Do You Sell Your Church?
The other day someone who is looking for a new church stopped me. He asked me to tell him about my church. Here is what I said.
We don’t have a pastor right now. I can’t tell you what that will be like right now.
My kids are older than yours. I don’t really have any experience with that age group. I can’t answer your questions.
We’re not really strong in [ X] area. That would definitely be one of our weaknesses. We need serious improvement there.
The honeymoon period is over. What I mean by that is that the warm, fuzzies are over. We just don’t think it’s perfect anymore.
Our music through worship is very strong, enjoyable and worshipful.
I don’t really like [X] area. We need to improve it immensely.
There was more to it, but I think you get the gist. I told this person about my church. I was honest. I told him some good things. I told him some bad things. I told him what needed to get better.
Too often when I talk to people about their church, everything I hear is great. Great kids program. Great adult program. Great music. Great preaching.
This all may be true, but it usually comes across to me as selling. I can’t imagine everything being so perfect and great.
When asked, I was honest. I could see a bit of shock and head scratching on my friends face. He seemed to wonder what my end game was.
We finally ended with me telling him to pray about whether he should visit our church. If he felt like he should try it, then I told him to come visit. It might be the place where God wants to plant him to make us stronger in some of those areas I mentioned. If not, then I told him to pray and keep looking for where the Lord wanted him.
What I didn’t do was try to sell him on my church.
Do you sell people on your church? Have others tried to sell you on their church? Which way is the way to go?
Every church has strong points and places where they need to grow. I don’t think anyone would deny that. There is something about the truth, though, Jesus never told an untruth, we should all follow His example.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Ed
Right, Ed. People don’t mean to, but too often they’re not honest.
I agree with what Ed wrote. Every church has its strong points and weak points. I think it is okay to be honest about them. Sounds to me like you did the right thing with this person. I think it does more harm than good to lie and then watch their disappointment when they find out all is not good.
Exactly, Bill. Maybe the Lord is sending those people to strengthen the Body.
I think the selling or promotion of the church may be what has us in trouble in many places. We tend to focus on it instead of HIM. I have done it so I’m at the head of the line. If someone is really looking for a church then I think the truth like you told it is the best thing you could do for them.
Ken, most of what I write about are things I’m guilty of. What I’m really trying to do is figure out this life of faith and church in my own life.
I think it’s important to be honest when telling people about your church. I tell people about my church and tell them they should check it out and see if it would be the right fit for them.
Dan, I think too often people believe if they like a church, everyone should. We are extremely diverse in the Body.
Larry, I have in the past, but not anymore. Jesus isn’t interested in converting to 1st Ecclesial Evangelical Non Denominational Church of the Deep V-Neck. He wants to convert folks to Himself. Sometimes church gets in the way of that. I mean sure, yes, invite folks to church, but share your story, your experience with Jesus.
That’s where I’m at now.
Good thoughts, Chad. Those early Christians weren’t thinking about finding a church for their needs. They were the Church.