Missing in Action!
Christ Calls us to Both Return & Restore
In today's fast-paced world, it's becoming increasingly common to notice empty seats in our churches. Brothers and sisters who once worshipped alongside us, prayed with us, and served with us are now nowhere to be found. These beloved members of our spiritual family are what we might call "Missing in Action." This phenomenon raises important questions about the state of our churches and our responsibility towards those who have drifted away from the fold.
The Reality of Missing Saints
When we look around our congregations today, many of us can name several individuals who were once active, passionate believers but have since disappeared from church life. The Scripture reminds us that this is not a new phenomenon. Even in the early church, Paul mentioned individuals who had fallen away:
"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." (2 Timothy 4:10 KJV)
Paul's words reveal the heartbreak of having a fellow labourer walk away from the faith. Demas abandoned his calling because he "loved this present world." How many of our brothers and sisters today have similarly been lured away by worldly attractions and distractions?
The church in Sardis received this sobering assessment from the Lord: "I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead." (Revelation 3:1 KJV). Like some of our churches today, they had a reputation for being alive, but spiritually speaking, many were missing in action—present in body perhaps but absent in spirit and commitment.
Why Do Believers Go Missing?
There are numerous reasons why Christians become "Missing in Action":
1. Unresolved Hurts
Many believers drift away because they've been wounded by other Christians or church leadership. David expressed this pain when he wrote: "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance." (Psalm 55:12-13 KJV)
2. Unanswered Questions
Some struggle with doubts that go unaddressed. They may relate to Thomas, who said, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25 KJV). When genuine questions are dismissed rather than discussed, people often walk away.
3. Busy Lives and Misplaced Priorities
Many have allowed the demands of work, family, and leisure to crowd out their spiritual commitments. Jesus warned about this in the parable of the sower: "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:19 KJV)
4. Moral Failures and Shame
Some believers fall into sin and, feeling unworthy, remove themselves from fellowship. They forget the mercy extended to sinners throughout Scripture: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7 KJV)
5. Spiritual Dryness
Others drift away because they've lost their passion for God. Like the church at Ephesus, they have "left [their] first love" (Revelation 2:4 KJV). Their spiritual life has become routine rather than relationship.
Our Biblical Responsibility
As members of Christ's body, we have a responsibility toward those who are missing in action. The Bible is clear about our duty to seek out the lost:
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1 KJV)
The parable of the lost sheep powerfully illustrates God's heart for the missing: "How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?" (Matthew 18:12 KJV)
James also emphasises this responsibility: "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20 KJV)
Practical Steps to Reach the Missing
1. Pray Fervently
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16 KJV). Begin by interceding for those who have drifted away, asking God to draw them back to Himself.
2. Reach Out with Compassion
Make contact without judgment or pressure. A simple message, call, or visit can show that they are remembered and valued. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." (Colossians 3:12 KJV)
3. Listen to Their Story
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." (James 1:19 KJV) Many who have left the church have valid concerns or painful experiences that need to be heard with an open heart.
4. Create a Welcoming Environment
Ensure that your church is a place where people can return without facing shame or awkward questions. "Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7 KJV)
5. Address Systemic Issues
If patterns emerge in why people leave, have the courage to address underlying problems in the church. "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." (1 Corinthians 11:31 KJV)
The Joy of Restoration
When those who were missing return to active fellowship, Scripture tells us there is great rejoicing: "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." (Luke 15:7 KJV)
The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32 KJV) beautifully illustrates how we should respond to those who return—with celebration, not condemnation.
The phenomenon of believers going "Missing in Action" is a serious concern that requires our attention and action. Each empty seat represents a soul precious to God; a member of the body whose absence diminishes us all.
Paul reminds us of our interconnectedness: "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 KJV)
Let us commit to seeking those who are missing, welcoming them back with open arms, and creating communities where believers can thrive in their faith journey. For as Jesus himself said, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10 KJV)
Our mission is clear—to reflect Christ's heart for the lost and missing. Let us be diligent in this sacred task, remembering that no one should be missing in action in the family of God…
Key Takeaways:
- Missing church members are a serious concern - Those who were once active but have drifted away need our attention and care.
- Multiple reasons cause people to leave - Including unresolved hurts, unanswered questions, busy lives, moral failures, and spiritual dryness.
- We have a biblical responsibility - Scripture clearly calls us to restore those who have fallen away or drifted from the faith.
- Practical action is required - Through prayer, compassionate outreach, listening, creating welcoming environments, and addressing church issues.
- Restoration brings joy - Heaven rejoices when the missing return, and the church should celebrate rather than condemn those who come back.
