The Church Model That's Dead: Attractional Church and 3 Shifts Every Leader Must Know

driving motorcycles on stages, sleeping driving motorcycles on stages, sleeping on the church roof with your wife to on the church roof with your wife to on the church roof with your wife to promote a series on sex, or raffling off promote a series on sex, or raffling off promote a series on sex, or raffling off cars or flat screen TVs at Easter. Yeah, cars or flat screen TVs at Easter. Yeah, cars or flat screen TVs at Easter. Yeah, maybe that was a little bit much. Okay, maybe that was a little bit much. Okay, maybe that was a little bit much. Okay, welcome to the Carrie New Hoff welcome to the Carrie New Hoff welcome to the Carrie New Hoff Leadership Podcast. Well, if you follow Leadership Podcast. Well, if you follow Leadership Podcast. Well, if you follow church world carefully, you know that church world carefully, you know that church world carefully, you know that something is changing in the church. And something is changing in the church. And something is changing in the church. And so, what I want to do is I want to kick so, what I want to do is I want to kick so, what I want to do is I want to kick off this episode with a question. Why off this episode with a question. Why off this episode with a question. Why isn't the attractional church approach isn't the attractional church approach isn't the attractional church approach working the way it used to anymore? I working the way it used to anymore? I working the way it used to anymore? I mean for a decade, right? Attractional mean for a decade, right? Attractional mean for a decade, right? Attractional church was how we did it. It's like we church was how we did it. It's like we church was how we did it. It's like we got to go out and reach the culture, use got to go out and reach the culture, use got to go out and reach the culture, use the culture to reach the culture. And the culture to reach the culture. And the culture to reach the culture. And there have been some major shifts in there have been some major shifts in there have been some major shifts in ministry really over the last 5 years. ministry really over the last 5 years. ministry really over the last 5 years. And in this episode, I want to share why And in this episode, I want to share why And in this episode, I want to share why one of the most significant changes is one of the most significant changes is one of the most significant changes is happening. And that is simply this. Why happening. And that is simply this. Why happening. And that is simply this. Why attractional church really doesn't attractional church really doesn't attractional church really doesn't connect, why it doesn't work with people connect, why it doesn't work with people connect, why it doesn't work with people anymore. I posted a video on this to anymore. I posted a video on this to anymore. I posted a video on this to YouTube a few months ago. it generated YouTube a few months ago. it generated YouTube a few months ago. it generated such a big response, I wanted to go such a big response, I wanted to go such a big response, I wanted to go deeper on it here in the podcast. So, in deeper on it here in the podcast. So, in deeper on it here in the podcast. So, in this episode, I'm going to show you why this episode, I'm going to show you why this episode, I'm going to show you why attractional church actually worked attractional church actually worked attractional church actually worked really well for a season, why a lot of really well for a season, why a lot of really well for a season, why a lot of the approach is kind of outdated right the approach is kind of outdated right the approach is kind of outdated right now, and finally, I'll share with you now, and finally, I'll share with you now, and finally, I'll share with you perhaps how you should be approaching perhaps how you should be approaching perhaps how you should be approaching church instead. Today's episode is church instead. Today's episode is church instead. Today's episode is brought to you by Spiritual Gifts Plus.

