This is a good topic. I've personally witnessed several come back. When I was JS of my lodge, the WM had me call every Brother who hadn't turned in or finished their work. I called them every other month and kept notes so I wouldn't have to repeat the same questions. I asked them what brought them to the fraternity and what changes took place that made them unable to finish at least the esoteric or memory work. I asked them what changes they would like to see, if any that would encourage their return. I did this for about 2 years.
One of the most common answers I got was that they had significant life changes such as work or family and weren't able to complete their memory work in the allotted time. This answer was most commonly followed with the fact that they didn't think they were still Masons after having gone over the allotted turn in time. One came back after having been an EA for 11 years and is still somewhat active. A couple more came back to finish their work and I'm proud to say that another came back after 6 years just a few weeks ago.
My observance is that one of the main problems other than the Brother's life circumstances is a lack of Masonic Education(Something we have control over). Last time I checked, in TX, if an EA or FC doesn't complete their proficiency in time, they are still allowed to attend lodge and study the Work. Once they've turned in, even after allotted time, they merely have to do a petition for advancement. If a MM goes over the time, a certified letter is to be sent from the Lodge giving him 90 days from the date of the letter to turn in their work or they will be automatically suspended until the completion of their proficiency whereupon they will automatically be in good standing again and nothing further is needed in that regard.
Spend time educating your candidates. Stay in contact with them and make them feel a part of the Lodge. Serving on committees is one good way to keep them involved. Have lodge activities the brethren are actually interested in. Family days and date nights are 2 of my favorites. Don't just teach them to "parrot" the work as I call it. Actually teach them the meaning of the things they are learning. A simple form of this can be done just by using the definitions in the back of The Monitor. Hopefully you will take it further but that can be a start. I'm happy to share any of the things that have worked for my lodge, just ask. Hope this is helpful.
S&F,
Kyle
Spring Lodge #1174
