Why do they come?

Dear Pastors

If you were to ask a random group of adults (over 18years old) why they come to church on Sundays, what do you think would be the answer(s) you would hear most? Here is what I think you are likely to hear in no particular order.

• It’s what I/we always do.
• For my children’s sake.
• To catch up with my friends/small group members.
• To fulfill my volunteer commitment.
• The music
• I feel guilty if I don’t go.

Or would it be:-

• The teaching of God’s word.
• It is the right thing to do.
• I need it.
• To worship God with my church community.
• I love my church.
• To be a witness to the watching world

In fact you may even want to invite a ‘focus’ group to answer and discuss this very question.
What a about a short ‘customer survey’? Ask these two questions of all your people.

1. Why do you come to XYZ Church?(Feel free to give more than one reason).
2. What would you like us do better?

In a day when there are so many options, so little discretionary time and changing ideas about the importance of ‘the gathered’ community we must ask some hard questions of ourselves and look very closely at what we do and why we do it.

Here are a couple of my thoughts.

• Appreciate every person who is in front of you on Sundays and don’t be irritated about those who aren’t there.
• It is imperative we look closely at our content on Sundays especially the song service and the sermon. In other words give people a reason to come.
  • Is it helpful?
  • Is it meaningful?
  • Is it providing something important that an on-line option or TV won’t give?
  • Are attenders glad they came?
  • Have the children been taught well and have they also had a good experience?
• Could you get done in 75 minutes?
• Do people love hanging out afterwards?

Blessings
Alan

“We should not ask, ‘What is wrong with the world?’ for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather we should ask, “What has happened to salt and light?” John Stott

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.