Crave Community

Further to our discussion at CC’09 re Being a Welcoming Gospel Community, it’s worth having a look at an article over at godvertiser.com on why church “visitors” are usually only “one-time guests”.

Excerpt from godvertiser.com article:

With all of the assimilation strategy attempts (ie. free gifts/visits/thank you notes) to try to get those guests to come back for a second visit, what really in the end prompts a person to return?

If you look at 15 reasons why people won’t return a second time to your church, none of these are solved by giving stuff away or claiming rewards for showing up:

1. No welcome from the parking lot to the pews.
2. Finding the right door to sanctuary appeared difficult.
3. People in the pews held on to their “good seats.”
4. Too many “churchy insider words” like doxology and introit throughout the worship experience.
5. No safe, clean nursery for the babies and toddlers.
6. No sincere greeting extended by pastors or members.
7. No warmth or hospitality extended.
8. Missing joy and a spiritual atmosphere.
9. No sense of family in the church community.
10. Very limited reaching out to outsiders or strangers.
11. Very few ministries or activities for youth or children.
12. Public recognition of guests that left them feeling uncomfortable.
13. Appears to be no vision or purpose for the congregation.
14. On Sunday morning, members and ushers seem focused on “member only” conversations.
15. No one invited them back.

Bill Reichart, at Ministry Best Practices rightly says:

“…the key isn’t the strategy or gimmicks, rather it is the culture that is created on Sunday morning and whether or not the church is “outward” focused. And this responsibility goes well beyond the pastor and staff – but it becomes the responsibility of the entire congregation.”

Be sure to read the full article HERE.