What is it that attracts people to a church and does your church have it?

Why do some churches grow while others wither and die? What is it that attracts people to a church and does your church have it? How can you gauge your church and its ability to grow?

First, growing churches have a great spirit. Attendees consider the spirit and quality of the worship, Bible Study, and fellowship vastly more important than its building. People seem excited to come together to study and worship, and they seem genuinely concerned about other people. These churches accept you for who and what you are right now. The idea to “go and clean up your life” and then come to church is foreign to them. These churches do not really care about how sinful you are or how many scars you have. Guests must clearly feel that the church likes them and feel comfortable with the people they worship and study with while in the church. People making up these congregations know and understand that Jesus died for every person and every sin, and Jesus alone can cleanse and make clean. If your church is not like this, not only are you not a healthy church, but your church is like a melon on a hot July summer day withering on the vine. Unless the Lord sends a Holy Spirit breeze and a heavenly shower of grace, the church will die.

Second, worship is vibrant! The music speaks to the heart and mind of the worshipers and is high quality. All attendees worship as equals and staff works to remove all barriers that divide members from guest. The music creates an excitement in the service and moves the worshipers into the presence of God. Even the reluctant worshiper finds himself drawn into the praise and exaltation of our Creator.

Third, the preaching must be biblical, relevant, and understandable. The sermon must equally speak to the custodian and the CEO, the saved and the lost, the righteous and the unrighteous. The message must be applicable to people’s lives. Worshipers must feel comfortable with those around them; no condemnation. The Lord does not see the tattoos, piercings, or dress – He looks straight into the heart and mind.

Fourth, there must be good programs for families. These programs must provide choices in programming and scheduling for all ages. One church I consulted with started a second Sunday morning worship at 8:30 in the same style as the later 10:45 service and saw overall attendance go up thirty percent. Today’s adults and youth demand quality programs that are age appropriate and relevant to life.

Lastly, growing churches have well maintained facilities with amble well-paved parking and ease of access. I worship in many different churches of various denominations, and enjoy showing up unannounced when no one is expecting me. Unbelievably, I have even found the main doors to the sanctuary locked ten-minutes before service is to start, a quick turn-off for worshippers.

I cannot underestimate the first three reasons churches grow. Too many churches reverse the order and prioritize the facilities. While today’s adults and youth want a nice place to study the Bible and to worship, do not underestimate the importance of a great spirit, vibrant worship, and preaching that is biblical, relevant, and understandable. Without the first three reasons, the last two really do not matter.