I have seen a lot of posts about what attracts or turns off first time visitors tochurches lately. I must admit that I am confused about the focus. One article spoke of doing a survey to find out top turn-offs to visitors. The results of the survey were all related to very superficial things such as poorlydone websites, signage, volume of music, perceived friendliness and maintainance of facilities. I simply don't believe that these are the types of things we should be most concerned about offerring. This list could easily be applied to a restaurant chain or gym. Having read several articles and seeing no mention of anything spiritual, I have to wonder what churches are hoping to offer.
First, I think that how people are attracted to church to begin with needs to be explored.
Are people simply showing up because the church is well advertised and looks like a fun place to go? Is that going to bring people in with a mindset that encourages faith?
Are people showing up because churches are promising to be accepting? Does this tend to bring people who are prepared to repent and allow God to change their lives?
Are people showing up because of an air of affluence? Does this tend to bring people who are generous?
I may be wrong, but I believe people should come to church because they have a desire for Christ. Church members should be living godly lives. Christians should be kind, generous, patient, honest and hospitable. They should be the kind of people who draw their friends and family to the church by drawing them to Jesus who is living through them. Discipleship should happen organically as christians share their lives with their friends and family. In short, people should walk through the doors of a church for the first time because a christian friend or family member has evangelized them.
While I realize that some people will show up out of curiosity, that should be the exception rather than the rule.
People should be choosing to stay or go based upon sound doctrine and authentic christian love. The superficial reasons only guarantee that visitors have been entertained and made to feel good about themselves. This is no guarantee that they have been attracted by the gospel of truth.
