Doctrine and certitude of doctrine were very important to the formerly unchurched we surveyed, and played a major role in their decision to join a church. It is too early to make any certain conclusions about how well the formerly unchurched will assimilate into the churches they joined. Most of those we interviewed were at the church only a short time. The early evidence, however, is impressive.
We can say with a high degree of certainty that clearly articulated doctrine attracts the unchurched. And we can also say, based on the results thus far, that doctrinal conviction assimilates the formerly unchurched as well. How then does doctrine affect the closing of the back door?
First, we were told, no one desires to be a part of an organization or cause based on uncertainty or ambiguity.
"Why should I waste my time being a part of something that doesn't really make a difference?" said Leslie C. of Missouri. To the contrary, doctrinal certainty and clarity engender commitment. A cause or a purpose is evident, and many desire to be a part of the cause.
Second, one of the reasons the formerly unchurched were attracted to the church they joined was the church's unambiguous declaration of absolutes. In a world of relativity, many seekers desire to know that a black-and-white reality does exist. That same clarity of absolutes that attracted the unchurched keeps them in the church.
Third, churches with doctrinal certitude tend to be activists in their beliefs. When these churches know with certainty that salvation comes only through Christ and believe that those without a personal relationship with him are hell-bound, they are more likely to be evangelistic. Their evangelistic passion reflects their conviction about what they believe. And their continuing role of activism tends to keep those who desire to be a part of a greater cause.
Speaking the truth in love
In all of our 353 interviews with the formerly unchurched, we never heard the effective churches described as harsh, legalistic or the like. These churches were firm in their convictions, said the formerly unchurched, but were also gentle in spirit. As indicated last week, this characteristic was evident in the pastors of the churches, but it extended well beyond anyone person.
Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky., is one of the largest congregations in North America. Though Senior Minister Bob Russell refuses to take any personal credit for the phenomenal growth of Southeast, one cannot help but see his influence. God has used him in many ways, but "speaking the truth in love" is certainly an example set by Russell for more than 30 years.
His influence has spread to the congregation. For the past three decades, Southeast has been a moral and Christian lighthouse in the Louisville metropolitan area. The church has been the recipient of intense criticisms from liberal media and liberal religious groups for its positions on abortion, homosexuality, the exclusivity of salvation through Christ and other "hot-button issues." Despite the criticisms, the large congregation has maintained a spirit of love and grace. Many of the harshest critics express surprise at the gentle and loving spirit of the church when they visit.
Southeast Christian's ministries have made a profound impact on the Louisville community. The congregation knows that holding to truth with conviction is not mutually exclusive with being a people demonstrating Christ-like love.
In 160 of the 353 interviews we conducted, slightly under half of the formerly unchurched described the churches they eventually joined as churches that were uncompromising in their convictions but Christ-like in their demeanor.
"I had this image of Southern Baptists as mean-spirited and legalistic," Frank N. of Georgia told us. "But the church I connected with is anything but that. The church does have a clear doctrinal stand, but they are also one of the most loving groups of people I have ever been around."
Yes, doctrine really matters
Perhaps some people will be surprised to hear of the importance of doctrine in reaching the unchurched. The formerly unchurched, however, left little doubt of the importance of doctrine in their accepting Christ and choosing a church. They spoke with clarity of the issues that were important to them.
-- More formerly unchurched spoke of the importance of doctrine in their decision-making process than any other factor.
-- The doctrine that attracted the formerly unchurched was not just any belief system, but a theology that could best be described as conservative, evangelical and uncompromising.
-- Many indicated that their interest in doctrine was a consequence of their desire to discover absolutes in a culture where few absolutes are perceived to exist.
-- Those who spoke of the importance of doctrine could discern easily where churches were strong or weak in their affirmation of beliefs. The formerly unchurched were attracted to churches that had doctrinal certitude.
-- The pastor was the key person to whom the formerly unchurched looked for certitude of beliefs. They did not look to the pastor alone, however, but to the entire congregation.
-- It appears that doctrinal conviction not only attracts the unchurched, but it may have a major role in their assimilation after they become Christians.
The evidence is clear, if not overwhelming: doctrine really matters. Church leaders will ignore this reality to their church's peril. The insights of the formerly unchurched have been intriguing and helpful. An entire set of strategies could be developed from the information we gleaned from them. But unless church leaders are willing, even eager, to do what is necessary to reach the unchurched, the information is of little value. In other words, leadership is critical.
