Not being greeted? Being stared at? Feeling out of place? Too much attention focused on you? ect....
2006-08-17 19:25:40 · 16 answers · asked by Joshua'sPond 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I've never been a Christian, but I'd like to answer this---don't worry, I'll be kind.
I wouldn't return to a church that either felt "cliquish" or who drew attention to me. I wouldn't return if they were openly political from the stage (even if I agreed with their political views). I'd be disappointed if their message before passing the plate was longer than the singing. Or if their call to the altar was longer than the lecture. I doubt if I would return if I had to sit near the front (I'd be uncomfortable with so many people sitting behind me). I wouldn't return to a service that was televised. I wouldn't return if I felt that the message was hateful towards people who believed differently.
Some of the things that I have liked and might have swayed me to return were, friendly people who weren't pushy, cantatas (sp?) in December, children's programs (like plays), music programs, friendly carry-ins afterwards where topics besides religion are discussed, and an atmosphere that is more like teaching than preaching. Above all, friendliness goes a long way.
Hope this helps
2006-08-17 19:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by Witchy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main thing that has kept me from visiting a church the second time is if I didn't feel that as if God wasn't present. Woship is about HIM not if I was greeted or stared out or anything else about me...it's only about HIM!
2006-08-17 19:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by okiemom67 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe for the average person it is an all of the above. The church must cater to the needs of it's visitors, but it cannot be too pushy, or not be friendly enough...and unfortunately, the church is unsuccessful in a lot of these ways in most churches.
2006-08-17 19:30:16 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. A 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I avoid churches that do not have sound doctrine, and I look for churches that have free worship--stuffy religious TRADITION is a turn-off for me. I don't care much for churches that aren't friendly, either, because I look for the fruit of Christ's love in any church, and finally, sincerity. Some churches are only looking to impress you to build their numbers but if you actually ever need to be ministered to they can't help you.
2006-08-17 19:37:16 · answer #4 · answered by Floridafan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Myself, it's just feeling out of place, and stupid acting like I'm praying to some unseen thing. My daughter had a bad experience at a teenager lock down at a church. Being told her parents will go to hell for not believing. I know she also refused waving her arms to some invisible being and was harassed over that.
2006-08-17 19:34:01 · answer #5 · answered by sabina-2004@sbcglobal.net 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
TOO MUCH ATTENTION. I don't want to be greeted by a bunch of strangers outside, I just want to go home. Well, I may sound antisoical but I'm just not a church person at all.
2006-08-17 19:30:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being preached at by a hypocrite. Oh wait, that's most churches.
I guess that's why I don't attend.
I'm sorry I missed church on Sunday, I was busy practicing witchcraft and becoming a lesbian!
2006-08-17 19:31:21 · answer #7 · answered by DEATH 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
a really bad pastor that didnt care really. i would leave and find another church with a great pastor and the only thing that would keep me from coming back was a move.
2006-08-17 19:30:32 · answer #8 · answered by edward g 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The preacher and how he delivers the word of God. I've noticed that lots of preachers talk down toward sinners when it had been written that as sinners will all fall short of the Glory of God.
2006-08-17 19:30:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If their doctrine was totally off, I would not go back. If it was a 'cold' church then I would have a hard time too.
2006-08-17 19:32:38 · answer #10 · answered by deegayle4me 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