BARRIERS TO CHURCH #2: Sermons

2. Sermons that are irrelevant to possible first time guests.

Several churches that I've been a part of have included a children's teaching moment as a part of their liturgy. Typically, the children would gather at the front of the auditorium and the pastor/leader would tell a story that would illustrate some biblical truth, sometimes utilizing a great deal of creativity. Probably all of us can remember a time when an innocent child was asked a question and proceeded to say something hilariously embarrassing into the microphone. Perhaps you can even remember a powerful object lesson that seemed to explain a biblical concept in a simple and unique way? When done right, these teaching moments can be both memorable and effective. There have been times, however, when the pastor/leader seemed to entirely forget about the audience that he/she was teaching to. Big theological words like "righteousness" and "sanctification" would be used and never defined. Passages of Scripture would be read without adequate explanation. The faces of the children would say it all. They would sit, staring at the ceiling, feeling completely disengaged.

During your Sunday morning sermon, would a visitor have an experience similar to those children?

While it's important to provide great teaching to those who regularly attend, the sermon needs to also be written with guests in mind. When preparing your message, are you doing so under the assumption that only Christians will be hearing it? Would a first-time guest understand the deep theological words you use? Would they understand references to classic Bible stories? Would they feel left out, or even worse, turned off, by the jokes you tell? Would your illustrations make any sense to someone outside of a church context? 

It seems that pastors have a tendency to preach to the majority when the minority are the ones who have stepped out of their comfort zone to give church a chance (perhaps for the last time).  

Remember, Jesus himself said that he came for the sin-sick. The Good Shepherd chased after the one lost sheep. Jesus cares deeply for the minority.

Even if your church seldom has guests, tailoring your sermon to be inclusive and inviting also communicates to your congregation that Sunday morning is a safe place for them to bring a friend. They'll appreciate your desire to create a meaningful and relevant message for those who have no church context, and when you've developed that trust, you'll have removed a huge barrier to their extending an invitation to their neighbors and coworkers.