A Message From Pastor Koschnitzke

October 2009

Why Do People Come To Church?

Six times a year I receive a newsletter entitled “Preach the Word.”  It is a newsletter published by WELS pastors and sent out to WELS pastors.  This newsletter is a regular encouragement to us pastors to continue diligently trying to improve our preaching. 

The most recent edition of this newsletter cited some interesting facts as to why people come to church.  Often, we might think that the best way to get people into our church is to knock on doors or do a great deal of neighborhood canvassing, or to hand out a large number of flyers.  Now don’t get me wrong, those are all good and worthwhile things.  But the findings of this study might surprise you, and lead you to think about this differently.  According to this study, 0-5% (so any percentage under 1%) of those surveyed stated that mass evangelism, which would include the methods just described, would be a reason why they would come to church.  1-2% said that they came to church for a special need or because of a visitation.  1-6% came because of the pastor and/or staff.  2-3% came just because they walked in out of the blue or because of a church program (perhaps like Vacation Bible School, Christmas for Kids, etc.).  4-5% of those surveyed came because of Sunday school.  But 75-90% of the people surveyed came to church because they were invited by a relative or a friend!

Friendship evangelism, as this is called, is one of the most effective ways of bringing new people into the church to hear God’s Word.  Evangelism and outreach committees certainly have their place and they are important, especially as we plan on how to reach out to the community around us.  But nothing is more inviting or welcoming than a family member or friend saying “Come to church with me!”  It is a personal invitation from a caring friend.  It adds a personal touch.  It’s not as unexpected or intimidating as having a stranger walk to your door and asking, “Do you have a church home?  We’d like to tell you about our church.”  Again, such an approach has its place and needs to be done.  But hopefully this study opens our eyes to see that this shouldn’t necessarily be the main form of outreach and evangelism that we conduct.

Do you have any family or friends that aren’t currently attending a church?  Do you have a strong enough relationship with them that you can openly talk about religion?  Even if you don’t, why not invite them to come to church with you the next time you see or talk to them.  After all, they very well could say yes!  And what an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts through the gospel!

We have something wonderful to offer people — pure proclamation of the Scriptures, clear law and gospel preaching, and actual, Biblical, Spirit-filled doctrine.  Many people are craving that!  If God’s Word as it is preached among us has filled your heart with pure joy and true peace, why not try letting someone in your life know and experience that by inviting them to come and hear it too?

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Christopher Koschnitzke