Your Security Is Important To Us

    A preacher friend was lamenting how frustrating of an experience he had recently trying to get the full names of visitors.  He had introduced himself with first and last name to a couple different young couples but they had only responded with their first names.  He went to check the visitor cards but they had not filled them out.  “How are we supposed to reach out to them if we don’t know who they are?” he retorted.  To him it was an absurdity, but I think I understood their reluctance.

   Younger generations are much more protective of their personal information. While older generations don't think much of giving out names, numbers and addresses; younger generations have become very suspect.  In the digital age information is valuable.  Personal contact information is a highly sought out commodity.  Marketers want that information so they can fill your in-boxes with offers.  Telemarketers want to call you at all hours to offer the best rates.  Advertisers want to know what you do and like so they can target ads to get you to spend more.  So when someone asks for your name or email, your “spidey sense” starts tingling.  Why do they want it?  What are they trying to sell?  What are they getting trying to get out of me?

   Now I know not many churches are not looking to sell information. They want to reach out to people that have an interest in spiritual things.  Still, I think it is important to understand that the world has changed.  People are not as trusting of any organization as they used to be. A friendly smile, a smooth pitch and fancy brochure don’t go as far as they used to.  People are looking for those that really care about them not just those that say they do.  They are looking for legitimacy before they will make a full commitment of themselves.

   That is why it is essential for the church not to try and look like the “right church” but to be the right church.  Gimmick and bits may get attention but destroy our credibility as those seeking to please God.  The best way to lure in the hesitant is transparency. We are what we are, no gimmick, cons or tricks.  Not trying to mask our beliefs or hide our intentions but honesty in what we do and who we are.  Not in whitewashing our persona for mass appeal but being bold enough to stand for what we truly are and respectful enough of those that we come in contact to be up front about it.

   I truly believe that what most people are searching for are churches that are not just interested in making them “members” but those that are concerned about their souls.  Brethren that are as much about “serving” as they are “sales”.  A place where you are more than just a number on the board but part of a family. An attitude in the body that’s not just worried about getting them in the doors but helping them get to heaven.

    People are seeking meaning and not just marketing. What are we giving them?