If you build it, they might come. Not likely. But they might.
Churches that think they can reach non-Christians by changing their worship service, improving their building, or tweaking their doctrine are usually kidding themselves.
That’s called “the attractional model” and study after study has shown that it doesn’t work. Why do people keep trying it?
- It’s easy.
- It’s comfortable.
- It’s non-confrontational.
- It’s easy. (Did I say that already?)
You have to get out. You have to talk to people. You have to build relationships, get involved in people’s lives, move out of your comfort zone and into theirs.
If you’re doing that, then you might find some added value in improved worship and updated facilities. But only if you’re already bringing people in.
If you build it, they might come. But probably not.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately in terms of ministries within churches, too – inviting people to help create a ministry takes longer and is more challenging than just doing all the busy work and just expecting people to show up… But people won’t show up to things they’re not invested in and that investment comes through shared experiences.
That’s a very good point, Nick. I’m very much a “do it all myself” guy. I need to get better about including others.
As a whole, Christians also need to stop being jerks. From my marketing perspective, we’re not putting out a good product. Who’d want to join such a judgmental, unloving group? Is that the reality at most churches? No. Is that the perception “we” give as a whole? Yes. There are so many problems that need addressed before we can turn this ship around.