Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Build it and they will come Vs Don't build it and they won't stay

I saw a bunch of scripture teachers heading into a primary school this morning and (surprise, surprise!) it made me think... How many churches send people into schools with the expectation that they will waltz out magically with a horde of kids?

I wondered about the mindset some churches have that states "if we build it (or send them) they will come."

It's kinda understandable. You need ministries like church services, creches, children/youth ministries, oldies services... ect, but there is no guarantee that the target group will darken the doors. Sure, even if it "worked in your day" or "got you there" it may not for someone else.

I feel that a new mantra is required. "Don't build it and they won't stay." The reality is, that if you don't provide services and ministries to people once they DO arrive through the church door, they probably won't return.

If a mother turns up with a toddler and there is no creche, they will go to a church that does next time. Ditto for children's ministry. Same for a ministry to teens.

If you want a motto that comes close to having truth in reality, then "don't build it and they won't stay" fits the bill.

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