Why Church Guests Return
From Thom Rainer, President and CEO of Lifeway Resources
Once inside the doors however, what is it that keeps (visitors) coming back for more?
Doctrinal Integrity
Research among previously unchurched individuals revealed a surprising desire to know and understand doctrine. Knowledge however, is not enough. It is vital to them that the church they attend be uncompromising in its stand. People need to know that the church stands for something.
Passion
The leaders whose churches are reaching the unchurched are passionate about preaching. The pastor connects with the congregation to the extent that individuals feel the message has been tailor- made just for them. The pastors of effective churches overwhelmingly listed preaching as their most exciting and challenging task.
It is important to understand that this passion, which is exhibited, is not a personality trait. It can be found in both quiet leaders and gregarious leaders. Passionate preaching is the result of being completely devoted to and excited about the work and ministry that God has called them to do.
The passion from the pulpit carries over into evangelism as well. In many thriving churches the driving force behind obedience to the Great Commission is the passion that the senior pastor maintains for the lost.
Relevance
Effective churches are relevant churches. The pastor holds fast to the biblical integrity of his text, yet he does so with knowledge of the life situations in his congregation. A church in a farming community will relate differently than a church in the inner city. Churches must find ways to become relevant in their respective communities.
Some hear the word ‘relevant’ and think it somehow means that Scripture is being altered. It is not necessary that tension exist between biblical integrity and relevancy. There is nothing more relevant to a lost world than the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The goal is simply to relate the unchanging gospel to the continually changing culture around us.
These are especially important points to remember as we look to plant and as we long to see Grace Bible grow and flourish.