Christians, what do you think of the practice of using lures other than faith to "sell" a worship group?

Question

Hi all,

I live in a college town that has many vibrant church groups as well as many nonchristians. Lately I have noticed a trend that bothers me. Many of the campus' church groups and Bible studies have adopted the practice of promising "good food," "great music," and "fun times" as a way of encouraging nonchristians to attend their worship services. The idea is presumably that it is acceptable to get nonchristians in to church in any way possible so that they'll have the chance to have an encounter with God, but I'm getting annoyed by what I feel to be skirting the issue. These tactics seem to be used to avoid an actual discussion of faith with the invitees, which would turn away those who are not interested in becoming Christian. Do you think it's worth it to get people into the church in hopes they'll start to develop an interest, or do you find it inappropriate to avoid discussing faith when inviting people to church?

Liam · Accepted Answer

There's good reason for it, but it is risky. Christianity is supposed to be about Christ's sacrifice. Anything that takes away from that is a negative influence. If the other things become central, therefore, then they are bad. However, actively acknowledging that there will be fun and good music is not in itself bad.

Is it worth it? Well, if we're right and Christ is the only hope of salvation, then yes. But that doesn't make it the best course of action.

XY GTHO · Answer

It's a church, mentioning these particular interests.   Why would you find it deceptive if topics turned to a theistic nature?

All we hear on this forum is how Christians are out of touch, arrogant, distant and what have you.   But whenever a church attempts to be inviting, you knock it down as "deceptive".

I like how you surreptitiously slipped in the term "any way possible", when we all know that such practices are not the norm.   Your insistence that they are shows a judgmental, close-minded attitude.

PROBLEM · Answer

How is having food and fun going to "lure" someone into a Christian group?  You mean to tell me there are so many hungry, lonely atheists out there they can't help themselves? Do you not like the fact that Christians can have fun?  If some one just needed food, they could ask. If someone came to me and said "I hate God, I hate you, but I am hungry. I would still feed them

? · Answer

How do you know that the early Christians didn't use their free wine and bread to attract converts?  It's a perfectly legitimate way to gain allies--feeding or caring for their medical needs.  My feeling is that we would have a lot more friends in this world if we did feed and heal them.  "I was hungry and you fed me, I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was a prisoner and you came to see me.  As you do to the least of my brethren, so do you do unto me,"  Jesus allegedly said once.  Christianity probably wouldn't have mushroomed like it did if it hadn't shared its goods in common.  It reminds me of that joke:  "Come on over to the dark side.  We have cookies."

? · Answer

Deception is one of the worst things to practice as a Christian.

Praire Crone · Answer

It is one of many "lures" that they use.   I really hate the one where they'll feed a hungry person who is starving and give sick ones medicine and health care if they will convert.  That one is flat evil.

dfj39 · Answer

This is nothing new. Christians have been doing that for hundreds of years. Despicable?  Yes.  Surprising? No.

Anonym · Answer

Any Church that's offers sex, drugs and money gets my attention.

Christians, what do you think of the practice of using lures other than faith to "sell" a worship group?

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