My reply to people that told me the same thing in different ways was something to the effect of - "The great thing about our organization (the Church) is that we are everywhere." Of course, I meant that as a way of encouraging people to find a place to worship when they are away (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
i don't take attendance, and neither does God. It is funny to me, especially as a people who claim grace (getting what you don't deserve) as one of the most important aspects of faith. AND that grace is what keeps us from taking attendance.
SO, it is with that, I heard a friend of my speak to this aspect of attendance that really moved me. He said the only people taking attendance for you (as an act of worship) are the people around you. The only people taking attendance are the soccer coach who schedules a game on Sunday morning, the friend you went out drinking with the night before to take you to brunch, the neighbors who check to see if your car is still parked the same place it was the night before. These are the only people that mater when it comes to taking attendance. THAT should have a huge impact on what it means for us to be followers of Jesus. In a statement of faith that Jesus is THE most important relationship I have and that God comes first, what are we telling the people around us who are taking attendance?
Praying attention, but not taking attendance - Pastor Andy