... but the fact is - they paid to be there -- they paid to sit on the ground and watch a tiny little guy on stage hundreds of feet away play and sing the same songs they could hear on their professional recording of him on the way there.
What gets these people so excited about that that the church sometimes can't seem to connect with? Why don't these same people want to come to church?
Well ... at the concert ...
They could just be themselves. No acting.
They could come dressed however they wanted.
They could act in a variety of ways, as long as it was orderly and legal.
They could connect with friends.
They could forget their terrible day at the office and with the kids.
They could sit back, chill out, and allow some grooving tunes to go down deep to their shoes.
They could get something to take away that would satisfy them in some way or another.
So ... if we knew this is what unchurched people were looking for, would we be willing to offer it in church?
Does that make you uncomfortable?
Good. If the church is going to reach unchurched people, we all need to get a little more uncomfortable.
Are you willing to do that?
And be blessed.
14 comments:
Isn't that what KFA is doing?!
They could just be themselves. No acting. -really that is up to the person! If you are putting on an act at church, it's cause you are choosing to do so.
They could come dressed however they wanted. - I have seen people at KFA in suit and tie and also in sweat pants or shorts. No one really cares. I think once people go, they see that. It's the before hand. The image that people have of the church that you HAVE to have your "go to meetin'" clothes. Really once you are there and see the variety...I think most people feel comfortable!
They could act in a variety of ways, as long as it was orderly and legal. Hmmm, I guess this one is a little more difficult. I think it would be rude to talk or have a conversation during the service...but there are plenty of people who just stay out in the foyer and do so. People definitely act in a variety of ways...like falling asleep...so church MUST be comfortable! Lol. I also have seen people walking around or just being silly, conversing after services, etc.
They could connect with friends. - I feel KFA has the opportunity to do this...many just don't do it! Again, talking after service. SMALL GROUPS!!! Volunteer in a ministry - it's the quickest way to make friends and connect! I miss all the friends I have made at KFA!! And I always felt comfortable to invite an unchurched friend to KFA!
They could forget their terrible day at the office and with the kids. I think if you allow your church experience to do these things...God will do it! The music is amazing, the worship is amazing, the altars are open...it's up to us to use them!
They could sit back, chill out, and allow some grooving tunes to go down deep to their shoes. - Pastor Benny definitely keeps up with the music of today and does some oldies too. The music at KFA is awesome...believe me!!
They could get something to take away that would satisfy them in some way or another. - This comes to the message. Pastors who are speaking the word of God! If the message doesn't touch you...then you aren't listening!
I really believe that KFA IS doing ALL of these things! Then again, maybe I just don't see it cause I am already reached?
I believe KFA does many of those things, as well, but there is an outsiders perception that is so hard to shake. I had it before and I know most of my friends and family do, too. So many people joke about how the building might fall down upon them if they went. There is very much a thought that you have to have your act together when you go to church, so it keeps many people away. I've been going there for a while and I still feel that way.
I can say that I am just myself with PK, but that happened over time and trusting him with the truth about myself. I don't feel that way with everyone there. In person, I can be a little quiet and reserved, but I open up much more in my writing.
I met with friends from church tonight and we talked a little bit about how people put on masks, to an extent, when they come on Sunday. Small groups and other groups can be a place to share more of yourself. That's one of the things I like about Freedom Seekers. I can tell others who understand my struggles and, also, share good times, too. I really don't think that happens as much on Sundays. I don't know. Maybe it shouldn't...PK would know better than I.
I guess my perspective is that I am more familiar with the unchurched and the things they say and think. Also, my own experience. I have to say, I love that PK shares some of his own feelings. You lead by example and I like that.
ANON:
I'm glad you have found an environment at KFA where you can be comfortable and take off the mask. That's the proper environment for that.
Every environment at KFA is not designed for that activity. Weekend services aren't places we expect the whole crowd to rip off the veneer and show themselves to everyone else around them. It is for bringing those in your circle of influence hand-in-hand with you to hear the Gospel (you can take off your mask to them - that would be appropriate) and for you to enjoy God yourself as well.
People who are constantly ripping off their mask and trying to rip everyone else's off are not only awkward to those around them but also annoying.
There is a place for everything. You seem to have found the right location to do that where it is not only encouraged, but fully accepted. That makes me proud and happy to know our church has places that can happen and that you have found it. Seems like a win-win to me.
I agree that it can't be like that on Sundays. It would be overwhelming. I'm sorry, I don't mean to make anyone feel awkward or to be annoying...honestly, I don't. I guess sometimes, I hope if I open up...or share that I have been to Freedom Seekers, I hope that maybe someone else in the church who might hestitate to go, will try. They don't have to feel alone. I hope that makes sense. I didn't intend anything uncomfortable...sorry.
PK...
I think KFA strives to do this, and I think there is room for more. Here's why.
I went to see Rev. Al Green at the House of Blues several years ago. The audience was so amazingly diverse...20-somethings in jeans, 60-somethings dressed to the nines, and everything in between. But to a person (that I spoke to anyway...and I spoke to a lot of people...) they all came to hear his songs and his message. He is not afraid to show his strength. His 'audience' knew that they were coming to hear about his God, and they were pumped!
I think KFA does an amazing job of embracing everyone who walks through the doors, there's no question about that! But the security of the size of the service is also its downfall...it is so easy to walk in, hear the message, walk back out, and never talk to another person.
The greatest thing that KFA does is the open 'Talk to your neighbor' time...because that can be the only time that new (and sometimes nervous) people actually do interact and get the chance to show the love of Jesus...and the caring spirit of His family!