brought to you by Spiritual Gifts Plus. brought to you by Spiritual Gifts Plus. So, if you're like most pastors I talk So, if you're like most pastors I talk So, if you're like most pastors I talk to, you're struggling to find volunteers to, you're struggling to find volunteers to, you're struggling to find volunteers and you're probably struggling even more and you're probably struggling even more and you're probably struggling even more to keep them. Well, what if I told you to keep them. Well, what if I told you to keep them. Well, what if I told you one simple change this year could double one simple change this year could double one simple change this year could double your volunteer retention and boost your volunteer retention and boost your volunteer retention and boost church volunteer satisfaction by 80%. church volunteer satisfaction by 80%. church volunteer satisfaction by 80%. You want to know what it is, right? You want to know what it is, right? You want to know what it is, right? Well, here it is. Stop pitching people Well, here it is. Stop pitching people Well, here it is. Stop pitching people where you have a need and start placing where you have a need and start placing where you have a need and start placing them where they're gifted. So, the them where they're gifted. So, the them where they're gifted. So, the easiest way to do that is by upgrading easiest way to do that is by upgrading easiest way to do that is by upgrading your membership track with your membership track with your membership track with spiritualgiftsplus.com. spiritualgiftsplus.com. spiritualgiftsplus.com. When someone takes the spiritual gifts When someone takes the spiritual gifts When someone takes the spiritual gifts test, they're intelligently matched to test, they're intelligently matched to test, they're intelligently matched to actual teams inside your church based on actual teams inside your church based on actual teams inside your church based on their spiritual gifts and their DISC their spiritual gifts and their DISC their spiritual gifts and their DISC personality profile. And as a leader, personality profile. And as a leader, personality profile. And as a leader, you see exactly where they fit, so you you see exactly where they fit, so you you see exactly where they fit, so you can place them where they'll thrive. can place them where they'll thrive. can place them where they'll thrive. Plus, you'll love these features. You Plus, you'll love these features. You Plus, you'll love these features. You can customize the test to your theology. can customize the test to your theology. can customize the test to your theology. You can customize teams based on your You can customize teams based on your You can customize teams based on your actual ministries. And you can share it actual ministries. And you can share it actual ministries. And you can share it via link or QR code. It's super simple via link or QR code. It's super simple via link or QR code. It's super simple to use and it connects to planning to use and it connects to planning to use and it connects to planning center. Paper tests are really in the center. Paper tests are really in the center. Paper tests are really in the past when it comes to spiritual gifts.

past when it comes to spiritual gifts. past when it comes to spiritual gifts. Try spiritual giftsplus.com Try spiritual giftsplus.com Try spiritual giftsplus.com free for 7 days and experience it for free for 7 days and experience it for free for 7 days and experience it for yourself. Use the code carry 20 at yourself. Use the code carry 20 at yourself. Use the code carry 20 at checkout for 20% off any plan. That's c checkout for 20% off any plan. That's c checkout for 20% off any plan. That's c a r e y20. a r e y20. a r e y20. That's spiritualgifts.com. Move people That's spiritualgifts.com. Move people That's spiritualgifts.com. Move people from sitting to serving. And now to from sitting to serving. And now to from sitting to serving. And now to today's conversation. In every era, today's conversation. In every era, today's conversation. In every era, ministry is modelbased. And I know we ministry is modelbased. And I know we ministry is modelbased. And I know we don't like to talk about that, but the don't like to talk about that, but the don't like to talk about that, but the reality is every single church had a reality is every single church had a reality is every single church had a model. The early church had a model. model. The early church had a model. model. The early church had a model. They would gather daily in people's They would gather daily in people's They would gather daily in people's homes and they would break bread. The homes and they would break bread. The homes and they would break bread. The Roman Catholic Church for centuries have Roman Catholic Church for centuries have Roman Catholic Church for centuries have had a model. Protestant churches had a had a model. Protestant churches had a had a model. Protestant churches had a model. 100 years ago is very different model. 100 years ago is very different model. 100 years ago is very different than it was 300 years ago is very than it was 300 years ago is very than it was 300 years ago is very different than it was or is today. So I different than it was or is today. So I different than it was or is today. So I started pastoring in the mid 1990s started pastoring in the mid 1990s started pastoring in the mid 1990s around 1995. And the church was ripe for around 1995. And the church was ripe for around 1995. And the church was ripe for disruption. So what I inherited and disruption. So what I inherited and disruption. So what I inherited and those of you who started sort of in my those of you who started sort of in my those of you who started sort of in my generation was what we called generation was what we called generation was what we called traditional church, right? You had an traditional church, right? You had an traditional church, right? You had an organ, you had a choir. Our organist was organ, you had a choir. Our organist was organ, you had a choir. Our organist was not particularly talented at being an not particularly talented at being an not particularly talented at being an organist. Maybe the choir couldn't organist. Maybe the choir couldn't organist. Maybe the choir couldn't really sing and it was kind of a stuffy really sing and it was kind of a stuffy really sing and it was kind of a stuffy church and that made it ripe for church and that made it ripe for church and that made it ripe for disruption. So what did we do? We came disruption. So what did we do? We came disruption. So what did we do? We came in with bands. We came in with a new in with bands. We came in with a new in with bands. We came in with a new approach. We came in with casual dress approach. We came in with casual dress approach. We came in with casual dress and we changed the model. Around that and we changed the model. Around that and we changed the model. Around that time, that was really the beginning if time, that was really the beginning if time, that was really the beginning if not the height of the seeker sensitive not the height of the seeker sensitive not the height of the seeker sensitive movement. And we used to talk about movement. And we used to talk about movement. And we used to talk about being seeker sensitive, seeker targeted.

