Update: I have fleshed out this post with more of my thoughts. I did not want to convey that I am 100% on board with this. However, I don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water. The attractional/missional approach does not need to be an either/or in my opinion. Elements of intentionality in corporate assemblies can be a good thing (although I feel they are likely to be better pulled off in smaller group settings).
About a week and a half ago I stumbled across this blog post by David Foster.
In the post he recounts the 16 things he would look for if he were seeking a church to attend. It’s gotten a lot of feedback, both positive and negative. The negative feedback was primarily that it seemed to be more superficial and less doctrinal and substantive. Unfortunately, I think these are the things people too often look at first. I don’t agree with everything, but it’s worth looking at. And maybe slicing it up a bit.
Here are his thoughts (my comments in bold):
If I were looking for a church to attend in the morning, here is what I’d look for:
1. When I enter do I hear laughter? There is a danger always of a laughter that excludes, as if what we do is exclusivistic. But then again, laughter is a good thing. But the first sign of what to look for seems somewhat out of place.
2. Are people greeting me as a job or a joy? If they are standing outside in the pouring rain directing you to visitor parking then my guess would be a combination of both.
3. Does the place look like they were expecting me? I get this. We should operate in expectation of new faces.
4. Are people buzzing as they greet each other? What does this mean? Does it mean like liquored up? I’m afraid this falls under undefinable.
5. Is there spirited music playing as people gather? Again, I’m not sure that a prelude is necessary to profound and meaningful worship. It doesn’t hurt, but not a prerequisite for my edification.
6. Does the music move me? I have to admit that, personally, this would be high on my list. I want a place with lively tunes.
7. Do the people on stage look real and engaged? No Madame Tussaud’s figures on the stage.
8. Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point? I get this as well because I personally hate prolonged announcement times. But, conversely, does long announcements indicate a connect body of believers?
9. Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it? Is this necessary?
10. Does the pastor smile? Come on, that’s just nit-picking.
11. Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in? I’m less interested in whether or not it applies specifically to me than whether or not it is well reasoned, articulate and true.
12. Does the pastor speak with humility and authority? Hard to gauge, but important I would gather. We can all fake humility.
13. Do I feel the presence of God? This comes across to me based upon the previous points to be “do I like it, because if I do God must be here.”
14. Are people listening and engaged? Ain’t no church in existence where all the people are listening and engaged.
15. Is the service no more than 71 minutes? Do I hear 68 minutes?
16. Does it pass by fast? Maybe if we could get it down to 63 minutes it would go faster
What do you think of these? I’m busted on #10 if he’s talking about before services start.
Honestly, I think we can come up with better things than this.