Keep these blog posts coming...they really fuel the fire!
ANON:
I agree that KFA has room to grow in this area. I'm not sure the "TALK TO THE NEIGHBOR" time is the greatest thing we do - LOL - but I'm glad it provides an opportunity for you. We could do better at utilizing those brief times to actually invite people to a small group rather than just shaking a hand and getting a name. In fact, we have found people who shake hands and get names still can't name more then 3 people around them after 6 months of doing that. So we have to keep finding ways to meet one another. Watch for "GROUPLINK" coming in 2011.
PK-
OK, true. It was the sermons that kept me coming to KFA...but it was the 'talk to the neighbor' thing that made me feel a part of the family. But you're right...there are a LOT of things that KFA does well, and there is no doubt in my mind that God's hand is on your (and Pastor Dan's) shoulders as you lead us forward!
I have a few thoughts that have come to mind, based on the others comments. One, getting involved in church is a GREAT way to meet others. Serving and small groups is how I got to know virtually all of my KFA friends.
Secondly, I can't wait for GROUPLINK! I hope a lot of folks participate. I look forward to meeting other KFAers around my age group...maybe even coordinating activities, like dinners or outings...as Encore does. That would be fun!
I am grateful for Freedom Seekers and I think Pastor Lisa and Jim are doing an awesome job in that ministry. So, yes...I am proud of both of them and of the awesome people that are part of it. There are some really wonderful people who are a part of it. I just hope I can be strong enough to stick with it. I envy those who are delivered from their strongholds.
I remember the cardboard testimonies and how courageous the people who participated were. It was very moving and I realized that I am not alone in my weakness.
I, too, like and desire a feeling of family. The first person who truly made me feel welcome was you, PK. Then, as I got involved in serving and classes my circle widened. You still are someone I admire greatly and consider an important friend.
PK
I love what Heather and the others said. Such good feedback.
KFA is doing a lot of things right I would say. There is an environment of love and trust at KFA. I feel Jesus would be happy with our service and be greeted very warmly.
I am wondering what would make you uncomfortable? Could you let go of the schedule and give the service over to the Holy Spirit? How would that feel for you and do you ever see that happening?
We do well at KFA but we can always do better, that's true everywhere. Thanks for the food.
DM:
I agree that the comments are good and we can learn from them. I believe we do let the Holy Spirit lead us in our services. We pray every week for our services and ask Him to be in charge. That said, I'm not sure what people are asking for when they say, "Let go and let the Holy Spirit be in charge." Everyone has a different definition for that. Weekend services need leadership; that's a Godly and Biblical set-up in my opinion. We provide that with each of our leaders being controlled and led by the Holy Spirit.
Hello Pastor-
Great forum you have here. Thanks for hosting. I just found your church's site and was perusing the blog. Had a thought here, and I'm just kicking this idea around..
I think you created a valid list of some reasons why people feel comfortable attending a concert. You could also include the ability to drink beer in public or looking at attractive people from the opposite sex, but these (hopefully!) wouldn't qualify as concessions a church would make to attract the unsaved. I guess my point is that if "church" and "concert" are interchangeable, then why would I go to church at all?
Coming from my own past perspective, what drew me to church at first was that it wasn't anything like a concert. It was a place where I engaged in Bible-study and worship with fellow believers, which I didn't do in any other part of my life. In this way, it was "set apart" or sanctified in ways that a concert never could be. That's what drew me in and kept me coming back.
Just my $0.02. God bless!
FIRST TIME:
HEY!! Thanks for reading and responding. That's great. It was more than 2 cents you gave there. GREAT.
I agree with you. I also think that there are things that happen at a concert that aren't anti-church. Some people think IF it happens at a concert, then it must be out-of-bounds to happen at church. And I don't think that. (You may not think that either.)
As long as we retain our values and put our hope and faith in an Almighty God, then there are plenty of comparisons worthwhile that the church would do well to learn from to make themselves more relevant to a culture that is increasingly turning their backs on the church. We can't lose our foundation and our values, but hopefully the containers we pour the Gospel into will change with the culture.
Your thoughts?
Thanks Pastor.
I definitely agree with you that there are things which happen at a concert which are not anti-church. I get frustrated with the church model which seems to feel that we need to withdraw from the world, when we're called to be salt and light in the world.
I think you're right about keeping our hope, our faith, and our focus on God Almighty. We can do this at a concert or at church or at the super market. I guess where I might state things a little differently from you is that I believe the Gospel of Christ will always be relevant, no matter the changing culture. Not saying that you don't believe this, but I believe the unsaved will be drawn to the message itself if the message is clearly communicated, irregardless of the relevancy of the packaging. The startling message of God's grace, properly communicated and understood, will stop anyone in their tracks if they are open to learning about it. Of course at the same time, Paul tells us he became like a Jew to save the Jews, etc.
So I think we just have to find a balance between holding fast to traditional biblical doctrine and finding a way to speak to people as they are. Easier said than done, I think..
Thanks for the dialog, sir.
YES! LOVE IT! You and I are on the same page. I wasn't sure for a moment, because while I agree and believe that the Gospel is always relevant, i DO believe the container/package matters a great deal. If we were still speaking 'The King's English' of 1766, people would be turned off and wouldn't listen to us at all. So the presentation is VERY important to be culturally relevant. Then you said, when it is 'properly communicated,' and I said -- RIGHT ON. There it is. Thank you back.
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