What Draws ‘Em Keeps ‘Em
I was sitting in a Bible class recently when the teacher was having difficulty remembering something he had heard me say before. Because of the material he was dealing with, I thought I knew what it was. The phrase he had on his mind was not original with me. I’ve “borrowed” it from a former teacher of mine.
My former teacher has been gone from us for many years. The fact that I still remember his phrase and that others have heard it because I’ve used it may serve to demonstrate that our impact on others may not die with us.
The two classes were separated by many years and not a few miles, but the subject being discussed was the same. That subject can be described in a lot of ways. The discussion could be about evangelism. It could be labeled as “church growth.” We could be discussing how to best reach those who are lost with the gospel of Jesus. In a more “businesslike” way, it could be a seminar or workshop about the best method by which to “market” a local congregation. The discussion could be about the best way to appeal to a certain ethnic group, age group, people in a particular geographic area, etc.
I think you get the idea. It was in this overall context that the phrase was used:
What draws ‘em keeps ‘em.
That obviously raises the question about methods, tools, etc. by which people can be drawn. Here are some suggestions that come up from time to time and some of the thinking that prompts some of them:
- Facilities – It is often thought that a major remodel of the place where a church meets for worship is what is needed to draw more people.
- Geography – Often the demographics of a neighborhood change in such a way so as to prompt a move of the church building to a location that seems to reflect the makeup of the congregation.
- Programs – It is often suggested that, if a congregation had more or better programs, people would be drawn to them.
- “Worship” – Hopefully, you’ve noticed the quotation marks. When the appeal becomes more about being entertained than it is about a commitment to worship “…in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), in all honesty, it ceases to be worship.
- Preaching – Often the demand is for less Bible and more what could easily pass for a motivational speech or (sadly) even a comedy routine.
- The preacher – The reasoning often goes something like this: All we need is “just the right guy.” If we could find him, he would appeal to all ages, ethnic groups, people of different political and social ideologies, etc.
- The atmosphere – This is a little tricky. Some (probably most) people are looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere in which people interact with one another, check on each other, and socialize together. Others may prefer to be left alone. Others may — well, I think you get the point.
- The “fit” or “feel” – This is fairly close to the atmosphere. People may be drawn to a place that “fits” them or just “feels” right.
You might be able to come up with additions to these suggestions. The list could be rather lengthy.
It might be a good idea, however, to consider what Jesus said on this subject. His “list” is not long at all. Sadly, it seems to be overlooked and get somewhat lost among all of the other suggestions. Maybe we need His “take” on What draws ‘em keeps ‘em and the apostle John’s inspired commentary on the Lord’s meaning –
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This He said, signifying what death he should die. (John 12:32-33, KJV)
Without any doubt at all, the apostle Paul had tremendous success in what today might be called “church planting” and “church growth.” As the Holy Spirit inspired him to sort of “sum up” his methods, he wrote –
For I determined not to know anything among you
except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2, KJV)
I think that we may have had the best “formula” all along.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
