The Adventist family comes in an interesting variety of configurations. Adventism is a personal choice, a culture, a theology, and a love relationship with an amazing God who desires to save all His children. The Adventist family also has a growing number of persons who, for personal reasons, have walked away from the church. We know of young people who have turned away, but losses involve all ages. When those who don't attend regularly, or haven't for many years, slip into the pew on Sabbath morning, do they find a welcoming church family?

Let me tell you about one church service that comes to mind. We were at an academy alumni homecoming. The Sabbath speaker was a pastor and alum and, from our vantage point, had one agenda in mind. When a call was made at the end of the service, no one responded by going up front. The call became even more impassioned and urgent. "I know you," said the preacher. "Many of you have left the church. You haven't been to church for years. In the process, you have lost God and your souls are in peril. You are sinners in need of a Savior. This is your opportunity to begin again. You must not let it pass by! Could this be the day probation closes?" I didn't doubt the sincerity of the appeal, but it wasn't working.

The call was prolonged and repeated. As a number of returning alumni, some with spouses, got up from their places and headed for the nearest exit, we were disheartened as they left. That experience generated discussion later in the day, with some being angry at what they had been subjected to. In general, they shared what it was like to be there that morning. To most, it felt like religious manipulation. Some thought it was this kind of guilt-inducing manipulation that had motivated them, and others, to step away from the church in the first place. While many remembered their academy experience in a mostly positive light, they didn't like the memories of an academy experience that was guilt and shame inducing.

I recall another Sabbath sermon at a homecoming. After a special music featuring the song, "Welcome Home, Children," the message was all about the copious love of God. It was also a celebration of the honored classes, the friendships that had endured through the years, and of worshiping together. There were no troublesome comments. They had come home, and they knew that's where they belonged that day.

What is the lesson for us? We need the "Welcome Home!" sermons in our churches. We need to step up to those who come in the doors and make a connection with them. Filled with grace and love, the Adventist family must be in the business of celebrating with all who return home. For those visiting for a Sabbath or those considering returning home for good, we can be assured that part of the family probably knows all the rules and knows of their need for a Savior. What they need most is an opportunity to be reconnected to the family. It is where they belong!

Susan Murray is an associate professor of family studies who teaches behavioral science and social work at Andrews University. She is a certified family life educator and a licensed marriage and family therapist.