Why Should They Come to Your Church?

Looking for a place of worship can be as stressful as your first day on a new job. Of course, it shouldn’t be, but it is and that’s the reality for many. We are living in different times, the church building ( or the place of worship ) has evolved over many years! Its simply not what it use to be and I’m sure many today are not aware of how it used to be.

Fear of the unknown; Imaging that, fear of what you may or may not encounter in a new church. Gone are the days of ministry teams knocking on doors and seldom will you get a flyer left at your door inviting you to worship services. Perhaps when “Family, Friends and Neighbors day” approaches and members need to meet a pew quota, invitations will come.

Where are the believers?

I haven’t been in fellowship in quite some time. While I am not looking for church membership, or seeking a church home or someone to call…”Pastor”. I believe that fellowship with other believers is essential.

There was a time when you could spot the people of God in the grocery stores and while you were out running errands. Sure, it sounds like I am stereotyping, but anyone older than forty will know what I mean.

As I go about my day and I notice the expressions on the faces of people, I see fear, pain, and emptiness. When I attended church in Georgia, you could find a believer in one of three places, at Church, at Home or in Golden Coral to feed.

Perhaps it’s hard to know who the believers are because everybody is a believer and a Christian. The rude cashier, the person who cut you off in traffic (on the way to Bible Study), the lady who dinged your car door in the church parking lot. For the past year that I’ve been living here in Charlotte NC, I’ve only been exposed to religious broadcasting, that’s not working for me.

I still hear people promote their church as if it were the most excellent of entertainment venues in the city. “We have an awesome praise and worship team” and “The Praise Dancers are Good!” and Our pastor is a great teacher! Everyone is doing ministry but within the four walls of the venue! I think, for now, I will retreat to my prayer closet.

Place of worship or entertainment venue?

When someone is looking for a place to fellowship, the internal question I believe they ask is,  “Why should I come to your church?”. It’s nothing to get defensive about; I think its a valid question. When you reach the answer, it should help you to decide to decline the offer or keep searching. Sure, no place is perfect, and I don’t think people are looking for perfection. People want to be where they matter and where they can grow in the strength and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For those desiring entertainment, who may be looking for the plasma screens in the lobby, the impressive edifice, the droves of nice people attending, I hope you don’t get lost in all that technology and fluff. The big screen in the sanctuary, the step teams and the other clubs and social groups formed in most churches resembles life for some B.C ( Before Christ).  I realize that we need something for our young people, couples, and singles, or do we? No longer is Christ lifted up or seems to be enough to draw and keep, we need gadgets, gimmicks and entertainment.

Not looking for a Pastor or Preacher

While some people are looking for answers because they have questions and real-life problems; others want to be entertained and are attracted to the throngs of people having a good time.

Often time’s people need to talk, and they need someone to listen and not condemn, judge or ridicule.  Many people will need a friend and not a preacher, pastor or evangelist. Take the time to know the person or the family before you push “Membership” or a commitment to financially support “The Ministry.” Pointing out a person’s lack of prayer or church affiliation won’t help, heal and restore that person to where they need to be spiritually or naturally.

When you have earned their trust, and they’ve experienced your sincerity, you may have the opportunity to present the Good News!

G.A.T.G