Attractional?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 6:59AM There's a good kind and a bad kind of attractional.
If by attractional you mean that your Sunday service is the best show in town, or that you run the best programs, then we need to talk missiology. God can and does use this approach to ministry, but it raises problems. For instance, it feeds into a consumerist mindset that goes shopping for the best set of services to meet our needs. And it's only a matter of time before a better service or program comes along. Don't get me wrong: God can still use this approach. It's just not ideal.
If by attractional you mean that people hear of a group of people who truly love each other, who ignore race and class barriers, are really different, and who care for the community selflessly, then this is a good type of attractional. Some might even call it missional. If people are attracted to your gathering because your people are qualitatively different, then this is a good type of attractional.
Long live the second type of attractional.
Reader Comments (4)
Amen, long live the second type. Reminded of John 12:32 and John 13:35.
How about we drop the labels and think about humility instead of new methodology or philosophy. One thing for certain is that Jesus is presented through humility not missional, attractional, mega, small, rich, or even poor. May the love of God, that enormous magnificent gift of grace, so immerse our minds and hearts that Jesus is evident.
That'd be attractive, Triple D.
I'm church planting- straight up, started with one other family, two years ago- launched 12 months ago; This is definitely an issue that you come up against if want to engage a culture that is just plain sick of religion, skeptical of Church and worships at the toilet bowl of self indulgence (and that's just the Christians). My quick reply, Churches need to learn to lean out! None of your pagan neighbours are going to walk up to your Church, bang on the door and say, "Hey, isn't somebody supposed to be reaching me for Jesus? Isn't there like a Great Commission or something?" On the other hand,almost everyone in your Church is going to tell you, probably almost every week, what they love and hate about you, your worship style,your hair cut, your clothes, your wife and your kids! Cause they are "in". My opinion: Live leaning out, serve leaning out, worship leaning out, preach leaning out, and you will be amazed at how God uses you to bridge people 'in'- to Jesus!