. I took it. I entered with my heavily pregnant wife who desired to stay in an airy part of the auditorium and close to "the ladies", but we were snubbed and treated as troublesome. The day's bulletin was pressed into our hands, as if we were beggars. I tried to compliment the Usher for his kindness, he wouldn't bother to look at my face. I took up the hymn book during congregational song, it was snatched from me by the usher, saying I ought to share with others. I never complained, even though I would have happily shared this, if I had been told earlier. As we stood to go after the service, we were ordered to move out "without making a noise" I didn't nag. Not even one person standing as usher ever smiled or looked at our "sinful faces, all through the solemn service. I came the following Sunday, hoping for a better reception this time. I got none. Still, I never complained; that was uncalled for. No, I am the nice worshipper. And I'll tell you who else I am. I'm the worshipper who never comes back! This is the challenge facing the church today - attracting, retaining and assimilating more first time guests. This is why this book is timely and for you especially.