What Do People Really Look For In A Church?

This question has been at the forefront of my mind throughout my entire ministry.  What do people really look for in a church?  I must admit that we all tend to fall into the trap of thinking that the latest technology and most eye appealing details must be the answer to that question.  I suppose on some levels there are people who really are looking for those things on the surface, but I do believe that what they are really looking for lies much deeper than those things.

These things play a huge role in the first impression that people may have in a church.  They can certainly tell if things are done with purpose or done as an after thought.  They certainly tell a story on the front end that this church either has it all together or this church has absolutely no clue what they are doing, but I also believe that these things only delay the real answer as to whether or not a church really "has" what people are looking for.

There are many things, I think, that people are looking for in a church.  I always have to keep in mind that every person and every family possess a different set of values, each and every person/family has a different set of needs.  Some people desire smaller churches or larger churches.  Some people prefer traditional worship or contemporary worship.  Some people prefer high tech and others low tech.  With that in mind, I do believe that there are some things that are universal.  As I have talked with many people who are disconnected with God's church family and as I have studied "expert" opinion on the matter, I feel as though there are 4 distinct things that both on the surface and with depth people truly are seeking in a church family.

1.)  People seek a church that does ministry with EXCELLENCE.  Some of the things I mentioned earlier fall into this category.  As people arrive at church on any given weekend, what do they see?  Do they see a trashy campus?  Do they see smiling faces who greet with intentionality?  Do they see proper signage?  Is the music presented played skillfully (that is a Biblical concept)?  Are the services done with order and purpose (again a Biblical concept)?  Is the children's ministry inviting, exciting, and loving?

Why do we do what we do?  It isn't about me.  It isn't about a church member.  I heard it once said, that the local church is the only organization in the world that exists solely for those who do not belong to it.  God wouldn't have it any other way.  The people we serve deserve nothing less than the best we have to offer.  Even more so, God deserves nothing less than the best we have to offer.  EXCELLENCE is an offering of worship.  We may not have much, but He deserves the best we do have to give.

You may not have the latest technology.  You may not have the best facility.  You may not even have hoards of volunteers to pull off ministry.  Keep in mind that EXCELLENCE is not perfection.  EXCELLENCE is doing the very best you can with the things that you have.

2.)  People also seek a church that is ACTIVE.  If I may borrow a phrase from my former pastor, church is not a place where people should go to "sit, soak, and sour".  It is not a place at all.  It is a people who are the hands and feet of Christ.  Jesus never simply sat.  He said himself that his purpose was not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.  Jesus was ACTIVE.

So it must be within our church families.  As people come to worship with your church, do they see faith in action.  Do they see people making a difference in others who attend a worship service?  Do they see the church exist outside of the 4 walls of wherever you may meet?  Or do they see a group of people who simply take up 1 or 2 hours of their week listening and singing.

Our call as His people is to GO!!!  Our call is to be ACTIVE not only on Sunday mornings, but in every opportunity we have to make a difference in our community and in the world.

3.)  People seek a church that is founded in solid Biblical TEACHING.  Some would argue that the teaching present in a worship service or a small group or a Sunday school class should be grounded in strict interpretation of Scripture to understand the depth of God's Word.  Some would argue that the sole purpose of our teaching should be found in life application of God's Word.

In my opinion, it is both/and.  When people come to a church, typically they are seeking answers to life questions.  Therefore, it is vitally important to teach from an applicable standpoint.  It is important to help people understand how to be the best parent they can be or the best spouse they can be.  It is important to help people grasp the concepts of dealing with emotions like anger and fear.  I mean, we all have to live life and if the Bible truly is our "life's little road map"...it should be utilized as such.

The problem lies in the fact that we tend to think that people only desire to have life's questions answered as far as the day to day grind is concerned.  On a deeper level, people also come to church with other questions...questions of who God is and what He is really all about.  Sadly, we get so focused on life application that we push aside the opportunity to help people understand Scripture.

As they grow in life and their faith, there is a need to grow in both wisdom and knowledge of God's Word.  As pastors, our job is simply not to tell people how to live, but also to help people learn to digest His Word for themselves...so that they can move past spiritual milk and move toward the meat and potatoes.

Our approach to instruction should lie in both Life Application and Biblical understanding.  As the chef appointed to help prepare the meal...it is our responsibility to prepare a balanced diet for the people who attend our worship services, our small groups, and/or Sunday school classes.

4.)  Last but certainly not least, people ultimately are seeking COMMUNITY.  I think most people would agree that one thing devoid in our society is the idea of relationships.  Not just a Facebook befriending, but deeper, authentic relationship...real COMMUNITY.  I believe that this desire has been built into our hearts from the Creator Himself.  There is that desire to be with other people because it is not good for man to be alone and there is that desire for a relationship with God.

As churches, there must be specific opportunities created for people to make those connections in COMMUNITY.  As one person once put it, we need to create "Sticky Situations" for people who are guests in our church so that they can begin forming these relationships.  These opportunities come in the form of ministry events both inside and outside of the worship service.  They come in the form of small group interaction.  And they come in the form of God's tickling of their heart strings by the power of His Holy Spirit.

He desires for all of us to be in COMMUNITY with Him.  He desires that our relationship with both He and His Son go beyond the superficial and move to the meaningful and He desires that our relationships with each other do the same.

Our call as a church is to help people learn to "Do Life Together" in every aspect of life.  We need this COMMUNITY in the tough times so that we can weep with those who weep.  We need this COMMUNITY in the great times so that we can rejoice with those who rejoice.  If not for this need for COMMUNITY, what need is there of the church.  It is through COMMUNITY that we truly do become His hands and feet.

I can never begin to claim that I am the be all, end all source of expertise in this thinking, but I do feel strongly that any church can and will grow through life change....if these 4 things are taken seriously and applied to the best of their ability.  No guarantees that a mega-church will result, but life change will.  After all, isn't that what it's all about.