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‘Back to Church’ Campaign to Woo ‘De-churched” and ‘Un-churched’

Orginally published on Tuesday, August 04, 2009 at 9:12 AM
by Todd Rhoades

Is this a good idea? (The people in the logo sure look happy to be back in church!)

As millions of Americans head back to school, organizers of a new faith-based outreach campaign hope that millions more will come back to church as well.

The "Back to Church Sunday" campaign (http://www.backtochurch.com) from San Diego-based Outreach Inc. makes it easy for church members to invite their friends and family by creating a worship service specifically geared toward visitors.

The program kicks off with national "Back to Church Sunday" on Sept.13 aimed at reaching the "un-churched" and "de-churched"-- people who used to go to church, but don't any more.

The campaign is based on a simple idea. If you ask un-churched people to come with you to church--mostly likely they'll say yes.

LifeWay Research, an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, found that 82 percent of un-churched people surveyed said that they’d be open to visit a church, if a friend or family member invited them.

Unfortunately, said Thom Rainer, president of LifeWay, few church members invite their friends and neighbors. “Only two percent of church members invite an un-churched person to church,” he says. “Ninety-eight percent of churchgoers never extend an invitation in a given year.”

While most Americans say they believe in God, and many tell pollsters that they attend church regularly, only about 20 percent of Americans actually show up in church on Sunday, according to the “The American Church in Crisis,” a recent study of church attendance.

Organizers say most people who drop out of church haven’t lost their faith in God. Instead, they fell out of the habit of churchgoing. Some moved or had another change in life circumstances, or had a falling out with their former church and simply drifted away. Most often, life simply became too busy.

That means they are open to returning to church.

“Many de-churched people are a simple re-invitation away,” says Mark Batterson, of the National Community Church in Washington, D.C.

Inviting newcomers is only part of the campaign. The other part is getting the church ready for them to show up. Outreach has put together several tools to help churches prepare for visitors.

A free downloadable planning guide offers advice on everything from sermon planning to instructions for greeters. Churches are asked to plan for the program and to make sure their buildings are visitor friendly. They’re also encouraged to pay attention to small details--like clear signage and clean bathrooms–that are important to visitors.

“When people come to church for the first time, or come back after a long absence, they notice everything,” says Nelson Searcy, lead pastor of The Journey in New York City. “In fact, most of them form innate judgments about the environment within seven seconds of walking through the door.”

Organizers point out that returning to church is a process. “Rebuilding trust with this group is essential, and building trust requires authenticity and consistency,” says the campaign-organizing guide. “Otherwise, your returning guests may feel that you have tried a ‘bait and switch.’”

Along with the campaign planning guide and an interactive Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/backtochurch), Outreach has put together a “Rethink Church” booklet, addressing the 10 top reasons why people drop out of church, along with videos, articles and other resources. The booklet addresses common objections such as, “I don’t believe in organized religion,” “Church is boring,” and “Christians are judgmental and hypocritical.”

“Back to Church Sunday has the potential to be a day that changes the future course of someone’s life,” says Chad McCallum, lead pastor of Compass Church in Byron Center, Mich. “In a world where so many people fall into the definition of ‘de-churched,’ this is a doable effort for any church that wants to reach more people for Christ.”

Good idea? Will people respond? My thought: Some might… most probably won’t.

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There are 46 Comments:

Posted by Peter Hamm

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 at 2:19 PM

Jerry,

Also a good reason why people who don’t have a gift of evangelism, but live their faith out in such an obvious way that other people WANT to visit the church where somebody like that might come from shouldn’t feel bad about living the way they do. I know many like this!
Posted by

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 at 3:28 PM

Amen, Peter, amen. My prayer for our church specifically, and the church as a whole is that God would plant a desire in the hearts of HIs people to know Him more and more so their (our) hearts would be pure and shine His light in our communities. Our lives should be winsome to those with whom we come in contact.

We are role models - the world is watching - and we have a duty as stewards of the image of Christ to model Him accurately in all phases of our lives so others will want to know why we act the way we do. Then we tell them!
Posted by

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 at 8:57 PM

Jerry,

Very good point. You can bet that most live like the world, dress like the world and watch the things that God hates yet they believe they are Christians. I disagree with you on our responsibility to preach the Gospel to all creation. Each and every one of God’s children must tell everyone they can about how they can acquire the free gift of eternal life. Most don’t because like me at one time, they are terrible at it. But there are some great teachers out there that can give Biblical instruction on properly presenting the Gospel. I cannot “officially” be called a firefighter nor do I have any particular gift of rescuing people from burning buildings but I do know how to shout at the top of my voice to tell people to get out of a burning building. Christians must do the same....all of them!

