Lead Them to God’s House

April 1, 2008

By Gary Rogers

It is interesting to evaluate people who are able to influence others. On our recent missions trip to Mexico our ministry focused on a group of people who were rejected and viewed as complete outcasts. The local pastor referred to them as the poorest, most needy people around. For many there is no electricity, no sewer, no running water.

Our ministry team worked from a concrete block building that had just recently been built on top of a hill at the city dump. As our work crew installed a suspended ceiling, Dr. Mark saw dental patients and Dr. Doug gave medical assistance to his patients. The view outside the building was of beautiful rolling hillside.

When word spread of our presence, people could be seen from a distance making their way to our location. It was so interesting to see who instigated the trek up the hill for each family. The leader could generally be seen out front directing the way and enticing those behind to keep up. For some caravans the leader would be carrying, herding, ordering all in the group to proceed up the hillside.

For a number of family groups it was evident a child was leading. Many times the child came up the hill alone first, then ran back with a report of the happenings. A smile, hug, gift of candy, doctor’s care, loud music, a tent with a movie playing, and all the other activities on the hill had an appeal each wanted to share. Our gasoline generator supplied power for some of these amenities they had never seen. Many mothers were also influential in bringing their children. A number of older grandmothers sought care for the group under their direction.

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’ " (Psalm 122:1, NIV).

It is interesting to evaluate who is influential in leading the way to church. On a number of occasions I’ve observed whole families attending only because of the direction of one person. If that one person does not lead the way, the whole group doesn’t make it to God’s house. As long as that one leader stays out of God’s house, the whole group goes without hearing the gospel, joining in congregational worship, or enjoying the blessings of fellowship with other believers. I have seen immediate and extended family members influenced by one person.

Shouldn’t anyone who has influence on others do everything possible to get them to the resources on the hill? There on the hill needs are met. There on the hill people care. There on the hill Jesus is shared. There on the hill the love of God is seen in the compassionate touch of another person. You should desire to get anyone who will follow your lead to access the resources found on the hill. On the hill is God’s house, and you should get all under your influence to that place of meeting with Him.

— Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.