An Outward-Focused Congregation Can Help Your Church Thrive
Jesus was crystal clear about his mission – to seek and to save the lost. He spent most of his time, not with religious leaders but with those outside the church – people neglected or even rejected by the religious establishment. When religious leaders asked why he was eating and drinking with “misfits and sinners,” Jesus spoke up and said, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders – an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out” (Luke 5:31-32, Msg).
Jesus calls us to join him in this outward focus. His last words to his disciples were to tell them they would be his witnesses, carrying his message to the ends of the earth. Yet, many of our congregations have become inwardly focused, caring more about their own preferences than meeting the needs of those outside the church. This is human nature; all of us, if we’re not consistently reminded of our calling, slowly drift toward being focused on ourselves.
The problem is: in our efforts to meet our own needs, we lose sight of the fact that the very things making us comfortable can keep new people from finding a place in our community. Inwardly-focused congregations are often resistant to change, even when it’s desperately needed. Pretty soon, they lose their potential to reach new people altogether.
Outward-focused congregations, on the other hand, are willing to sacrifice personal preferences and comfort to ensure guests feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they arrive. These churches pay attention to details, always trying to see themselves through the eyes of a first-time guest, so they can remove obstacles and barriers. They are very intentional about the way they welcome and engage guests. And they have leaders who see themselves as CRO’s – Chief Reminding Officers – and who continually cast vision for their congregation about the importance of being outward-focused. Such congregations soon develop a reputation in their community for being open and welcoming to all. They are often the churches people in the community – even those who aren’t members – will suggest for newcomers to “check out.” Outward-focused churches have congregations who are bought into the vision and excited to invite others to join them in their mission.
Here are a few things that help identify a church as outward-focused:
- They have a clear vision for reaching people and the congregation is united around that common purpose.
- Their property and buildings are well-maintained and clean.
- They have clear signage to help new people find their way around.
- They provide an authentic, warm welcome, both outside and inside the building.
- Their worship services are planned with the assumption that guests will be in the room:
- Leaders introduce themselves.
- They welcome guests from the platform.
- Leaders provide context and instructions for every worship element, so guests can participate comfortably.
- Words to songs and prayers are provided.
- They ask for guests’ contact information and follow up.
- Their messages address issues that matter to the community.
- The church provides easy entry points through outreach events geared toward the community.
- The congregation is actively involved and making an impact in their community.
- They prioritize children’s and youth ministry.
- They provide excellent care, but not just for members of the congregation.
- The congregation is open to change, even when the changes are difficult.
Here is a story that illustrates this last point: One of our locations opened with one traditional and one modern worship service. A decision was soon made to change the traditional service to modern in order to reach more young families, who had expressed both a desire to come at an earlier time and a preference for modern music.
One congregant, Ann, shared openly that she didn’t like modern music, and she wasn’t happy, but she understood the need to reach young families. “Who knows,” she said, “maybe I can even get my granddaughter to come to church with me.”
About six months after the change in music style, I asked her if she’d changed her mind about the music, and she said clearly (with a smile), “No, I still don’t really like modern music, but I do love all the new people who are coming, including my granddaughter and her friends!”
How can you help your church see itself through the eyes of a first-time guest? How can you assume the role of CRO – Chief Reminding Officer?
Yvonne Gentile is our Guest Experience & ShareChurch Lead Director, a former retail industry executive, and co-author of four books. She and her husband Frank have been part of Resurrection since 1996. Together they enjoy movies, road trips, and spending time with family.
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