A Simple Strategy for Reclaiming Straying Members

Abstract

Daniel Witte’s essay offers a practical, biblically grounded approach to reclaiming inactive church members. Drawing on personal pastoral experience and research from WELS and LCMS sources, Witte emphasizes the spiritual danger of neglecting Word and Sacrament and the urgency of loving outreach. He outlines eight simple steps for action—beginning, praying, personal visits, attentiveness, persistence, and training others—while stressing the importance of listening and gospel-centered conversation. Preventive measures include tracking worship attendance, making regular pastoral calls, and assimilating new members through meaningful relationships and responsibilities. Witte encourages congregations to stake everything on the Lord through prayer and to remember that reclaiming the straying is not just a statistical concern but a matter of eternal life. The essay is both a call to action and a reminder of Christ’s love for every soul.

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