Reaching the Unchurched

Notes from: Surprising Insights: From the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them by Thom S. Ranier

First impressions make a difference

• Adequate parking
• Clean modern facilities
• High-quality preschool / nursery
• Variety of quality programs
• Relevant and quality music
• Friendly - outgoing greeters / congregation
• Good signage
• Comfortable - pews, temperature, sound level
• Attention-holding preaching

 Requires personal evangelism

• Members must be willing to talk about their faith
• Provide resources for family evangelism

Preaching to the Unchurched

• Biblically based
  • Utilize meaty teaching and preaching
  • Verse-by-verse expository preaching
  • Teaches the Bible in original context
• Incorporate doctrine
• Incorporate life application
• Must change life of listener

Key Issues for retaining members and increasing return visits of guests

1. Doctrine
   • Unambiguous in beliefs
   • Clear teaching of beliefs
   • Understanding of major doctrines critical to health of the church
2. High Expectations
   • Membership expectations communicated to members
3. Entry Point Class
4. Small Groups and Sunday School
   • Helps build relationships
5. Clarity of Purpose
6. Ministry Involvement
   • “Glue” that holds people to church

“The church that seeks to be a church of excellence in all things will see God’s blessings.”