These days, it seems like a lot of churches are feeling the pressure to draw bigger crowds, stay relevant, and grab people’s attention. I hear some pastors say, “We just can’t compete with the world.” And I ask, “Why are you trying?” Not once does the Bible call Christians to compete with the world. In fact, Scripture commands us to be so distinct from the world that everything we do reflects a clear difference. I want to share what I’m leading my church to do—and not do. So here are four “don’ts” to consider for your local church.
Don’t Sweat Attendance
I hear from fellow pastors who constantly stress over attendance numbers. And I get it. But no one can predict attendance patterns in today’s church. Should churches count attendance? Absolutely! We need to track numbers so we can properly serve the congregation with the right resources and people. But when attendance becomes the goal, we shift our focus to the wrong things. Instead of ministering to people’s spiritual needs, we start strategizing ways to get more bodies in the building. That’s not our mission.
Don’t Overproduce
Some believe we need hyper-produced worship services because that’s what people want today. I recently heard someone say, “Churches around here don’t get it. They don’t understand pyro, lights, and stuff like that.” But what does any of that have to do with the Bible? I think the Church is where it is today because we’ve adopted the world’s methods to attract people.
They may want a show—but they need Jesus. We’re so busy trying to figure out what people want that we’re failing to serve what they need. Yes, we should prepare for worship services and events. But that preparation should include prayer meetings, not just production meetings.
Don’t Forget
Don’t forget the power of Scripture. God promises that His Word will not return void. Simply put, give people Jesus without compromise. Preach the truth of the gospel without watering it down. When we start depending on all the flashy extras, we stop depending on Him. Maybe that’s why we haven’t seen a sweeping revival in the American Church.
Don’t forget how God has moved in the past. Jonathan Edwards helped spark the Great Awakening with long, monotone sermons. No special effects, no jokes, no relatable stories. Just the pure truth of Scripture, bathed in prayer, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and preached without compromise. Boy, could we use a good dose of that today!
Don’t Misunderstand
I’m not against cool lights or technology. But there’s an old saying in youth ministry: Whatever you use to get them, you have to use to keep them. I’ve heard of pastors swallowing goldfish or jumping out of planes to draw a crowd for high-attendance Sunday. But here’s the problem—if you swallow a goldfish this week, you’ll have to swallow something even bigger next week.
Too many churches fall into the trap of trying to compete with the world for people’s attention and affection. Instead, why not stir up genuine compassion in the church for those who are hurting, for those who are lost without Jesus? Stop trying to compete with the world for people’s attention—we’re not after the same thing!
