Attractional Ministry
Many American churches operate on a philosophy of attracting people to their services as a means of growing the kingdom of God. The Bible does not tell us to do this. Just because we see large crowds following Jesus in His ministry does not mean that we should be trying to attract a crowd to our services. There are many issues that have arisen out of this attraction ministry model. Below are a few examples.
Churches expend large amounts of resources advertising to the general public as if they were selling a product.
This approach to ministry creates a competitive environment with other churches in each geographical area.
This approach to ministry feeds a consumeristic attitude that is contrary to the teachings of God.
Churches are resorting to more and more outrageous tactics in order to attract new members.
The effect on the church is that its message now has to appeal to the audience they are trying to attract. The bible confirms that our message is foolishness to those who are perishing and that the Gospel itself is an offense.
The major emphasis for attractional ministry is on their public services. The ministry must do more and better services in order to attract people. The community becomes a means of church growth instead of a society where we need to serve and minister.
Not all forms of attractional ministry are sin. We have recognized many harmful affects from it and are taking a stand to do away with it. If our focus on the Great Commission leads us to have congregations with large services that resemble attractional ministry it will be the result of structure following ministry not structure attracting followers
