BACK to Church Sunday gave a 'psychological and spiritual boos
t' to UK churches on Sunday, as they filled pews with former churchgoers and newcomers.
It was the first time the Baptist Union of Great Britain had backed the event as a denomination, and around 435 Baptist churches officially participated. Members invited family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to their local church.
Stocksfield Baptist Church, Tyneside, which has around 70 members, reported up to 60 newcomers on the day. Minister the Revd Paul Revill said every seat was filled.
'Both psychologically and spiritually it was a boost to members' confidence that God does answer prayer, and that the Church can grow significantly.'
It was also a helpful learning exercise for the church admitted Mr Revill, with guests observing the church with fresh eyes, and feeding back through 'response cards', which they filled in if they were interested in being contacted.
'It's been helpful to see that a sizeable proportion of the population has an interest in Church,' he said. 'We learned that some people would come more often, but Sunday just wasn't a good day.
'So we'll have to rethink our outreach events and, though certainly not all will return, possibly look at the issue of outgrowing our premises.'
Success stories poured in, as churches testified how personal invitations could lead to unprecedented church growth.
The Revd Graham Clarke, minister at Marshalswick Baptist Church, St Albans, found there was 'by far a greater response from those who had been personally invited', as opposed to those receiving postal invitations.
'I was amazed,' said Mr Clarke. 'It was really very successful. It was the first time we'd taken part and we had 11 people come specifically because they'd been invited.'
Following BUGB advice, the church held a 'relatively normal' service, in order not to confuse guests who might return.
Marshalswick's service focused on the book of James, and the issue of decision-making. 'It was quite relevant to those coming back to church, and a bit more geared towards newcomers than I think we'd perhaps normally be.'
Afterwards, Danish pastries and doughnuts were served with tea. 'We made sure the newcomers were made welcome,' said Mr Clarke.
'Next year, I think members will be more confident about it all. We have to help church members feel confident about making that invitation, as it's easy to feel nervous about being rebuffed.
'But this has proven that when you step out in faith, God blesses that faith. We'll be applying the principals we've learned to other evangelistic events we'll take part in.'
The Revd Frank Boyd, deacon for outreach at Thornhill Baptist Church, Southampton, led the church's outreach service, and said it had complemented its ongoing outreach in the local community.
He said that as well as inviting the community to church, the church needed to go to the community. 'We need to be proactive,' he said. You can't wait for the community to come to you. You've got to go to them.'
Many churches tied in Back to Church with Harvest Festival, including Rowley Baptist Church in County Durham, a rural church, which normally has an attendance of around 14 on Sunday mornings, but doubled its number to 30.
At Muswell Hill Baptist Church, which welcomed 15 guests, the Revd Andrew Picton said he was 'delighted'.
'You're never sure the first time how these things will go, but we spent two months preparing for it, praying about it, and encouraging each other, and we've been encouraged.'
The church also took on board advice that services shouldn't be too out of the ordinary. 'So we played to our strengths,' explained Mr Picton. 'We think of ourselves as a welcoming church, and we chose songs that people were more likely to be familiar with, and we'd spruced up the church.
'Our theme was friendship, on which we had a talk - it seemed less intimidating than a sermon might be, relating it to friendship in the city, which can be a lonely place, our friendships with each other, and our friendship with God.'
The puppets were out in force to entertain children, with puppet Sam - who makes regular appearances at the church - bringing along 'Joel', who he had met in his new school, reflecting children's experiences of the new term.
The service was followed by a lunch, and members have organised follow-up events, including Alpha and socials.
'It's such a simple idea. But we hope the experience encouraged people in sharing their faith, that the church will grow, and that newcomers might grow in faith,' said Mr Picton.
By courtesy of the Baptist Times
