"2 Major Issues With Church Today"

I have heard many times over the years Churches being criticized for entertainment. The very meaning of entertainment is to "captivate some one's attention". One of the reasons Churches have been in decline is because we have become irrelevant to the culture and times that we live in and sometimes we are just plain boring. We want people to flock our services and enlist for membership but we are still doing Church like they did in the 50's. We don't want old cars, old washing machines or clothes but we still want old time religion. No wonder we are losing our youth generation to MTV. Let's get with the times. It has been proven that your biggeste competition is not the Churches down the road but Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Sports...

I believe we should use the best technology and tools that have been provided to create an atmosphere where people can be engaged causing life transformation. Our method is not sacred but our message is. Whatver it takes to reach our city and bring them into a relationship with Christ.

Here are some ways we can do this:

* Gear your music towards your target audience, if you are reaching the young unchurched generation then you may need to change your music from traditional to contemporary. Paul said, "I try to find common ground with everyone so that I may bring them to Christ" (1 Cor. 9:22 NLT). In other words I have to determine the language and culture of those I am wanting to reach and be willing to adapt even if it doesn't fit my personal preferences.

* Dress according to the culture you are ministering to. As I have studied some of the fastest growing Churches, I have seen that they are not wearing three piece suits and alligator shoes but they are wearing blue jeans and shirts without ties. Here is the reason why, you attract who you are. If you want to attract Church people (conversion growth) keep the traditional music and dress in your decked out suits but if you want to reach the unchurched dress accordingly. After all it is not the fancy clothes that make you who you are, it is what is on the inside.

* Change from paper bulletins to media presentations. Redemption World Outreach Center in Greenville, SC uses a captivating media presentation to announce their important announcements. This not only saves paper and money but in a recent study it was noted that less than 30 percent of Church goers even look at the bulletin much less remember what is in it. Over 75 percent of learning is now visual.

* Use videos to lead in to your messages. People watch movies and there are some great clips out there that will give some pizazz to your message.

* Focus on improving your foyer (hang out area). Many of the fastest growing Churches are spending more on their foyers than they are the sanctuary. The number one reason people go to Church is to connect. What better way to accomplish this than to make your foyer a place to hang out through a coffee center, tables, music playing... Starbucks has mastered the art of creating environments that attract people.

* Preach Series that are answering the questions that people are asking. Bishop Tony said several years ago that most of the preachers today are answering questions that nobody is asking. The bible is as current today as today's newspaper. Do series that address the issues of the culture that you live in such as dating, building families, parenting, sex, finances, marriage, setting goals for your life. What are the questions that your city is asking. After you decide your series, promote, promote, promote! Use posters, video lead ins, mail outs, banners and so much more.

To be continued...

Blessings,
Craig Sloan