OK, church attenders, in your opinion what is..........

[mark]

..........the biggest obstacles you face in getting new folks to visit your church??

When asking your friends, do you face any of these reasons:

1. Ahhh, some folks care little about their church succeeding so why should I go??
2. Ahh, why are you asking me, someone else will bring them in, right?
3. Don't like the preacher so I won't come?
4. Ahhh, the church is always asking for money, so, why are you asking me?
5. Ah, don't ask me, I'll just turn you down anyway.
6. Ah, your church is big enough, so don't ask me or anyone else.
7. Any others?

I realize these are personal lame excuses, however, I've heard these similar excuses before.
So, what are some of the biggest obstacles you face??

Do you feel that you doing your part.....or........do you feel the church members letting you down??
Sorry for confusing oiriginal post.

Comments?? ..................see ya Mark

[annieap]

Please clarify...are you referring to excuses individuals make for not extending invitations or reasons why people decline invitations??? Or the church as a whole??

[mark]

............try this one, it should make more sense now.............see ya Mark

[annie]

My biggest obstacle is the fact that they will tell me they 'have plenty of time". Who knows that for sure?
The other is they're 'too busy'. What else is worth more of your time & effort that developing a closer relationship with the Main Man?

Ok, I'm off my soap box. Anybody else have anything to add?

[annieap]

1. Ahhh, some folks care little about their church succeeding so why should I go??
Some congregations could care less if there is growth or not. They have their own ‘holy huddles’ formed within the church and are comfortable as they are. They do not welcome newcomers with open arms. Growth would mean change and moving in a new direction. These congregations have the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude.


3. Don't like the preacher so I won't come?
I don’t see this as a lame excuse. If you have no confidence in the pastor, how can you place faith in his/her teachings? Preachers/Pastors are human and have their faults the same as you and I. Some can make wonderful public appearances behind the pulpit, but are quite the opposite when no one is around. They don’t quite live up to the “practice what you preach” life as they should, rather they fall into the category of “do as I say, not as I do”.

4. Ahhh, the church is always asking for money, so, why are you asking me?
Again, I do not see this as a lame excuse. There is nothing worse than a pick pocket pastor wearing Italian leather slippers and a silk suit standing in front of the congregation asking for more money. Now, I do understand the expense involved in maintaining a church and I realize that money comes from tithes and offerings, however, the additional offerings do get a bit hard on the wallet.


Lame excuses would include:
“Sunday morning is the only day I have to sleep in”
“I would go but I don’t have anything to wear”
“If I went to church the roof would cave in”

[mark]

...............how about the folks that says " I don't need church. I can worship the Lord in my cornfield. "
Well, that all sounds good, but it's a lousy excuse.

This will help those who wish "not" to meet:

Hebrews 10:25 ( NIV)

25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It is written it's a good thing to meet in worship & fellowship, regardless of this lousy excuse.

I agree with Annie about the flashy preachers on TV asking for money, especially on TBN. I realize it's a non commercial channel, but folks that are dressed up fancy, wearing big gold rings, etc. asking for $$ is one of the biggest excuses I can see a non-believer using to "stay out of church."

Any others?? ...........see ya Mark

[annieap]

Actually Mark, I wasnt even thinking about the preachers on TV when I made reference to pick pocket pastors in their expensive clothing...I was actually was thinking of a couple I know right here in town!

[mark]

.................that's sad, they are right here in town, Hmmm.

& I thought Hollywood had them all !! ................see ya Mark

[annie]

AH the TV preachers. What really gets me is they tell their audience that if they send in a donation to their ministry, they better 'open up a savings account because you will be blessed with the riches from Heaven'! Obviously they are misleading anyone who believes it. I personally like the other blessings that are given because money ain't everything!

"Actually Mark, I wasnt even thinking about the preachers on TV when I made reference to pick pocket pastors in their expensive clothing...I was actually was thinking of a couple I know right here in town!"
(annieap, I think I know exactly who you are talking about)

As far as attending church, I love the fellowship and support of my church family. If I have to miss attending due to work, I miss it terribly! Most of the people I work with don't understand this. But that doesn't keep me from asking them to join me.