Leonard,
You wrote: “As for the messages of the holiness of God, the Lordship of Christ and the exceeding sinfulness of men. Is that what you believe a person needs to hear to become saved? I am just asking.”
Good question. The answer is : They need to hear the Gospel...ALL OF IT. Those points of the Gospel are often left out in favor of a depiction of God as some benevolent “grandfatherly figure” in heaven that will one day place you on His lap and say, “You did the best you could, so that’s good enough for Me” In too many “Christian” churches, it is rarely taught that God is just and absolutely HOLY. That was the point I was trying to make. God is love but He is a just Judge who hates sin and the wicked. The Holy Spirit is crucial in salvation because it is His Spirit in conjunction with the message preached that reveals to the sinner his need for the Savior.

Peter,
1. I agree with that for the ones that actually share their faith.

2. The LORD is the only seeker. His Word tells us that there are none who seek for God and that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. God finds them and raises their dead spirits to new life in Jesus Christ.
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Posted by Peter Hamm

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 7:04 AM

Christopher, you write [Each and every one of God’s children must tell everyone they can about how they can acquire the free gift of eternal life.]

But what does that look like? Different in every believer’s life? I know some people I don’t want EVER engaging in serious theological debate, and they wouldn’t either. I’d rather have them give the reason they have for the hope within them and move on. Whatever “method” they learn from a great teacher will only work with so many of the people they encounter… not everyone… The witness of a life lived struggling to follow Jesus will work on everybody.

And more and more, I’m finding that the kinds of gospel presentations that occur in ordinary relationships are most effective. So I encourage people to be part of more of those, with their neighbors, friends, family, the other soccer mom at practice, the people that you meet “as you are going"…

Yes, I think all should tell all they can, but I think it means something different to me than you perhaps. For some that may mean living a simple God-honoring life and telling people why when they ask, for some it might be more overt. (I think more people are introverted and shy than you might realize.)
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Posted by

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 9:33 AM

Peter,

Jesus told us clearly in His Word to spread His Gospel to everyone. His instructions were clear that we are to (kerusso) “publically herald” His truth. Our lives should back up the words we say so living a life worthy of Christ is very important but it should NEVER be the primary means of evangelism as so many Christians do. As a matter of fact, Jesus said that our charity and deeds done to the glory of God should be done in secret. (Matt 6:1-4) The love of Christ we display should never be to our glory. When we rely on sacrificial deeds of good will to evangelize the lost, then the JW’s , Mormons, and Scientologists will look just like Christians. In Baton Rouge during Katrina, all three of these cults were doing incredible acts of kindness and charity. They also spread their lies in the messages they shared and the pamphlets they passed out.

It sounds like I am beating a point to death but I believe that Scripture CLEARLY points out the importance of TELLING everyone the truth about their standing before a Holy God. If we wait for people to ask about why we display a certain joy or peace before we tell them about the free gift of eternal life, many will perish. Count how many “unsaved” friends, co-workers, family members, and neighbors you have and how many times in the last year have you been asked about your beliefs. Be honest.

I work in the oilfield. It is not the bastion of Christian society. I have shared my faith with many co-workers and field workers from other companies. Those who have heard the Gospel from me have approached me at different times to ask more questions about Christianity only because they know what I said and have then scrutinized my life in light of the message. I can assure you this...I could probably count on one hand (and I may not need one) the number of people who would have engaged me in a spiritual discussion had I never first approached them.

Living the life is the hypocrisy slayer but you have to tell them the truth. Is it frightening? You better believe it is. I get cotton mouthed and my heart races with the idea that I might experience rejection. But we both know the destiny of those who die in their sins so let the compassion for the lost swallow your fears. God is strongest when you are weak. You have to start somewhere and for me it started with just leaving a tract on a public bench then it eventually graduated to actually handing one to a stranger then from there it moved to engagement in conversation of spiritual matters. Way of The Master does a great job of teaching Biblical methods of Gospel presentations to the lost. Ed Lacy has a great ministry as well doing the same thing.

We are all introverts when it comes to people we don’t know. It doesn’t take but a few seconds to begin a friendly conversation with a total stranger. Start in the natural with some current event and swing to the spiritual by handing them a tract or asking a non-offensive question like “Do you have a Christian background?” The answer to that question will give you a good indication on what they believe and you can take it from there. It is easier than I thought it ever would be. Still frightening but I think the fear drives us to seek God’s guidance and strength and to rely on Him instead of ourselves...giving glory to Him who is worthy.
Posted by

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 10:24 AM

Christopher:

Right on.

