https://www.barna.org/barna-update/culture/685-five-trends-among-the-unchurched#.VNAAUog1jh0
Interesting article....googled it after this non denominational church down the road was complaining that they don't get any response to direct mail. Is there any way to get them (the unchurched) in the door that is productive and ultimately lasting?
5 Trends among the Unchurched
Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by Earth Wind and Fire, Feb 2, 2015.
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Most of the North East is dominated by Roman Catholicism. It is not just North Jersey. North Jersey does have quite a few Baptist and baptistic type churches (remember, I went to one in Kearny). It seems like every town has a United Methodist Church. Practically speaking the United Methodists are a dead denomination.
Gimmicks do work if you are into the ABC's of church growth (Attendance, Buildings, and Cash), but they are not a recipe for building strong disciples. Do not look for that to change any time soon. Remember, "narrow is the way". -
Have a Preacher that Preaches the Word, The whole Word and nothing but the Word. Invite folks to that. Gods elect will respond the goats will run down the road to the big party.
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FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
There are many things that churches can do:
* Make your visitors feel welcome.
* On the flip side, don't embarrass them by asking them to stand, raise their hands, etc.
* Consider having a "welcome center" where visitors can ask questions, etc.
* Have an updated "Visitors Guide" that reflects the mission, leadership, activities, etc. of the church.
* Don't be so filled with "church speak" that visitors have no idea of what is going on during the service. Instead, explain what is going on during the service and why you do them. In other words, make them feel comfortable.
In addition, we have several ways that we provide outreach to the
community at large which introduces them to our church.
* We have an excellent day school that is open to members and non-members alike. Many young parents have come to know the Lord due to the day school.
* We allow non-members to use our facilities for weddings. Often, young adults no longer attend church for a variety of reasons, but are much more open when they are getting married.
* We allow non-church groups to utilize our facilities.
* We often have special concerts, etc. and this is much less threatening to the non-churched.
I'm sure there are more, but this is all I could think right now.