The Weaknesses of "Seeker Friendly" Church Services

You walk into the huge building, and immediately order a cappuccino from the hot beverage counter, and your husband orders a cup of green tea and a bagel. From there, you proceed into the massive auditorium and claim a plush seat (similar to a movie theater seat) near the back. The stage is set with beautiful plants and multi-colored lights, and the band is playing a popular song. The service begins with a drama and dance presentation, and moves to some more music. Finally, a speaker enters and gives a 10-15 minute address on how Jesus can change your life for the better. The service closes with some more drama, and you walk out the revolving doors again. Welcome to the more-and-more popular "seeker friendly" church service.

A few disclaimers are in order before I proceed. First, this article is not intended to be a deep theological treatise, but rather a few personal observations that I feel are Biblically based. Secondly, I am not trying to say there is something wrong with a large church building, a coffee-shop at the church, or modern Christian music. Thirdly, I believe churches do need to be welcoming to all who enter the door. So, why do I feel that most "seeker friendly" church services have some inherent weaknesses?

1.Christ commands the church to go to the world, not the other way around. Remember the Great Commission---"go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel" (Matthew 28:19-20). It's great to invite a friend to visit your church, but it's even better to become a part of their life and share God's love that way. More people become Christians from a friend or family living out the love of Christ in front of them, and sharing their faith with them, than from attending a church service.

2.The purpose of the church service is for discipleship, not evangelism. The church service should primarily be a time of training for believers. This does not exclude evangelism. The goal should be to properly train and equip believers so that they can go out into the world in their day-to-day lives, and live out the Gospel of Christ. If our church services are primarily "seeker" centered, in what ways are we equipping the body of Christ to better serve their God? In the early church, the Christians met together in homes to pray and be taught. Then you see them going out into the world, preaching and sharing their faith (see the book of Acts in the New Testament).

3.Seeker services can place an inappropriate amount of attention on "entertainment" in order to make the unchurched feel "at home". There's nothing at all wrong with good music and a nice looking sanctuary. However, we must be careful that we are not neglecting the preaching of the Word of God and the proclamation of sound doctrine in the process.

Yes, our churches do need to make an effort to evangelize the lost and reach out to show God's love. But I believe the focus needs to be on training and discipling Christians in our church services. Then, we as believers will be better equipped to go out daily and reach others for Christ, right where they are.