being seeker sensitive, seeker targeted. being seeker sensitive, seeker targeted. And that was around for about a decade. And that was around for about a decade. And that was around for about a decade. And then that slowly gave way to what And then that slowly gave way to what And then that slowly gave way to what became known as the attractional church became known as the attractional church became known as the attractional church model. So if you're a young leader, we model. So if you're a young leader, we model. So if you're a young leader, we have a lot of young leaders listening. have a lot of young leaders listening. have a lot of young leaders listening. You missed that cuz you were a kid or You missed that cuz you were a kid or You missed that cuz you were a kid or you weren't born. But this is how we got you weren't born. But this is how we got you weren't born. But this is how we got to where we are now. And what happened to where we are now. And what happened to where we are now. And what happened when attractional church came along? when attractional church came along? when attractional church came along? That shift maybe started around the mid That shift maybe started around the mid That shift maybe started around the mid 2000s, 2005. Now, what else happened in 2000s, 2005. Now, what else happened in 2000s, 2005. Now, what else happened in 2005? Well, the answer was social media 2005? Well, the answer was social media 2005? Well, the answer was social media was born. I still remember some of the was born. I still remember some of the was born. I still remember some of the early articles. We're in web 2.0, right? early articles. We're in web 2.0, right? early articles. We're in web 2.0, right? It's interactive now. And what social It's interactive now. And what social It's interactive now. And what social media meant as it rose and it went from media meant as it rose and it went from media meant as it rose and it went from static text to video and more and more static text to video and more and more static text to video and more and more people jumped on social is for a period people jumped on social is for a period people jumped on social is for a period of the late 2000s to maybe 2017 2018 of the late 2000s to maybe 2017 2018 of the late 2000s to maybe 2017 2018 that's a very important date in my mind. that's a very important date in my mind. that's a very important date in my mind. We all started copying each other. We We all started copying each other. We We all started copying each other. We would copy each other's sermon series. would copy each other's sermon series. would copy each other's sermon series. We'd copy songs. Right? You had some We'd copy songs. Right? You had some We'd copy songs. Right? You had some huge music movements at that time as huge music movements at that time as huge music movements at that time as people are like oh we can do different people are like oh we can do different people are like oh we can do different songs and they can sound differently. We songs and they can sound differently. We songs and they can sound differently. We copied series. We copied songs. We copied series. We copied songs. We copied series. We copied songs. We copied style. We copied approach. So for copied style. We copied approach. So for copied style. We copied approach. So for decades, about 20 years, what church decades, about 20 years, what church decades, about 20 years, what church leaders, maybe even a little bit longer, leaders, maybe even a little bit longer, leaders, maybe even a little bit longer, tried to do was to make faith appealing, tried to do was to make faith appealing, tried to do was to make faith appealing, right? We had coffee bars, we had cool right? We had coffee bars, we had cool right? We had coffee bars, we had cool bands, we had great speakers. And for a bands, we had great speakers. And for a bands, we had great speakers. And for a while, it worked. And by worked, I meant while, it worked. And by worked, I meant while, it worked. And by worked, I meant it resonated with the culture. But in it resonated with the culture. But in it resonated with the culture. But in the late 2010s, and I dated around 2017, the late 2010s, and I dated around 2017, the late 2010s, and I dated around 2017, 2018, I started to notice, hey, there's 2018, I started to notice, hey, there's 2018, I started to notice, hey, there's something in the air. Things are

something in the air. Things are something in the air. Things are changing again. Now before we talk about changing again. Now before we talk about changing again. Now before we talk about what changed, let me say something that what changed, let me say something that what changed, let me say something that not everybody listening or watching is not everybody listening or watching is not everybody listening or watching is going to be happy with. It is very going to be happy with. It is very going to be happy with. It is very popular right now in this moment to popular right now in this moment to popular right now in this moment to critique and even ridicule the critique and even ridicule the critique and even ridicule the attractional church. And for sure it had attractional church. And for sure it had attractional church. And for sure it had its excesses. Okay. Driving motorcycles its excesses. Okay. Driving motorcycles its excesses. Okay. Driving motorcycles on stages, sleeping on the church roof on stages, sleeping on the church roof on stages, sleeping on the church roof with your wife to promote a series on with your wife to promote