There’s a significant trend happening in the Church across America; falling attendance. Critics are saying it’s because the concept of getting together in a building for Church is old school, and that moving church on-line is somehow the answer.
Last I checked, when the bible cautioned us not to “forsake the assembling of the saints” as a timeless principle.
So what’s the problem? The Church is. At least our perspective. Assembly of saints isn’t dying because the principle no longer applies. Attendance is dropping because the emphasis on assembling is out of position in the way people perceive its place in relationships. Used to be, the only way I chose to discover a company, a product, a relationship, was by….well, trying it. No longer. Consumers engage in a relationship with your product way before the 1st date. If you don’t believe it, ask E-Harmony. Or ask yourself why you didn’t let your spouse meet your entire family (yes, your crazy aunt too) on your first date. Why? It was out of order in the process.
Businesses who win customers understand “caring before commerce.” Demonstrate you care about me before I should buy what you’re selling. People might visit Church quicker if they had a chance to engage in the relationship first. So, in essence, the worst thing you might do to grow is invite people to Church FIRST. Instead, figure out a different point of entry into their life; join a conversation they’re already having, in a relevant way. Fewer people are looking for a church…they’re too busy looking for answers to life’s problems. Bring ‘em answers and they’ll bring you the rest of their life.