--
CS
Posted by Peter Hamm

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Christopher,

Keep in mind (yes we are beating this point to death) that it is not our responsibility to get the Gospel out to everybody… It is our responsibility to follow God’s laws. It is God’s work that saves, and if I don’t tell somebody about Jesus, it’s not my fault (or even my effort if I do tell them) regardless of where they end up for eternity. It is God’s problem, and thankfully, he has many ways to get through to people.

Do we tell about the Gospel? Absolutely! Does everybody start up a conversation about it with everybody they know and everybody they know that they don’t? I don’t think so, as it closes more doors in my experience that it opens.

In my case, I have to be more careful now that I am a Ministry professional than I had to be when I worked in the marketplace. People know I’m a pastor, and I’m automatically “not safe” to talk to about spiritual things (it’s AMAZING to me how this works, but it does). I bring up spiritual matters and they shut down. They bring them up, though, and “all heaven breaks loose”.

I think a lot of the misunderstanding of making disciples comes from the english mis-translations of the Great Commission. In English translations it looks like God is saying that “Go” is the main action… It’s not… “Make Disciples” is, and “go” could possibly be better translated “as you are going along in life”.

Chris, there’s NOTHING WRONG with the way you share the Gospel, but you’re particular “method” is not, imho, mandated in Scripture for every believer. And inviting your neighbor to church because you just don’t feel comfortable enough explaining everything about your faith is TOTALLY COOL.
Posted by

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 12:59 PM

Peter:

“Keep in mind (yes we are beating this point to death) that it is not our responsibility to get the Gospel out to everybody”

Passing on the meaning of the word, “go,” (which was an interesting look into Greek) the rest of the Great Commission does specify, “all nations,” “the world,” and uses the words, “ethnos,” and, “kosmos.” This is pretty clear that we have to get the Gospel to everyone.

And I agree with your statement that people can be brought into the church by friends. But I’ll say it again--the primary purpose of the gathering of the saints for worship on the Lord’s Day is not for evangelism.

--
CS
Posted by Peter Hamm

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 1:13 PM

CS,

Surely every believer is not called to go to every nation. That is indeed my point.

The primary purpose of our Sunday gathering is worshipping God, and it is, imho, one of our best “evangelism tools”.

I urge you, do not put undue pressure on EVERY BELIEVER to be a “wotm"-style evangelist. Churches have chased people away that way, and there’s no reason to do that.
Posted by

Thursday, August 06, 2009 at 1:46 PM

Peter:

“Surely every believer is not called to go to every nation. That is indeed my point.”

But every believer is called to share his faith. Whether here or some remote country, we must share it.

“The primary purpose of our Sunday gathering is worshipping God, and it is, imho, one of our best “evangelism tools”.”

But I would argue that the unbeliever cannot worship God in a way that is holy and sanctified. The Bible says that they who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8). So I’d even be willing to say that because the person is worshiping un-authentically, still lost in his sins, he is further incurring God’s wrath by blaspheming His name in dishonest worship.

“I urge you, do not put undue pressure on EVERY BELIEVER to be a “wotm"-style evangelist. Churches have chased people away that way, and there’s no reason to do that. “

I would not pressure everyone to be a WoTM-style evangelist. And I would not pressure everyone to be an evangelist, because that’s not a spiritual gift for everyone. But I would pressure people to examine their faith and see if they are sharing it in a direct and obvious way (Romans 10-style). And if they’re not, I would ask them to seriously examine why. Because, to paraphrase Spurgeon, if you don’t desire to see people saved, you’re probably not saved yourself.

--
CS
Posted by jayme

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 1:52 PM

I love Jesus and I love my church. I just love Jesus a whole lot MORE than I love my church. I have found that people dont want to hear about our churches BUT are quite receptive to us telling them about our Jesus stories.

Talking about church has made it easy for us to NOT talk about Jesus. Church didn’t die for anyone. Jesus did. Let’s ramp up the Jesus talk.

http://dontcometoourchurch.com
Posted by Billy Cox

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 3:38 PM

Peter Hamm said:
“People know I’m a pastor, and I’m automatically “not safe” to talk to about spiritual things (it’s AMAZING to me how this works, but it does). I bring up spiritual matters and they shut down.”

