Is There a Right Way to Be a Church “for the Unchurched”?
Over the past several decades, many churches have intentionally reflected on how to reach out to unchurched people. Different approached have explored how worship style, language, and church culture can either lower or raise barriers for those unfamiliar with church life. As a result, the phrase “a church for the unchurched” has become common shorthand for this missionary concern , and, in some cases, the measuring stick for faithfulness. In some contexts, this reflection has led to churches emphasizing informality, emotional expressiveness, and cultural familiarity. Then, some spiritual leaders conclude that this is the goal of the Church. If all churches were serious about mission, the argument goes, they would look more or less like this. In one hand, many people have testified that such environments helped them take their first steps into Christian faith, feel less intimidated by church, or invite friends who would otherwise never attend. Thoughtful hospitality an...
