Growing Edge In Brief:
Drew Zhan and David Zimmerman
April 1, 2003
Grow Your Church from the Outside In
Studying people who had and hadn't attended church in the previous six months, researcher George Barna says unchurched people were more likely to be self-sufficient, logical, assertive, daring, and to have tasted all the Christianity they care for. Barna concludes that the church's greatest enemy is not hostility toward Christianity, but apathy toward it. "Most unchurched people figure they have gotten along just fine without church," he writes, "and until someone gives them reason to feel otherwise, they will remain spiritually unattached." Barna's most important discoveries reveal what does give the unchurched reason to care. Worship services, he found, are a poor attraction, and few care about programs. They are, in fact, more likely to be attracted by intimacy, authenticity, and a heart for community building. Above all, Barna found, it's not what a church does, or who its pastor is, but how its members care for one another that brings people into church. One pastor summarized, "People don't want a friendly church, they want a friend." Chapters examine important considerations for drafting outreach strategy—including language (the word "lost" is offensive; they prefer to be called "inquirers"), advertising techniques, and follow-up—as well as the regional and demographic differences. Any surprising finds? How about this: the majority of unchurched prefer churches that have fewer than 200 people, sing traditional hymns, and encourage children to be in the service with parents. I was also surprised by the 12 myths of ministry. Barna does not present a model for outreach or innovative ideas, but he offers information to determine which models and ideas might work for you.
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
