A SOUTH East pastor is encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone this weekend and experience a church service for the first time.
Pastor Robert Cotton will host an Open Door Baptist Church Friend Day on Sunday, offering residents an opportunity to socialise and explore the church community.
Held for over two decades, Mr Cotton said the annual event was highly anticipated.
“Through my years of involvement, I believe the church attendance rate has dropped off considerably,” he said.
“This event has opened the doors up for outsiders and has welcomed newcomers who did not realise what is involved in a Sunday service.
“We often find people are quite amazed and I think an event like this breaks down those barriers.”
Mr Cotton said people often felt welcome when first stepping into a church community.
“There are many different demographics involved where people are able to deal with personal issues socially,” he said.
“The community also come along to make new friends and develop a social network.
“It is a non-judgmental environment where people seem to feel welcome no matter their circumstances.”
Mr Cotton said the friend day – as with all Sunday services – focused on the equal treatment of others.
“People who have attended the event or regularly attend services have made life-long friendships,” he said.
“We tend to see the familiar faces at Friend Day who would not necessarily come to church.
“If you were to invite somebody to church on a Sunday instead I think we would receive a different response.”
The event will be held at the Open Door Baptist Church located on O’Halloran Terrace on Sunday from 10.30am, with a 6pm evening service also planned.
A free lunch will be provided.
