What should church look like?

Recently Brian Dodd wrote an interesting piece @MinistryToday.

The title of the post was "30 Things People Want from a Church Service."

Dodd interviewed hundreds of church goers and tracked what they said they wanted from a service.

The list is challenging, affirming and downright interesting.

Dodd didn't indicate if his list was in any sort of order, but assuming that it was, of the top 10 things people want, seven of them had to do with emotions. We want to experience awe, joy; be inspired, surprised, challenged, motivated and in general, want to be moved emotionally.

Church goers are looking for an encounter on Sunday.

We also want to be inspired and challenged and go home "with a sense of hope." Church goers are looking for something positive, uplifting, inspirational and challenging "something that makes me think."

We're also looking for community. a chance to meet people, and hands-on opportunities to serve. People "want to feel like I'm part of a movement."

Dodd doesn't indicate the types of churches he visited, or the ages of the people he spoke with, but, as far as worship goes, it's about being "engaging, powerful and Christ-centered." No "plug and play" type services. Mix it up, "make it surprising."

It's also important that the worship team on the stage be authentic as well as energetic.

As far as the actual make-up of the congregation, church goers mentioned they "want to see people of different ethnicities and ages."

If church leaders would like to take a cue from their members, according to Dodd's list, their congregations are looking for messages that challenge them, are to the point, Bible-based, and contain practical ideas that members can remember and apply during the week.

For me, the biggest take-away from Dodd's list was that many who attend church are looking for engagement. Be it through worship that inspires and transforms us, or a message that is remembered and can be applied during the week ahead. 

Most surprising, to me, was the mention of the importance of community. Both within the walls of the church (desiring to meet people who are also part of a diverse community), and going beyond the physical building. Church goers want opportunities for friendships to develop outside of the sanctuary.

I've read many articles that point to a decline in church attendance among North Americans. There have been numerous articles written about how to improve attendance from a theoretical standpoint. But Dodd's is the first that I've come across that actually offers the congregation's take on what church should look like.

How about you? What do you think are the ingredients for a good church service? A solid church community?

If you're curious to see Dodd's list you can check in out here.  

Photo Credit: www.blogs.reuthers.com