If you are reading these words, you are probably in a minority among Christians. That is not a pessimistic statement, but one of observation and deduction. Not all Christians attend Sunday morning worship; fewer come to Bible study and evening assemblies; still fewer actually bring a Bible with them to services; still fewer actually open their Bible during the services, etc. If all of that can be shown to be true, then those who read bulletin articles are surely in an elite selection (albeit, a minority) among Christians. Let me assure you that you are appreciated!
So, among the few who read bulletin articles, what are some of the reasons that they read?
Some read out of curiosity. “What’s he going to say today?” “I wonder if there are any mistakes in this week’s article, mispeled words or grammatically error?” “Will he misuse a verse?” “Is he going to get on his hobbyhorse again?” Some folks read because they’re curious. If that’s you, I’m glad you’re reading. Keep coming back.
Some read out of boredom. The email comes in with the weekly bulletin, and “I don’t have anything better to do, so I’ll have a look…” While bored at work during the day, “I went to the church’s website and thought I’d kill some time.” Waiting for worship to begin, “I grabbed a bulletin and now I’m just looking through it and waiting for worship to start.” Some folks read because they’re bored. If that’s you, I’m glad you’re reading. Keep coming back.
Some who are in other congregations check on the soundness of a congregation or a preacher by reading articles. Some in other congregations read to try to catch a preacher making a mistake, teaching a false doctrine or saying something that can be used against the writer. If that’s you, I’m glad you’re reading. Keep coming back.
While I realize there are a multiplicity of reasons that people read bulletin articles, I hope you read to find an opportunity to learn, to grow, to be encouraged, to be drawn closer to God, etc. Articles are not very long and vary from topic to topic, but it’s worth a read even I only learn a little something new, or grow a little more, or am encouraged just a small bit or draw just a smidgen closer to God. Whatever you’re reason for reading, I’m glad you’re reading. Keep coming back.
On the PBLCOC website, there are thousands of articles. In addition, read articles on ChristianCourier.com and ApologeticsPress.com and TheBible.net. There is a wealth of good material to help you increase your faith. Read, study, search the Scriptures, pray, crave more and grow!