I have a favorite line that I repeat often, “It’s not like unchurched people don’t know churches are there. They just don’t care.” I say that a lot because I’m always intrigued by how to make them care.
Let’s face it, the world is getting smaller. We’re not just our city, our state, our country anymore. It’s becoming a 6 billion people + melting pot of busyness. And when you’re swimming in a bigger ocean, you’d darn sure better have your act together in order to make anyone notice. You certainly can’t depend on “tradition” because the majority don’t share that tradition, so it never occurs to them to have a reason to care.
So, what is it? What are you doing at church to make someone who doesn’t know Jesus have the slightest bit of interest that you’re gathering and, coincidentally, praying to God that others would come to know Him?
I’m not being critical. I’m seriously interested. We’ve got marketing down to those who already believe the same as we do. We change our programs, music, pastors, etc. all the time to appeal to them. But, that’s not adding anyone and it’s what God cares most about. So, let’s help each other out with ideas. What will make them care?
Hi, I'm Scott and this is my bio attempt. God has a sense of humor... I work at a church. That's not the path I figured coming out of grad school, but when He called, thankfully I didn't try to win a battle of merits between my plan and His. So, how'd that play out? Well, in 2001 I left commercial real estate and went on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. This place captured my heart the first time I walked in the doors. God, thanks for letting me do this for as long as you let me do it!
Scott, I blogged a similar post last Sunday afternoon. Honestly, I don’t know. I’m wondering if our culture is changing to the point to where we will need to find different venues to attract unchurched, especially lost unchurched people. Are we moving into a time where the church is going to have to do more sending than receiving? Ultimately we may have to be more obedient to Jesus’ “Go and make disciples” command and raise up people inside the church and send them out to the ballparks, dance competitions and coffee shops.
I’m asking too. I’ll be interested to read your comments. Maybe someone can solve this for all of us.
“Are we moving into a time where the church is going to have to do more sending than receiving?” Boy, I hope so, Ron. I really do, because in that I think there’s more hope for the future of the Church than anything else. I think it’d be a great thing and I’m excited about figuring it out.
Scott
Scott,
I don’t think an unchurched person will ever care about the church until they “meet” the church and that doesn’t happen at the building by the same name.
I think when people see people living out their lives in a different way it makes a difference - somehow the church becomes the people, not the building.