What do you think people want from a "church" setting that no one is providing? What would make you go?

Question

In a traditional "religious" church you might find ceremonies, dogma, doctrines, preaching, eating together, singing, studying, and so on.

What would you want or expect from a "spiritual" church whose only purpose is to help people grow, learn, and understand?

It would include Jesus and the New Testament, as well as other teachers and "holy" books.

Answer 1

I guess a church that is more real and that would address and help people based on todays problems and circumstances. Not the same cookie mold type teachings. Something that's more geared towards the younger, 21st century crowd. That would relate to our problems and give us tools to deal w. problems. That speaks to us.

Answer 2

Many mainline denominations are facing the problem you raise above.

Such denominations have typically so watered-down the gospel (or removed it altogether) that their churches have often become social clubs rather than places for Christian Spiritual Growth.

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Christian spiritual growth involves ...

First commiting your life to Jesus Christ (based on what he has done for you /me on the cross);

Second, learning more about the Christian God, from Bible Study, and Bible-centered preaching and teaching;

Third, learning to be and to behave more and more like Jesus Christ.

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Churches that do these things listed above are growing very rapidly (the church I attend has 5 weekend services and is having to add a sixth because more and more new people keep coming)...

On the other hand, those mainline denominations which have abandoned the concept of Truth, and the core of the Gospel are bleeding members and shrinking day by day (and very rightfully so). No offense meant.

If you are a leader at a mainline denomination (e.g., the Episcopalian church) it could be worthwhile to work to bring your denomination back to the Bible and to the truth of the gospel. That might help halt the current decline and the schisms and splits currently happening in the mainline denominations.

I say this as a closet Episcopalian/ Anglican (I love the Episcopalian / Anglican beauty of services and the choirs -- but have had to separate myself from such churches because of the Systematic Rejection of the Teachings of Christ and the Apostles by the Denomination at large -- though individual churches within the denomination do stand for Truth).

No offense meant to anyone.

Cordially,
John

Answer 3

I used to go to church quite often, mostly every Wednesday evening. I'm a mom so it was often quite time just for me...but then they started talking about money and how much I should be or expected to contribute to the church. Then they passed out a sheet that had examples of yearly income and how much you were expected to donate to the church. I thought it to be really rude and never went back. Also the church goers were very "stuck-up" and I guess because I drive a 10 year old mini-van I never really felt like I belonged there...

Answer 4

What you are asking has been asked before.
Such churches are called "seeker sensitive".
The pitfall with such a church is that it can deteriorate into give people what THEY want instead of what God desires for them.
The scriptures call it having "itching ears."

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Answer 5

I think people want the truth and not alot of lies based on a certain religion,theres over 2,500 different religions and they all teach a different theme. the church i used to go to only wanted your money. This is true and the minister lives in the most richest part of this town

Answer 6

I would love to go to Church but there are no really good ones close by my home...I love the old country stories where everyone attended one small church..The Walton's..Little House On the Prarie...etc...I Try and Watch Joel Olsteen every Sunday...and read...listen and learn.

Answer 7

A church that actually tought the True Word of God. No slicing, no dicing, and no tricks. One that is straight from the Bible and is truly vindicated by the Holy Spirit - God will bless it if it is there.

Answer 8

Instead of a sip of wine, I would go for a 6 pack of beer.

Answer 9

Nothing would make me go. I don't believe that you have to be in a building to pray or be spirtual.

Answer 10

Well, if you already defined it in your question by adding "rules", why do you need input from us?