Rainer on Leadership What Really Scares People Away from Church
Doctrine, expectations, and high standards do not scare people away from church. Confusion is the main enemy. According to Church Answers Research, over 60% of unchurched people agree or strongly agree that churches are confusing for outsiders—and shockingly, 60% of churchgoers say the same.
-
- Higher confusion and lower trust levels mean the unchurched have doubts about raising their families and discovering their talents in the context of the church.
- While attendees overwhelmingly believe the church is a good place to raise families (85%) and discover their talents (75%), the unchurched do not share the same perception. Only 44% of the unchurched agree or strongly agree the church is a good place to raise families.
- Additionally, only 29% of the unchurched agree or strongly agree that the church is a good place to discover and grow their talents.
Both groups recognize that what happens inside the church often lacks clarity and accessibility. In this episode, Josh and Sam talk about how confusion creates distance—and how simple clarity can bring people closer to faith and community.
-
- Clarity is kindness—explain everything, assume nothing.
- Offer a regular membership class that covers belief, belonging, and behavior.
- Use simple language in your worship services, signage, and bulletins to make things understandable.
- Include a clear doctrinal overview—don’t hide what you believe or expect.
- Set realistic expectations for involvement early to avoid consumerism.
- Regularly evaluate your communication with unchurched people in mind—not just insiders.
Resources:
Episode Sponsors:
Looking for a better way to manage your church or school facilities?
eSPACE is the leading facility management software built specifically for churches.
It helps you schedule events, manage work orders, and track assets – all in one place.
You can even automate things like HVAC and door access to save time and money.
Trusted by over 1,250 organizations – including some of the largest churches in the country.
If you’re tired of spreadsheets, sticky notes, or last-minute maintenance emergencies, it’s time to check out eSPACE.
Learn more and book a personalized demo at smartchurchsolutions.com/rainer/.
Shadowbrook Church members in Suwanee, Georgia, have rediscovered their first love–serving Christ and loving others.
But during Jerrod Rumley’s first two years as pastor, he was shepherding a divided congregation.
-
- A small number of members seemed better suited for sharing gossip than the gospel.
- Older and younger members had relegated the Great Commission to the church staff.
- Gen-Xers were comfortable in a congregation that placed few demands upon them.
- Others were busy meeting community needs–yet seldom shared the gospel.
Rumley needed guidance to unify his splintered congregation.
He knew exactly where to turn.
Go to SBTS.edu/Unified to read about the steps Shadowbrook’s pastor took to erase barriers and revive the church’s passion for evangelism and discipleship.
Those same steps are available to you, and it begins at SBTS.edu/Unified.
The post What Really Scares People Away from Church appeared first on Church Answers.