I'm curious...
If you'd be willing and are comfortable, please comment to this post ANONYMOUSLY by answering the following question.
**Disclaimer: You do NOT have to be attending a church at this current time to answer this question. Without mentioning names or even specific examples, answer the following question as honestly as you can.
How could we make church more appealing for those who currently attend AND for those who would like to attend but just haven't done so?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Linds
I currently attend church regularly and as far as being "comfortable", I think that's part of the problem these days. The Lord never asked us be be comfortable; He certainly wasn't alot of times. I would just love to see more services led by the power of the Holy Spirit and less "stick to the bulletin" approach. I (and a couple of others) were recently at the alter praying and pretty much "shut down" because we weren't finished by the time the song ended! In addition, I do feel it's holy ground and should be treated with respect, but we need to be less concerned about what people are wearing on the outside and more concerned about what's on the inside. Not sure this is what kind of response you are looking for, but it's what comes to my mind first. Blessings
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective. Thank you! I agree there are times when the Holy Spirit is quenched because of our fear to make others uncomfortable. I'm curious, especially from those who rarely attend church, what would be helpful in making church a place they would want to come to. I believe our time has come where if we want others to join us in worship, we must stop waiting for them to come to us and go to where they are. Just like Jesus did. :) Thanks, again, for your perspective.
DeletePray and let God do the work...if He's in it...they'll come!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment. :)
DeleteI totally agree with Anonymous No. 1. "Seeker friendly" churches have cheapened Christ's work on the cross. Church should NOT be comfortable--it should be a place where the Holy Spirit is invited to convict us of our sin. That being said, it SHOULD be the friendliest place in town. There is no excuse for visitors or newcomers not to be warmly greeted by everyone who sees them. Too often we are more interested in our own little conversations than we are in reaching out and making others feel welcome. This does not honor God. And it might just be a detriment to someone's getting saved. We often have the opportunity to visit other churches, and I can tell you that more often than not we are not greeted by a single soul that we do not already know. It surely makes me appreciate the training in friendliness we have received at our own church.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response. :)
DeleteI think if churches developed and emphasized a "Come as you are" approach that more people would be willing to come. Also, members need to be reminded daily that church is a place of healing, not show-boating. So often that is forgotten and people develop a "Did you see me? Yep, I was there at church. Didn't you see me?" rather than taking into account the amount of people hurting, struggling, and needing to be touched by the Holy Spirit. A come as you are church that emphasized bringing your hurts and hopefully healing them through Him, would definitely be my ideal church home!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response.
DeleteI changed the wording just a bit in the original question. I agree with all you are saying as far as church being too comfortable, etc. But what I'm actually looking for is ways we could make church more appealing to everyone especially those who would like to attend but just don't anymore for various reasons. I didn't word the question as well. I LOVE your responses, though. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteBe more lovingly nosey when member(s) are missing for a little while, and be consistently lovingly nosey. They need to know they are missed and that someone cares enough to be truly concerned about why. They may need to be nursed through a hurt, or they may be shy about talking about their health issues or money problems.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response.
DeleteI agree that we should be more concerned when someone doesn't show! Its ok to call and show concern. Also make more sincere invites. Mass post card mailouts is NOT sincere or personal! I understand the postcard to reach the masses. I just think there might be a more personal way of contact!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting.
DeleteWhy does it matter if someone chooses to go to church or not as long as they believe and choose to worship in there own way. The churches seem to have now become more of a place of judgement as opposed to a place of worship. A lot of the so called most devout christians are the biggest hippocrytes, they will be the first to judge someone because of skin color, gender, money, sexuality, these are just a few of the many things. Shouldn't everyone love thy neighbor as opposed to judge thy neighbor? It's not the actual church that keeps people away it's the attitude of the people in it. Would you want to be somewhere that you don't feel welcome or are made to feel like less of a person? Think about that for a while and hopefully several of your attitudes and demeanor will change. Better to be real than fake behind someone's back. This wasn't directed towards anyone in particular but if it gives you something to think about maybe it describes you. Hope this helps!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty. And unfortunately, what you described is true although I wish it weren't. If you have experienced any judgement, especially if done in the name of Christ, please at least accept my apology on behalf of all Christ followers. My hope is to learn more about how Jesus lived and to model my life after his. To me, that's church. :)
DeleteFocus on "people" and not "programs". It seems lately the Church is worried about being a part of the latest program that is sweeping the country....and there is always a new one that usually seems very "directed" and not from the heart. The love of Jesus comes from inside and will be reflected by His people. Either the love is there for the lost or it is not and the newest gimmick isn't going to bring people to the Church. What about good old fashioned phone calls when someone has missed a few Sundays and visitation? People want to know someone cares!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment. :)
ReplyDeletei used to go to corporate worship to be fed. after fully submitting to God, i don't go to church to be fed. i do my best to get fed through my relationship with God and through His Word. My church is in me and with whomever i come in contact with on a daily basis. i believe alot of people go to church to get fed simply because i have done the same. i believe there is a place for corporate worship and fellowship with fellow believers. i also believe that living it out is an every minute of every day. i think our personal witness through the way we treat those around us is what draws people to want to know "i wonder what makes her the way she is?". live it out and God will take care of the rest.
ReplyDelete