Questions 1st Time Guests May Ask...

One of the blogs that I read is from a pastor that I spent some time with at a Pastor's Retreat this past April.  David Foster is a pastor in Tennessee and has a huge heart for those who have yet to be convinced about Jesus Christ.  In one of his posts he lists 16 questions that he would ask if he were checking out a church on a Sunday morning.  Those questions, listed below, thanks to David, got me thinking.

• Are we constantly aware of how powerful our attitudes, actions, and behaviors communicate to those searching for help, answers, and hope?
• Do we really enjoy being together or do we use Sunday's as a way to touch base with others to complain about what happened during the week?
• Does our lives relfect the wonder, excitement, and joy that Jesus brings?

Here are David's 16 questions...

1. When I enter do I hear laughter?
2. Are people greeting me as a job or a joy?
3. Does the place look like they were expecting me?
4. Are people buzzing as they greet each other?
5. Is there spirited music playing as people gather?
6. Does the music move me?
7. Do the people on stage look real and engaged?
8. Are the announcements short, strategic, and to the point?
9. Is there a printed outline with Scripture already printed on it?
10. Does the pastor smile?
11. Does the message title promise a relevant topic I am interested in?
12. Does the pastor speak with humility and authority?
13. Do I feel the presence of God?
14. Are people listening and engaged?
15. Is the service no more than 71 minutes?
16. Does it pass by fast?

What questions would you ask?  More importantly, how would those questions be answered at NMCC?  And how can we work to make those answers more positive?

Comments

[G.C.]

WOW, so they feel good, are entertained, and not inconvenienced, but did they hear the word of God and find out about the plan of salvation? Hell will be full of entertained people.

[Bob Hicks]

G.C.
Thanks for the post. The answer to your questions is yes. They're entertained and hear the Word of God and hear the plan of salvation. Entertainment is the ability to keep one's attention to share information in order to embrace transformation. Jesus entertained the masses and imparted God's Word. I make no appologies for following Jesus' example. Hell maybe full of entertained people but so will heaven.