Seeker-friendly?

[talitha]

This is for the non-Christians.
What do you think of "seeker-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" churches?

 

[smaneck]

This is for the non-Christians.
What do you think of "seeker-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" churches?

Not sure what you mean, but I like the United Methodist ads.

 

[Arthra]

Baha'is are pretty open to seekers...

 

[directory]

I didn't realize that some churches were seeker-unfriendly *worried*

 

[ViaCrucis]

I didn't realize that some churches were seeker-unfriendly *worried*

I'd say the vast majority of churches are friendly and welcoming of seekers and visitors. Though that's not usually what is meant by seeker-friendly. In my experience seeker-friendly tends to be associated with what is known as the Church Growth Movement. I won't pigeonhole the term as being exclusively about that, but it's an association at least.

For a generally neutral look at what the Church Growth Movement is, here's the Wikipedia article.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Rajni]

This is for the non-Christians.
What do you think of "seeker-friendly" or "seeker-sensitive" churches?

I used to attend one, and liked it well enough at the
time.

In looking back, though, I wonder if they are
examples of churches trying too hard to make
Christianity look like one of the “cool kids”.

In addition, the bible mentions that no one seeks
God to begin with, so technically (and I mean this is
really more of a nit-picky technicality) those churches
are being sensitive to a subset of society which
doesn’t exist (at least, according to that part of the bible).

-

 

[talitha]

For a generally neutral look at what the Church Growth Movement is, here's the Wikipedia article - CryptoLutheran

Yes, that is pretty much what I have in mind, though I tend to agree with chaela:

In looking back, though, I wonder if they are
examples of churches trying too hard to make
Christianity look like one of the “cool kids”.

I guess I am just curious what the target audience of this stuff thinks when they encounter the hipster pastor, the coffee shop in the lobby, the short services, the avoidance of controversial topics, etc.

 

[smaneck]

Yes, that is pretty much what I have in mind

Ah, so those are basically evangelical churches aimed at young adults. Not what I thought. What exactly constitutes a 'short service' in that context? Most mainline churches have services that last an hour. Here in the South, evangelical services tend to go on forever.

 

[jacknife]

I've actually never seen a seeker friendly church.

 

[talitha]

I've actually never seen a seeker friendly church.

I guess it depends upon how you define the word "seeker". I tend to define it differently than the people who have "seeker-friendly churches" tend to define it.

 

[MehGuy]

I guess I am just curious what the target audience of this stuff thinks when they encounter the hipster pastor, the coffee shop in the lobby, the short services, the avoidance of controversial topics, etc.

Sadly that was my Church life growing up, lol.

 

[talitha]

Sadly that was my Church life growing up, lol.

That is sad, IMHO. We say we want people to seek God, but then we try to adapt ourselves to what we THINK people want, and unintentionally make it harder for seekers to find Him.

 

[seashale76]

I guess I am just curious what the target audience of this stuff thinks when they encounter the hipster pastor, the coffee shop in the lobby, the short services, the avoidance of controversial topics, etc.

Like this?

Not a fan. These kinds of churches are conforming themselves to the world instead of the other way around. It's the church as entertainment model. Blah.

 

[talitha]

haha, seen it.. I am a contemporary worshiper, BUT I believe that worship that is just contemporary for the sake of contemporary is displeasing to God. I need to be real with how I connect with God. Here's something contemporary yet not worldly at all:

 

[faroukfarouk]

haha, seen it.. I am a contemporary worshiper, BUT I believe that worship that is just contemporary for the sake of contemporary is displeasing to God. I need to be real with how I connect with God. Here's something contemporary yet not worldly at all:

I guess Isaiah 55.6 is all about being a seeker...

 

[talitha]

Yes, that and Deuteronomy 4:29

 

[talitha]

But I don't think that's the definition of "seeker" those churches have in mind.....

 

[faroukfarouk]

Yes, that and Deuteronomy 4:29

Yes. good verse, there!
Blessings.

 

[smaneck]

Like this?

Not a fan. These kinds of churches are conforming themselves to the world instead of the other way around. It's the church as entertainment model. Blah.

LOL. I have to wonder however, to what extent more traditional liturgies do not also follower their own 'entertainment' model. Hymns written by the Wesley brothers were written to the tune of 19th century drinking songs, for instance.

 

[smaneck]

Here is a more traditional Pentecostal service from the same church which a certain county clerk in Kentucky attends. Check out the vid From Heaven's Point of View - Priscilla McGruder at the bottom of the page. Note how even the speaking in tongues is expertly synchronized with her song.

http://www.apostolic-churches.com/