Why People Choose a Church

When a congregation wrestles with any type of change -- worship styles, evangelistic methods, etc. the primary question must be "what does God want this church to do?"

From reading Jesus' Great Commission, we know the generalities of our mission, yet each congregation finds itself in a unique situation and therefore, each congregation is faced with challenges directly correlated to its community and surrounding culture.

Elmer Towns, in a book written ten years ago, examined the attitudes of people toward "choosing churches." Here is what his research unveiled: historically, people have chosen a church based on (in order of importance): 1) doctrine; 2) name; 3) denomination.

However, Towns points out that a shift has occurred. People currently choose a church based on (in order of importance): 1) Function: the style of worship; 2) Form: the quality of ministry; and 3) Doctrine: belief that influences lifestyle.

While churches are to influence culture, and not vice versa, individual congregations must stop doing what they want (e.g. this is what the people here want) and start focusing on seeking what God wants, even when that brings criticism and threats of withholding contributions or leaving for another congregation.

Where did we get the idea that church is supposed to make Christ-followers comfortable?