a series on with your wife to promote a series on sex or raffling off cars or flat screen sex or raffling off cars or flat screen sex or raffling off cars or flat screen TVs at Easter. Yeah, maybe that was a TVs at Easter. Yeah, maybe that was a TVs at Easter. Yeah, maybe that was a little bit much. Okay. And we actually little bit much. Okay. And we actually little bit much. Okay. And we actually did the motorcycle in church, built some did the motorcycle in church, built some did the motorcycle in church, built some huge sets, and we did Ed Sheeran covers. huge sets, and we did Ed Sheeran covers. huge sets, and we did Ed Sheeran covers. Look, I get it. Okay, we don't do any of Look, I get it. Okay, we don't do any of Look, I get it. Okay, we don't do any of that stuff anymore. But the question that stuff anymore. But the question that stuff anymore. But the question was, as people look back and ridicule was, as people look back and ridicule was, as people look back and ridicule that era, was it a waste? Did everybody that era, was it a waste? Did everybody that era, was it a waste? Did everybody just drink the Kool-Aid and do things just drink the Kool-Aid and do things just drink the Kool-Aid and do things that were unfaithful? So, this is what that were unfaithful? So, this is what that were unfaithful? So, this is what I'm going to say that probably not I'm going to say that probably not I'm going to say that probably not everybody's going to agree with. No, I everybody's going to agree with. No, I everybody's going to agree with. No, I actually think it was faithful for the actually think it was faithful for the actually think it was faithful for the moment. And it's very popular to look moment. And it's very popular to look moment. And it's very popular to look back on history and critique everything back on history and critique everything back on history and critique everything that was done in the past as though hey that was done in the past as though hey that was done in the past as though hey we've got it nailed down 100%. We got we've got it nailed down 100%. We got we've got it nailed down 100%. We got the right model. We are the right people the right model. We are the right people the right model. We are the right people and everything that happened before me and everything that happened before me and everything that happened before me garbage. No, there was something in that garbage. No, there was something in that garbage. No, there was something in that era that really resonated. Attractional era that really resonated. Attractional era that really resonated. Attractional church I think in a helpful way. Yeah.

church I think in a helpful way. Yeah. church I think in a helpful way. Yeah. It had its excesses. Okay. What it did It had its excesses. Okay. What it did It had its excesses. Okay. What it did was it took evangelism seriously and the was it took evangelism seriously and the was it took evangelism seriously and the church needed evangelism and we figured church needed evangelism and we figured church needed evangelism and we figured out ways to use the culture to reach the out ways to use the culture to reach the out ways to use the culture to reach the culture and it connected with people. culture and it connected with people. culture and it connected with people. People came to faith. People got People came to faith. People got People came to faith. People got baptized. And this is what you'll baptized. And this is what you'll baptized. And this is what you'll discover. Yes, there were some discover. Yes, there were some discover. Yes, there were some deconversions. There will be in every deconversions. There will be in every deconversions. There will be in every generation. But people who were baptized generation. But people who were baptized generation. But people who were baptized at the height of the attractional at the height of the attractional at the height of the attractional movement are still strong Christians movement are still strong Christians movement are still strong Christians today. The vast majority actually are. today. The vast majority actually are. today. The vast majority actually are. So, it is super easy to look back on So, it is super easy to look back on So, it is super easy to look back on things in the past and we do that things in the past and we do that things in the past and we do that centuries ago or a decade ago or to our centuries ago or a decade ago or to our centuries ago or a decade ago or to our parents' generation and we're all parents' generation and we're all parents' generation and we're all arrogant and we got it right and they arrogant and we got it right and they arrogant and we got it right and they got it wrong and we say they were so got it wrong and we say they were so got it wrong and we say they were so simple-minded, they were so misguided. simple-minded, they were so misguided. simple-minded, they were so misguided. Um, and that just makes us feel smarter Um, and that just makes us feel smarter Um, and that just makes us feel smarter than everybody else. But, you know what than everybody else. But, you know what than everybody else. But, you know what I think the best of the attractional I think the best of the attractional I think the best of the attractional model was? was we put the message into a model was? was we put the message into a model was? was we put the message into a form that was easy to understand, grasp, form that was easy to understand, grasp, form that was easy to understand, grasp, and made it easy to invite friends to.

