Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers?

Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (Full Version)

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[Poll]

It is for Christians primarily

34% (16)

It is for unbelievers, evangelistic

0% (0)

Both

21% (10)

Other

4% (2)

services are for both, membership for Christians only

39% (18)

Total Votes : 46

(last vote on : 5/19/2008 2:26:57 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

bluestone -> Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 9:32:43 AM)
Is the church service a place for Christians to gather and worship God, or is is a place for unbelievers to seek God? Or both? What about church membership? Should it be open to seekers who are not "there yet", but maybe want to join because another family member is joining? Should the structure of church services be geared toward believers or unbelievers? (Preaching, etc.)

stellaluna -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 9:51:24 AM)
I don't believe anyone should be turned away at the door, but the structure of the service and the church itself should be for believers. Membership should definitely be for believers only.

elastic -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 10:04:21 AM)
yes, what stellaluna said. i agree.

Kat_D -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 10:07:01 AM)
Having gone to a church with no formal membership that has a vision to... -Win a person to Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15) -Disciple a person in Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19) -Send a person for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8) We are focused on evangelism, training people for the work of the ministry, and sending them out to lead other to Christ. So I voted "Both."

JimboFletch -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 10:31:24 AM)
I voted "It is for Christians primarily," because I believe it is. I'm glad to see the lost visit, but it is primarily a gathering of the redeemed for corporate worship, praise, and equipping to go out and minister. At some point I think people began thinking that it is the job of ministers and teachers to reach the lost and the job for the rest of us is to get the lost under their voices. I just don't see that as the norm.

LaurainAL -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 10:57:57 AM)
Church is for Christians.

1love1God1way -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 1:48:53 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: JimboFletch I voted "It is for Christians primarily," because I believe it is. I'm glad to see the lost visit, but it is primarily a gathering of the redeemed for corporate worship, praise, and equipping to go out and minister. At some point I think people began thinking that it is the job of ministers and teachers to reach the lost and the job for the rest of us is to get the lost under their voices. I just don't see that as the norm. Photocopies Jimbo's answer, scribbles out his name, and puts 1love1god1way at the top

bluestone -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 2:00:55 PM)
years ago in the area I lived in, Sunday mornings were for believers..music and sermons for them. Sunday nights were "evangelistic services" that had sermons and music geared toward the lost coming to Christ.

JimboFletch -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 2:04:55 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way I voted "It is for Christians primarily," because I believe it is. I'm glad to see the lost visit, but it is primarily a gathering of the redeemed for corporate worship, praise, and equipping to go out and minister. At some point I think people began thinking that it is the job of ministers and teachers to reach the lost and the job for the rest of us is to get the lost under their voices. I just don't see that as the norm. I agree! [:D]

bluestone -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/18/2008 2:44:06 PM)
I truly believe membership is only for the believer. Otherwise, it is a Kiwanis club. Get together, eat pancakes, do good deeds, etc.

BibleL7 -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/19/2008 3:18:28 AM)
Services are definitely to be for the believers and for that matter the members. Our Sunday services are supposed to be a time of believers getting together to praise and worship our Lord and Savior and to have fellowship. Yes non-believers and non-members are welcome to open services all the time but the Worship should always be about Jesus and the sermon or teaching always for the building up of the saints for the purpose of ministry. Now after the sermon we usually "open the doors of the church" so unbelievers can come up and make a profession off Christ or a non-member can come up to join or if someone wishes to be baptized. But the regular Service is absolutely for believers. We have outreach ministries to evangelize the community such as giving out bread and dairy products and a pantry for low income. Before we give out the bread we always cover a Scripture of the Day. We also go door to door on Saturdays. Otherwise it is each members duty to evangelize. And membership must absolutely be believers only for unbelievers should never have a say in the church. That's where we get the problems of liberals running things and allowing sin practicing leaders. A church is an assembly of believers or it is not a church, even if the clubs call themselves a church if they are not believers then they are not church. Just the opinion of a small town preacher

phosadaud -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/19/2008 1:48:52 PM)
Membership is for believers only because how can you connect yourself with something you don't believe in? As far as church services, I believe they should be geared to both. Why? Because it's not about me. [;)]I think we need to get away from the idea that church is just about being fed and move to the idea that it's about being fed and feeding. I don't think we are to separate the two. We talk about Sunday morning Christians - those who play the religious game on Sunday and don't live it the rest of week. Couldn't the same be said about those who be fed on Sunday's and "feed" the lost the rest of the week? I don't believe we are called to be one thing on Sunday and something else the rest of the week. 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 illustrates what I'm talking about. If church was only about believers and unbelievers need to just figure it out, why Paul's instructions? In addition, this Scripture demonstrates that it is not biblical to assume that evangelism is supposed to only be done by church members outside the church. It's BOTH. God will turn people's hearts to him inside church, outside church, through a lay person or through a pastor. Why limit Him? We are ALL called to reach the lost and I believe that everything we do should be open to being used for that purpose - anytime, anywhere. If we speak only "Christianese" and operate in a manner that only fellow believers "get", are we not going against what Paul speaks of here? In addition, we need to stop assuming that because someone has always gone to church and calls themselves a believer, that means they are saved. Even a gathering of folks who all "claim the name" will most likely have folks who are not saved. I think it's important to remember that. Add to this fact, that I think we need to stop assuming that we never need to be reminded of the basic truths of Christianity or our faith. I'm the first to admit that I'm a bit of an intellectual "geek" so I love "deep" stuff. That being said, sometimes the simplest sermon and simplest message has spoken to my heart in ways that the down and gritty biblestudy wouldn't have. The same is true of our worship time. This is why I believe church services should be geared to both. I believe it is to everyone's benefit - the believer and the unbeliever.

