Thanks for a good question. There are all kinds of reasons why someone who grew up in
church may have no interest any more. It would be worth finding out why from this particular
person. They may have had a bad experience. They may have come to believe things which
are not correct. They may have just lost interest along the way. Different people even in the
Bible left for a variety of reasons. Demas left because of his love for the present world
(2
Timothy 4:10). John referred to some as going out from us because they are not of us. They
had lost their interest. The writer of Hebrews warned of the need to give the more earnest
heed to the things heard lest they let them slip or drift away from them (Hebrews 2:1-4).
Whatever the reason, the means of winning one back or redeveloping interest is usually time
consuming. Take the time to hear them out. Strive to restore them by showing concern and
bearing their burdens (Galatians 6:1,2). Show your interest in them and their eternal rewards
not just in them coming to church. Be interested and devoted as an influence before them.
When Peter told Christian wives how to win their nonChristian husbands he said they were to
do so without nagging, but by the influence they had of right living (I Peter 3:1-5).
It is worth the effort to bring one back (James 5:19,20). You save a soul from death and hide
a multitude of sins. Pray for them regularly and tell them enthusiastically of the good things
which happen to you in church.
These are just some ways to help in the endeavor. Remember, each person is a free moral
agent and ultimately must decide for themselves. You can only be the influence to help lead
them.
Leon