and made it easy to invite friends to. and made it easy to invite friends to. Those are principles that have endured. Those are principles that have endured. Those are principles that have endured. But around 2017, 2018, back to what I But around 2017, 2018, back to what I But around 2017, 2018, back to what I was saying earlier, something began to was saying earlier, something began to was saying earlier, something began to shift. It wasn't resonating as much as shift. It wasn't resonating as much as shift. It wasn't resonating as much as it used to. That same approach of cover it used to. That same approach of cover it used to. That same approach of cover bands and, you know, cool series and all bands and, you know, cool series and all bands and, you know, cool series and all that stuff, uh, just wasn't getting the that stuff, uh, just wasn't getting the that stuff, uh, just wasn't getting the same connection to the culture. And then same connection to the culture. And then same connection to the culture. And then we had COVID, right? World shuts down. we had COVID, right? World shuts down. we had COVID, right? World shuts down. So much shifted. And now here we are, So much shifted. And now here we are, So much shifted. And now here we are, 2025, almost 2026. Churches are 2025, almost 2026. Churches are 2025, almost 2026. Churches are exploding. And congregations that used exploding. And congregations that used exploding. And congregations that used to roll coffins out on stage at Easter to roll coffins out on stage at Easter to roll coffins out on stage at Easter or play AC/DC covers are featuring or play AC/DC covers are featuring or play AC/DC covers are featuring worship music, worship music, and more worship music, worship music, and more worship music, worship music, and more worship music. And they're doing gospel worship music. And they're doing gospel worship music. And they're doing gospel calls. And they're typically a little calls. And they're typically a little calls. And they're typically a little less topically driven in their sermons less topically driven in their sermons less topically driven in their sermons than before. And they're doing some more than before. And they're doing some more than before. And they're doing some more in-depth biblical teaching. That is how in-depth biblical teaching. That is how in-depth biblical teaching. That is how things have shifted over the last eight things have shifted over the last eight things have shifted over the last eight or 10 years. Um, so what changed? Why is or 10 years. Um, so what changed? Why is or 10 years. Um, so what changed? Why is this resonating now and it's not this resonating now and it's not this resonating now and it's not resonating as much before? So three resonating as much before? So three resonating as much before? So three things changed and I want to go through things changed and I want to go through things changed and I want to go through those three shifts. So this is the shift those three shifts. So this is the shift those three shifts. So this is the shift I date back to 2017 to 2018 around that I date back to 2017 to 2018 around that I date back to 2017 to 2018 around that era. What had happened around that time?

