Stand in Their Shoes

Where you stand determines what you see!   This was the challenge given at the recent Church Summit I attended hosted by McCrindle Research and NCLS (National Church Life Survey).   Both these organizations have done extensive research on church life and culture in Australia, and by listening to them one has lots to learn.  This challenge is really asking you and I to stand in the shoes of the typical Australian.   When we stand in their shoes we begin to see the Christian church from their perspective.   And they have lots to tell us how we can best reach them with the good news of Jesus and invite them along to our gatherings as Christians and churches.   So what do you see when you stand in their shoes?

Well first some general remarks. It does get a bit complicated.   Only 3 in 10 Australians think that religion is good for society.   Churches are very much on the bottom when it comes to people having confidence in the institution we call church.  With all the abuse scandals that have ripped through Australia and the western world, perhaps this should not surprise us.  But yet people's personal attitude toward Christians is overall quite positive.   88% of Australians were either postive or neutral in their opinion.   So while Australians might not trust churches they have a much more positive view of individual Christians.

There are further signs of  hope.   Overall the Protestant Church in Australia is no longer in decline; it is growing.   Most churches have either plateaued or are growing, which is also true for the majority of CRCA churches.   Furthermore, Australians are moderately religious and/or spiritual.   20% of Australians attend church services frequently.  30% engage in prayer or spiritual meditation. The majority (56%) of Australians believe in a God or in a higher power.   And 44% of them tell us that faith or spirituality is important for making decisions in life.  The majority of Australians (52%) still see themselves as Christian.   But 30% of Australians tell us that they have no religion at all.   All of this tells us that there are many opportunities for us as Christians to connect with our neighbours, workmates, schoolmates, and people in our communities.   The doors are not shut for the gospel.  So how can we as Christians and churches connect with other Australians?   When we stand in their shoes, what do we see?   Well here are some clues.

1.  Make and keep friends.  The research shows that there are positive links having at least one close unchurched contact.   They are attracted to Christians and not repelled.   They are open to being invited to a Christian event.  They are not opposed to attending church services and other events.  But the reality is that two out of three Australians do not have any close friends or family who attend church.   That is a lot of people:  17 million Australians.  As Christians we need to make and keep friendships with these people.

2.  Try inviting them.   Inviting outsiders to activities by friends and relatives is the most common way in which people join religious groups.  People will come to church more readily when they know people who are already attending and they have been invited.  50% of Australias either said 'yes' or 'unsure" when asked if they would go to a regular church service if they were invited by close family or friends.  

3.   Invite people who used to attend.  People who used to attend church (41% of Australians) are more likely to be open to an invitation.  10% of these people said they would come.  So if you know someone who used to go to church -- invite them to come!

4.  Have fun with friends, food, and music.  The research shows us that in the previous 12 months 33% of Australians when to a church event.   And 73% of Australians with at least one close contact went to a church event.  Regular church services, Christmas, and Easter are still the most common events attended by Australians.  54% of Australians would to go a meal if they were invited.   51% would go to a musical event if invited.  So make friends, put on dinners, and host musical events.   People will come!

5.  Build confidence.  Overall, the research tells us that there is a lot of positive about churches.   Local church leaders rate their effectiveness highly.  Church attenders are ready for their church to be innovative and try something new to reach people with the gospel.   Newcomers to churches come because something is missing in their lives.   They stay because they find community.  They are open to learning and growth in faith.   They are postive and confident about the future.

These are just some of the clues Australians give us when we stand in their shoes.  We see that they open to becoming your friend, being invited to church, and joining you in your journey with God -- a journey of faith, hope, and love.  Think of the people at your school, at your workplace, or in your neighbourhood.   Stand in their shoes for a while.   What do you see?