I have a friend who sells Amway for a living. You can bet I don’t EVER ask him about his work. I like being his friend, but I don’t relish the thought of becoming his project.
Posted by

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 4:04 PM

CS and Christopher, I sincerely applaud your passion for the Gospel going forth to people and your passion for it so be clear and understood. Thanks.
Posted by

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 4:08 PM

It still shocks me at the apathy of professing Christians. Do we not give a flip? Worried that people might “shut down” on you as you attempt to give them the truth that leads to eternal life? Let me dispel your concerns...YES!! Some people may actually cut you off the very second you mention the words Jesus, or God, or Bible, or holiness, or sin. Now that we have put that behind us, go and not only invite them to church...invite them to Christ Jesus. They killed the Lord Jesus Christ as He told them the truth about their sins and God’s grace....do you REALLY expect them to treat you differently?!?!? If you want to be accepted and never upset anyone then preach a different gospel. Watch TV and you can learn how easy that is, otherwise suck it up and die if you must for the cause of the Gospel....IF you belong to Him.
Posted by

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 5:43 PM

Just a few quotes from forerunners greater than I could ever expect to be:

“If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go their unwarned and unprayed for.”
-Charles Spurgeon-

“I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell.”
-William Booth

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. -Jim Elliot

“When You Get On Fire For God, People Will Watch You Burn”
A.W. Tozer

Go tell the world and start in your own back yard. Sinners are dying and going to hell...do something!
Posted by

Friday, August 07, 2009 at 11:11 PM

Leonard,

Thank you for your encouragement. I really do appreciate it since we hear so little encouragement from professing Christians.

Billy Cox.

Comparing the Great Commission to selling Amway is tantamount to blasphemy. I, nor any true Christian, do not try “sell” anything. What would you think of a man sitting by the pool and reading a book as a child drowns and he does nothing? We would rightfully ask him why he didn’t jump in and try to save that child. So, he answers, “It wasn’t MY child that was drowning and besides, this is a very good book!” They would practically crucify that man for his apathy. There is the analogy of Christianity in America. A world is drowning is sin all the while we sit around reading a “good book”. What account of our professing faith in Him shall we give for all the souls we refused to tell about the Gospel?
Posted by

Saturday, August 08, 2009 at 12:48 AM

Christopher, you are welcome. I am curious about you. what do you do? How old are you? What is your background. you can click my name and e-mail me if you do not wish to answer those questions on the blog.
Posted by

Saturday, August 08, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Leonard,

I work in the oilfield for a service company. We use explosives to bring in the wells or to plug them up. I just turned 45 but I’ve been a Christian since 2001. I grew up in catholicism but never could come around to their teaching for some reason. I saw Kirk Cameron on TV in January of 03 and he spoke about his frustration in his attempts to share his faith. Then he preached the message called “Hell’s best kept secret.” I started listening to Ray Comfort teach on the importance of witnessing and the Biblical example of doing so. Been doing this ever since.
Posted by

Saturday, August 08, 2009 at 12:59 PM

Christopher, thanks for the answer. It is always good to know who we chat with on line. I am a pastor, have been for 14 years. I spent 17 plus years in youth ministry too. 11 of those as a missionary. I am passionate about reaching the lost and appreciate others who are too.

Very often, in my passion, it has been easy to misjudge the hearts and intentions of others. I have more than once slapped at someone when all that was needed was a conversation and some encouragement. This is a danger in our urgency for the Gospel.

Ray’s method is effective with many poeple. It is imperative we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, rather than a method or technique. I have learned over the years that being prepared is essential, but equal to that is simply listening to the Spirit of God.

When I came to Christ I did not know about the holiness of God, the virgin birth, the sinfulness of my sin, I just needed Jesus to love me. After that, over time I grew to understand the doctrines of my faith.

Having shared Christ with literally thousands upon thousands of people over the years, I have found that people come for a lot of different reasons, with different levels of understandings. What is not different is that to come to the Father, it is Christ and Christ alone.

Faith is responding to the truth I have with my heart and life, it is not knowing all the truth and making a decision. In other words, when I came to Christ, I heard that God loved me, showed that love by dying on a cross for me and if I would ask forgiveness (repent) and follow him, I would be saved. I did that, 43 years ago and since then my life has never been the same.

Was I seeking God? Only as drawn by the Father in heaven. Same as all people, they seek only as they are drawn. It is God who desires all men to be saved.

The void that is created by not being in Relationship with God because of sin, is real in every person outside of Christ. Our attempts to fill this void are often sinful. We fill with that void with drunkenness, promiscuity, pride and the list goes on. Some seek to fill that void with relationships and activities not intended to fill that void. But make no mistake, sin creates a void.

Having been created by God for God, I was made to be in relationship with God. My sinfulness kept me from that… I did not know that when I became a Christ follower, but I did know there was a void and that by faith I am now forgiven.

Recently a woman told me she thought she was demon possessed. I asked her why. As I explained John 3:16 to her. She surrendered (repented) and gave herself to following Christ. After we prayed together, she looked up with tears in her eyes and said. “I was not possessed, I just needed to be forgiven.”

Since that time, she is growing to understand the Holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin. Keep the faith brother.

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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.