era. What had happened around that time? era. What had happened around that time? Well, we had widespread adoption of Well, we had widespread adoption of Well, we had widespread adoption of social media. social was pivoting to social media. social was pivoting to social media. social was pivoting to video so we could really watch more video so we could really watch more video so we could really watch more sermons uh watch what was happening and sermons uh watch what was happening and sermons uh watch what was happening and a lot of churches not every church but a a lot of churches not every church but a a lot of churches not every church but a lot of churches had moved online most lot of churches had moved online most lot of churches had moved online most churches had great websites and so on churches had great websites and so on churches had great websites and so on and so that shift number one the foyer and so that shift number one the foyer and so that shift number one the foyer moved so what do I mean by that well the moved so what do I mean by that well the moved so what do I mean by that well the internet changed everything the foyer of internet changed everything the foyer of internet changed everything the foyer of your church moved from the actual your church moved from the actual your church moved from the actual physical foyer to the digital realm you physical foyer to the digital realm you physical foyer to the digital realm you used to have to travel right to actually used to have to travel right to actually used to have to travel right to actually show up in person to explore the show up in person to explore the show up in person to explore the Christian faith or maybe order a book or Christian faith or maybe order a book or Christian faith or maybe order a book or talk to a friend. And Sunday was truly a talk to a friend. And Sunday was truly a talk to a friend. And Sunday was truly a firsttime experience up until almost 10 firsttime experience up until almost 10 firsttime experience up until almost 10 years ago, right? It still is like years ago, right? It still is like years ago, right? It still is like people show up for the first time on people show up for the first time on people show up for the first time on Sunday every single Sunday, I hope. But Sunday every single Sunday, I hope. But Sunday every single Sunday, I hope. But chances are, and the data goes back to chances are, and the data goes back to chances are, and the data goes back to around 2017, 2018, every person who around 2017, 2018, every person who around 2017, 2018, every person who visits your church in person has already visits your church in person has already visits your church in person has already explored Christianity and your church explored Christianity and your church explored Christianity and your church online. They found you on social media.

online. They found you on social media. online. They found you on social media. They found you on your website. They They found you on your website. They They found you on your website. They found your messages on YouTube. They found your messages on YouTube. They found your messages on YouTube. They discovered your church and they discovered your church and they discovered your church and they explored. So 15, 20 years ago, people explored. So 15, 20 years ago, people explored. So 15, 20 years ago, people came in cold. It's like, I don't know came in cold. It's like, I don't know came in cold. It's like, I don't know what to expect. Today, they come in what to expect. Today, they come in what to expect. Today, they come in warmed up and spiritually far more open warmed up and spiritually far more open warmed up and spiritually far more open than in the past. They've made a than in the past. They've made a than in the past. They've made a decision. They've watched your church decision. They've watched your church decision. They've watched your church online. Even when I was a lead pastor uh online. Even when I was a lead pastor uh online. Even when I was a lead pastor uh and I stepped out of that role in 2015, and I stepped out of that role in 2015, and I stepped out of that role in 2015, we had done a lot of online early work we had done a lot of online early work we had done a lot of online early work and launched our campus in 2016. I and launched our campus in 2016. I and launched our campus in 2016. I taught regularly at our church until taught regularly at our church until taught regularly at our church until 2020. I am very loathed to remember 2020. I am very loathed to remember 2020. I am very loathed to remember anybody who came in from 2015 to 2020 anybody who came in from 2015 to 2020 anybody who came in from 2015 to 2020 who hadn't told me that their first time who hadn't told me that their first time who hadn't told me that their first time visit was preceded by weeks, often visit was preceded by weeks, often visit was preceded by weeks, often months of watching us online, months of watching us online, months of watching us online, discovering us on the internet, and now discovering us on the internet, and now discovering us on the internet, and now going to check it out in real life. So, going to check it out in real life. So, going to check it out in real life. So, the foyer moved. That's shift number the foyer moved. That's shift number the foyer moved. That's shift number one. Shift number two, people opened up one. Shift number two, people opened up one. Shift number two, people opened up spiritually. So right now people are spiritually. So right now people are spiritually. So right now people are more spiritually open than a generation more spiritually open than a generation more spiritually open than a generation ago than in a long time. Now it's hard ago than in a long time. Now it's hard ago than in a long time. Now it's hard to believe but 15 years ago Christopher to believe but 15 years ago Christopher to believe but 15 years ago Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Sam Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Sam Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and Sam Harren ruled the roost and they were Harren ruled the roost and they were Harren ruled the roost and they were saying the new atheism is here. Well, saying the new atheism is here. Well, saying the new atheism is here. Well, now the new atheism seems to be dead or now the new atheism seems to be dead or now the new atheism seems to be dead or at least on life support. We have Gen Z at least on life support. We have Gen Z at least on life support. We have Gen Z teens and millennials leading the way.

