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15 proven ways to reach the unchurched, part 2

by: Thom S. Rainer

Out of our study of the formerly unchurched came 15 characteristics that were common among all of the churches that were reaching the unchurched. In part 1 of this series we reviewed the first three; this week we will look at four through nine. It is my prayer that you will examine these characteristics to see how your church measures up — and how it can improve.

Some readers may have been surprised by how vociferous the formerly unchurched were about their desires for strong biblical teaching. The evidence and data are clear. Both the formerly unchurched and the leaders of the churches that reached them verified the efficacy of "meaty" teaching and preaching to reach the unchurched and to strengthen the Christians. Strategies of recent years that sought to reach the unchurched through "lighter," less demanding teaching and preaching not only were ineffective, they were counterproductive as well.

The formerly unchurched told us they were attracted to small groups for two reasons: they desired further biblical teaching and training, and they sought to develop relationships with other Christians. Small groups dramatically impact the effectiveness of a church's outreach and assimilation. And in the churches we studied, Sunday school was the dominant expression of small groups.

What does this information say to churches that desire to reach the unchurched? It tells us that a comprehensive and effective small-group strategy is imperative. I regret that in the churches I pastored before becoming dean of a seminary I provided little leadership to the Sunday school organization. Because of my ignorance and immaturity, I allowed the Sunday school to exist without any aggressive leadership and input on my part.

Now, because of 11 years of research, I see the utter stupidity of my failure. The work required to develop any kind of comprehensive small group organization is massive. Such work demands senior pastor involvement and leadership. Without it the church will not be nearly as effective in reaching the unchurched.

One of the many surprises of our study was that one of the best connections to reach the unchurched was Christian wives reaching their unchurched husbands. We often think of the unchurched as people in totally pagan backgrounds who have no connection with the church. What our study told us was that many of the unchurched might be living in the same homes as our church members.

In a recent church consultation, I had a large proportion of the church members write the names of three unchurched people they knew well and then to note their relationships with these people. Again, the members were surprised to discover that a majority of their unchurched connections were in their own families. The church consequently developed new strategies to reach these people.

The formerly unchurched spoke cogently of the necessity of having neat, clean and updated facilities to reach people.

"I saw a lot of things through unchurched eyes before I became a Christian a few months ago," one participant responded. "What surprised me was how many churches let their facilities and their landscaping go to the dogs. It was as if they were advertising ‘we don't care’ by the way they looked. I sure didn't go back to those places."

Have an outsider look at your facilities honestly and objectively. Ask her to go to the rest rooms, kitchen, sanctuary and offices. Let her look at classrooms and preschool space. Ask her opinion about the grounds and landscaping. In my consultation ministry, I have discovered that most eyesores can be remedied with a few donations and in-house, volunteer labor. And it is amazing to see how such projects can be tasks of church unity.

Realize that one of the most critical areas for cleanliness, attractiveness and modern equipment is the preschool. Dozens of formerly unchurched people told us that the quality of the preschool was one of the key issues that attracted them to a church.

Signage is important to the unchurched as well. A few thousand dollars invested in a quality outdoor sign and indoor directional signs are wise expenditures. The unchurched are often terrified to come to a strange church. As unlikely as it may sound, good signage could make an eternal difference in someone's life.

The formerly unchurched appreciated the presence of greeters. Listen to some of their specific recommendations and preferences:

- Greeters should be clearly identifiable, with coats, badges or some other type of clear marking.

- Provide a welcome center with good and updated information on the church.

- Make certain your greeters represent a cross section of ages. Most churches tend to have mostly senior adults serve as greeters.

- Train greeters. "You won't believe some of the dumb comments I heard from greeters," Pat D. from Pennsylvania said. "The church would have been better off with no greeters." Greeters need training on how to greet, what to say, and what their primary functions are.

- Make certain the greeter ministry includes taking people to their ultimate destination in the church. Do not merely give them directions; give them an escort.

If we Christians on earth could attain sinless perfection, we would not need reminders to be happy and friendly. Meanwhile, church leaders must remind members to be friendly at all times. One smile, one kind word could make an eternal difference for an unbeliever.

As I have said elsewhere, every church I have ever visited or consulted thinks it is friendly. These false perceptions are based on how members treat each other in the church. They do not see themselves from the perspective of an outsider. They do not realize that, while they speak to people they know and people they see each week, the outsider has no such connections. They need to be reminded each week to be friendly. Nearly four out of five formerly unchurched told us that the friendliness of the church was a factor in their becoming Christians and joining a particular church.

Read part 3.

Thom S. Rainer, Ph.D., is president of Church Central Associates LLC and founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Considered one of the leading experts on the church today, he is the author or co-author of 16 books on the church and has written articles or reviews for more than 30 publications. Dr. Rainer has also served as a pastor and interim pastor in 10 churches and has consulted with more than 300 churches, denominational entities and religious organizations.