It has been my privilege on two occasions, separated by an interval of about two years, to visit the little church in ———. Being impressed on the occasion of my second visit by the greatly increased membership, the cordially enthusiastic atmosphere, and the manifest spirit of prosperity and progressiveness, I was led to search out the cause, and was apprised of the following facts: The officers of the church have an up-to-date directory of the membership, with the latest address, telephone number, etc. Officers are appointed to greet and receive members of the Sabbath school, and those who come to the church service, as they enter the vestibule on Sabbath morning, and to check their names in the directory. A list of absent members is thus easily made up, and early the following week contact is made with such by a telephone message, a letter, or a personal visit. The sick are ministered to, the indifferent are encouraged, and the unfortunate are relieved. In every case, in a kind and friendly way, it is made known to the absent ones that they have been missed.
This program of individual attention, together with an aggressive evangelistic effort, has doubled the Sabbath attendance, and rejuvenated the former nucleus of membership.
In view of the practical religion in the working out of such a. plan, and the manifest possibilities for soul saving latent in It, we heartily commend the program to our church officers everywhere. "A man that bath friends must show himself friendly." Likewise, the church that is to grow and prosper spiritually must find expression for its heart promptings in loving interest in, and service for, its own.
Washington, D. C.
