If you asked them... would they come back?

Funny thing about this blog - nothing for ages then way too much to pass on for one day... and always when I'm at my busiest (trying to clear the decks to take a couple of weeks' holiday!).

Anyway, I've been reading a book with a title sure to raise at least a few hackles: Church Marketing 101 by Richard L Reising. It's a relatively lightweight 'take' on how churches are seen by outsiders, but he has a refreshingly straightforward approach to church growth and asks some very good questions.

Two things strike me as especially pertinent given our planning towards a two-service pattern for September...

Firstly, the distinction he makes between "lateral growth" (drawing in people from other churches) and "vertical growth" (from unchurched backgrounds). It's clearly the latter that's our key aim - we've no interest whatsoever in growing at other's expense. The question he poses for us is: "Do people leave a service at All Souls thinking: 'I wish my (churched) friend had been here - they'd have loved it!' or 'My (non-church-going) friend would have loved it!'?" Quite a difference...

Secondly, though, he asks what sorts of things prevent people inviting their (unchurched or dechurched) friend along - he suggests six questions that are, consciously or unconsciously, being weighed up by church members. I wonder what you'd respond about an average service here - and how we could make things better for those who come - either of their own accord (as so many have over the last few years) or by invitation:

1. Will my friend feel welcomed?
   Hospitality - The atmosphere, nomenclature, and style of service should be inviting and not intimidating to the unchurched.
   
   
2. Will my friend fit in?
   Comfort and compatibility - Like it or not, invitations and visitor comfort decrease when cultural gaps exist.
   
   
3. Can I feel confident that I know how the service will turn out?
   Consistency - People need to know what to expect, because they will invite accordingly.
   
   
4. Will my friend get something out of it?
   Relevance - The message should be relevant and powerful for people at all spiritual levels.
   
   
5. Will my friend understand it?
   Understanding - Jesus taught through practical illustrations. The songs and message should be understandable for people at all spiritual levels.
   
   
6. Will anything that could seem strange to the unchurched be explained through Scripture?
   Sensitivity - Scriptural actions should be carried out with clarity and considerate explanation.

What would you change about All Souls first to make it even more likely that we'll feel comfortable inviting friends on a Sunday?