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Table of Contents
Bridging the Gap
Reaching the Unchurched Through the Sunday Morning Service
By John H. Spurling
The challenges we face in reaching the unchurched through the Sunday morning service speak less about style or doctrinial distinctives and more about purpose, presentation, and the power of God's divine presence.
It is Monday morning and as you reflect on the previous day, suddenly that familiar feeling grips your heart. You think: The worship team was well prepared; the message was doctrinally sound; yet, something was missing. Where were all the visitors? Why did no one respond to my passionate salvation appeal? Why do unchurched people seem so disinterested in attending church? Because there are few answers to these questions, frustration builds. You know the same emptiness will probably return next Monday unless something can be done to reach the unchurched around you. One thing is certain—a fresh vision must emerge.
Some may ask, "Does that mean we must compromise our doctrinal views and disassociate ourselves from our Pentecostal heritage? Is the solution simply to create services that appeal to the carnal interests of an irreverent society?" Absolutely not! The challenges we face in reaching the unchurched through the Sunday morning service speak less about style or doctrinal distinctives and more about purpose, presentation, and the power of God's presence.
Throughout America many churches with diverse styles and structures are reaching the unchurched every Sunday morning. The issue is not simply to determine if we should be seeker-centered, seeker-sensitive, or even seeker-friendly. The real question is whether or not we are serious about reaching the unchurched. If the answer is yes, then we must evaluate our efforts in light of the needs and issues that are impacting the lives of the unchurched. There are four significant keys to reaching the unchurched through the Sunday morning service.
BE AUTHENTIC
The attitude of many unchurched people toward Christians and the church in general often reveals a less than favorable mixture of skepticism, apprehension, and apathy. In fact, simply attending a Sunday service may represent a new experience that is both intimidating and confusing. One of the many challenges we face in our desire to impact unchurched people involves communicating our genuine love for God and for them. This is the great commandment offered by Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:34-40), and it describes the central mission of the church.
Each aspect of the service—prayer, congregational worship, special music, or the proclamation of the Word—provides an opportunity to authentically express our commitment to God and our passion to obey Him. We also recognize that being an authentic witness does not simply begin on Sunday morning. If the church is serious about impacting the lives of unchurched people, the place to start is long before the music begins.
Our credibility among the unchurched rises when they see that we face many of the same struggles and yet the joy of our lives remains constant. The walls of misconception and alienation that are a reality for many unchurched people will crumble as a result of the authentic expression of our faith in God. Then, and perhaps only then, will our message of love and acceptance change the hearts of the unchurched.
BE INTENTIONAL
A major barrier to reaching the unchurched through the Sunday morning service involves understanding the reasons why they do not currently attend church. Many unchurched people consider church services boring. They tend to characterize them as simply a gathering of close-minded, out-of-touch, and judgmental individuals who have little tolerance for people who are different from themselves.
At the same time, a vast majority of the unchurched feel overwhelmed by the demands of out-of-control lifestyles. They struggle with the pressure to keep up with a constantly changing society that leaves them searching for stability and a moral compass. Many feel they are on their own and do not believe attending a Christian service can provide answers to their perplexing problems.
Do our services fail to adequately respond to the questions and burdens of the unchurched? Do we intentionally minister to the unchurched people who we prayerfully anticipate will be in attendance? Or, is the overwhelming amount of our energy and effort designed around the interests, expectations, and needs of the already convinced?
If the latter is true, we cannot expect to positively impact unchurched guests who attend on Sunday morning. Each aspect of the Sunday service from the opening song to the final altar call has potential to reach the unchurched. The purposeful pastor will develop services that intentionally build bridges of understanding that will touch the lives of the unchurched in attendance.
BE RELEVANT
The language and traditions in the Sunday morning service may fail to connect with the pressing issues and needs of many outside—and perhaps some within—the Christian community. It is increasingly unrealistic to expect people with little or no church background to join us on Sunday on their own accord. Greater diligence is needed to establish relationships with unchurched people outside of the Sunday morning experience.
Church leaders are challenged to prayerfully respond to the need for doctrinal purity and cultural relevance within our Sunday morning services. Our message on Sunday must echo the words of Jesus Christ as He entered public ministry: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor…to proclaim freedom for the prisoners…to release the oppressed" (Luke 4:18, NIV). Jesus Christ spoke to the needs of hurting people and did not compromise the truth in the process.
Today, the Sunday service represents a dynamic opportunity to proclaim doctrinal truth and offer the searching person a meaningful explanation and the practical application of the written Word of God. Unchurched people will be drawn to churches and preachers who prayerfully bridge the gap between the ancient truths of Scripture and their pressing needs.
BE INSPIRED
When faced with the incredible challenge to reach the lost, we need an intervention from Almighty God. All of our planning and preparation cannot replace God's presence. The unchurched will attend services throughout America this Sunday for a variety of reasons. When they arrive, however, will they discover a church that has prayerfully, intentionally prepared for their arrival? Will they witness an authentic expression of God's love and receive a relevant message from His Word?
Without the inspiring presence of the Holy Spirit, our desire to reach unchurched people on Sunday mornings will be missing the power that is available to the church, especially to the Pentecostal church. As you face the challenge of preparing for another Sunday morning, take time to reflect on your services over the past few months. How effective have you been at reaching the unchurched? What is it that may hinder you from having an even greater impact?
The answer may cause you to modify more than the worship style. It may include a careful review of every aspect of your service and what happens between services. Most of all, it may cause you and your church to call on the presence of God's Spirit with greater urgency. As you do, God will give you the prescription that will overcome those Monday morning blues.
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