zoebob -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/19/2008 3:33:57 PM)
I was torn between the first and last choices. However, I voted for the last one. THe service is primarily for believers. That doesn't prevent you from sharing the gospel though. Our pastor preaches meaty sermons for the saved but also attempts to inlude the basic concepts that without CHrist we are all lost and can do nothing without him. Of course, we are a congregation that believes its not up to us to save them. WE plant the seeds and GOd will help it grow and bring the lost to Him in His own time(this doesn't negate the need for us to share His word, reach out to the lost, encourage them, witness, etc)...no need to get them saved in case they are in an accident on the way home.

rcjames -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/19/2008 4:27:15 PM)
Church by definition is the gathering of Christians. Nuff said. Thanks RC

colliefan -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/19/2008 6:56:06 PM)
As Christians, we are the "called out ones" and church is the gathering of these ones to equip them do the work of Christ in the world. Membership is for those to committ to a particular church body to use their talents and resources to further His Kingdom, quote: The holiest moment of the church service is the moment when God�s people�strengthened by preaching and sacrament�go out of the church door into the world to be the church. We don�t go to church; we are the church. Ernest Southcott

Lycea -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/21/2008 4:52:49 PM)
I voted for the last one, although I am not sure that I agree with it completely. I think the church services are for corporate worship of the one true living God. Sunday morning services are primarily for GOD! In that respect, I believe our worship should be centered around giving glory, honor and praise to Him. I believe that the teaching and preaching that happen in that setting ought to be an exposition of scripture basic enough for the first-timer to understand, yet with meat that challenges even the most seasoned believer. I believe that some who are not Christians coming into that setting and seeing worship happen may be impacted in a positive way. So, I don't view Sunday morning worship as an evangelistic meeting or a training seminar, but an opportunity for anyone to come and worship the God of the Universe. Membership has to be for believers, because that is the group of people responsible for carrying out the work of the body of Christ. You can't do that unless you are already a part of the body of Christ, i.e. "saved."

CoeurdeLeon_ -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/22/2008 8:25:42 AM)
I agree with Phosy. Membership for believers and the services should be for both. Many people don't know where to begin looking for God if not at a church. Maybe that's a commentary on us not doing our job or maybe it's a fact of life due to the environments some folks are limited to either by choice or circumstance. My pastor gives meaty sermons, as well, but he always brings it around to Christ and Christ crucified.

doinkdom -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/22/2008 2:40:05 PM)
I agree with Stellaluna, elastic, jimbo, 1love1god1way and uh...rcjames ditto [:)]

cammo2006 -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/23/2008 12:12:29 PM)
More or less, my view is something along the lines of what Phosy said and CdL agreed with. [:)] I'm torn between the first and last answers on the poll. I also think colliefan's quote made an excellent point.

wintery -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/23/2008 12:46:04 PM)
Church is where we try to get the Christians to believe![:D] I voted "both".

kernsfamily -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/25/2008 9:52:38 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: CoeurdeLeon I agree with Phosy. Membership for believers and the services should be for both. Many people don't know where to begin looking for God if not at a church. Maybe that's a commentary on us not doing our job or maybe it's a fact of life due to the environments some folks are limited to either by choice or circumstance. My pastor gives meaty sermons, as well, but he always brings it around to Christ and Christ crucified. I'll second CoeurdeLeon's comment..... If church on Sundays was ONLY for "believers", then why give an invitation after the sermon? If not, are those who are "seekers", supposed to just wait to be "evangelized"? More than likely, they'll be invited to church by a neighbor, OR just show up one day at church....Keeping that in mind, the church services, and it's content, CAN be "meaty", as well as "understandable" to those who aren't necessarily "lifetime" Christians who are all "biblical scholars".......as, there are many times when that is ASSUMED, and I, as a fairly new Christian, got totally lost fast.... My pastor's sermons are very "Meaty", as well. Though, whatever the "topic" of the sermon, he does a great job "wrapping it up" in the end with a nice "transition" into the 'invitation'.... And, of course, church membership is for believers....that's pretty much a "given", I think.

.Pammy -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/25/2008 10:59:10 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kernsfamily quote: ORIGINAL: CoeurdeLeon I agree with Phosy. Membership for believers and the services should be for both. Many people don't know where to begin looking for God if not at a church. Maybe that's a commentary on us not doing our job or maybe it's a fact of life due to the environments some folks are limited to either by choice or circumstance. My pastor gives meaty sermons, as well, but he always brings it around to Christ and Christ crucified. I'll second CoeurdeLeon's comment..... If church on Sundays was ONLY for "believers", then why give an invitation after the sermon? If not, are those who are "seekers", supposed to just wait to be "evangelized"? More than likely, they'll be invited to church by a neighbor, OR just show up one day at church....Keeping that in mind, the church services, and it's content, CAN be "meaty", as well as "understandable" to those who aren't necessarily "lifetime" Christians who are all "biblical scholars".......as, there are many times when that is ASSUMED, and I, as a fairly new Christian, got totally lost fast.... My pastor's sermons are very "Meaty", as well. Though, whatever the "topic" of the sermon, he does a great job "wrapping it up" in the end with a nice "transition" into the 'invitation'.... And, of course, church membership is for believers....that's pretty much a "given", I think. Bravo! Bravo! <insert applause smiley here>

doinkdom -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/25/2008 11:19:31 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kernsfamily If church on Sundays was ONLY for "believers", then why give an invitation after the sermon? simple tradition and because the body has dropped the ball on evangelism, imo many of us don't know how to articulate our faith to non-believers without getting into a spitting contest, so we have come rely on our "church" meaning pastors to do it for us. again, imo. IMO, if the body of Christ would live the way the gospel has laid out for us...evangelism would happen between the services and those attending would already be a Christian (baby or mature). Anyways...in today's world, we have grown accustomed to seeker sensitive messages (not necessarily watered down) and such and it's now up to the local body how they want to conduct themselves.

GroupW -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/25/2008 11:31:42 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: CoeurdeLeon I agree with Phosy. Membership for believers and the services should be for both. Many people don't know where to begin looking for God if not at a church. Maybe that's a commentary on us not doing our job or maybe it's a fact of life due to the environments some folks are limited to either by choice or circumstance. My pastor gives meaty sermons, as well, but he always brings it around to Christ and Christ crucified. I think this is about right. In today's society at least, people will tend to view the church as a source of help in times of need. That's a good thing - we are the face of Christ to the rest of the world. Whether or not we are doing our job on evangelism, that phenomenon will continue to be the case as long as churches have visible physical locations where people can go when they are curious, hurting, or just comfuzzled. Quite possibly, if we were evangelizing profusely, that phenomenon might diminish some, but I think it would likely remain very common. I don't think that means that we water down the sermons at all. I think churches that do that to be "seeker sensitive" severely underestimate the capacity of others. In our old church, the pastor used to do serious brain-twisting sermons. Oddly enough, it was the regular attenders that complained. The newbies ate it up. Interestingly to me, similar to your church, this one always did communion after the sermon with the specific intent that by doing this the sermon always ended back at the cross. Very similar. I liked it. BT

kernsfamily -> RE: Are church services/memberships for Christians or unbelievers? (4/25/2008 12:34:34 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: doinkdom quote: ORIGINAL: kernsfamily If church on Sundays was ONLY for "believers", then why give an invitation after the sermon? simple tradition and because the body has dropped the ball on evangelism, imo many of us don't know how to articulate our faith to non-believers without getting into a spitting contest, so we have come rely on our "church" meaning pastors to do it for us. again, imo. IMO, if the body of Christ would live the way the gospel has laid out for us...evangelism would happen between the services and those attending would already be a Christian (baby or mature). Anyways...in today's world, we have grown accustomed to seeker sensitive messages (not necessarily watered down) and such and it's now up to the local body how they want to conduct themselves. and, explain the "difference' between "Seeker Sensitive" messages....and "Regular" messages......I think of our church being quite "seeker friendly", but the messages really not being "sensitive" to no one in particular....as the sermons are "meaty" and heavily "biblically based"...well, come to think of it, it's "sensitive" to God....as, everything the church does revolves around God's timing...much prayer...and God's will for our church.... our church baptizes over 1,000 people a year....some people invite the friends (youth are great about that)....others come after being involved in one of our MANY outreach ministries (our church's sports leagues), found out through a friend about one of our "Will & Estate Planning" drives, and "connected" into the church that way.....our "biker" ministry......many of the 5,000+ kids who attend our VBS are from "unchurched" homes, and, through attending that for a week, their families eventually become involved in the church, and are brought to Christ...i could write all day about the "outreach" ministries" our church has to reach out and serve the community around us. And, when 'unchurched' people/families are "reached" through one of those ministries, then, often, they are led to Christ and become members of our church....or, we help them find another nearby church that better fits their needs/preferences. our pastor doesn't do it for us (ok, he did "invite" some new neighbors of his to church a while ago, as they are now good friends of ours), but, it takes MANY dedicated church members to be involved and volunteer to run and operate these very effective means of reaching out to others....whether it's passing water out at a local function, or going one of the many church-sponsored mission trips overseas.... i see ALL of this as "evangelism"...

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