teens and millennials leading the way. teens and millennials leading the way. 74% are highly spiritually open. That 74% are highly spiritually open. That 74% are highly spiritually open. That has shifted massively over the last has shifted massively over the last has shifted massively over the last decade. 74% of Gen Z teens and 64% of decade. 74% of Gen Z teens and 64% of decade. 74% of Gen Z teens and 64% of Gen Z adults say they are spiritually Gen Z adults say they are spiritually Gen Z adults say they are spiritually open. And what this means, and by the open. And what this means, and by the open. And what this means, and by the way, that's Barnarda. What this means is way, that's Barnarda. What this means is way, that's Barnarda. What this means is that when they engage with your church, that when they engage with your church, that when they engage with your church, they're open, they're hungry, they're they're open, they're hungry, they're they're open, they're hungry, they're curious, and they're ready to go. The curious, and they're ready to go. The curious, and they're ready to go. The suspicion that the new atheism had 15, suspicion that the new atheism had 15, suspicion that the new atheism had 15, 20 years ago, it's not there anymore. 20 years ago, it's not there anymore. 20 years ago, it's not there anymore. They've looked out at the culture, and They've looked out at the culture, and They've looked out at the culture, and they've said it's bankrupt. And that they've said it's bankrupt. And that they've said it's bankrupt. And that leads us to the third shift, and that is leads us to the third shift, and that is leads us to the third shift, and that is that people aren't looking for an echo that people aren't looking for an echo that people aren't looking for an echo of the culture anymore. They're looking of the culture anymore. They're looking of the culture anymore. They're looking for an alternative to it. So, what is for an alternative to it. So, what is for an alternative to it. So, what is really going on with the next really going on with the next really going on with the next generation? Well, you know, 15, 20 years generation? Well, you know, 15, 20 years generation? Well, you know, 15, 20 years ago, people were like, "Oh, cool. Ed ago, people were like, "Oh, cool. Ed ago, people were like, "Oh, cool. Ed Sharon in church or, you know, whoever Sharon in church or, you know, whoever Sharon in church or, you know, whoever it happened to be." But now they're it happened to be." But now they're it happened to be." But now they're looking for an alternative to the looking for an alternative to the looking for an alternative to the culture, not an echo of it. They've culture, not an echo of it. They've culture, not an echo of it. They've tried new age spirituality, vague tried new age spirituality, vague tried new age spirituality, vague spirituality, secularism, atheism, spirituality, secularism, atheism, spirituality, secularism, atheism, partying, whatever, and they're broken.

partying, whatever, and they're broken. partying, whatever, and they're broken. All right? The alternatives are All right? The alternatives are All right? The alternatives are bankrupt. They've moved from being bankrupt. They've moved from being bankrupt. They've moved from being desperate to desperation. And you're desperate to desperation. And you're desperate to desperation. And you're beginning to see this as tens of beginning to see this as tens of beginning to see this as tens of thousands of college students fill up thousands of college students fill up thousands of college students fill up stadiums and [snorts] hundreds or stadiums and [snorts] hundreds or stadiums and [snorts] hundreds or thousands are baptized through the Unite thousands are baptized through the Unite thousands are baptized through the Unite movement. You see revivals and movement. You see revivals and movement. You see revivals and outpourings happening. You see this in outpourings happening. You see this in outpourings happening. You see this in the UK. You're starting to see it in the UK. You're starting to see it in the UK. You're starting to see it in France. You're seeing it in Canada. France. You're seeing it in Canada. France. You're seeing it in Canada. You're seeing it in the US. People are You're seeing it in the US. People are You're seeing it in the US. People are hungry. They're open. And they're hungry. They're open. And they're hungry. They're open. And they're turning to church. And they're turning turning to church. And they're turning turning to church. And they're turning specifically not just to spirituality. specifically not just to spirituality. specifically not just to spirituality. They're turning to Jesus, which is They're turning to Jesus, which is They're turning to Jesus, which is amazing. I mean, I talk all the time to amazing. I mean, I talk all the time to amazing. I mean, I talk all the time to church leaders and we're like, I don't church leaders and we're like, I don't church leaders and we're like, I don't know what's going on. But it's pretty know what's going on. But it's pretty know what's going on. But it's pretty cool. The Holy Spirit is at work. So, cool. The Holy Spirit is at work. So, cool. The Holy Spirit is at work. So, what does this mean for you? Well, it what does this mean for you? Well, it what does this mean for you? Well, it means that the tide is shifting and you means that the tide is shifting and you means that the tide is shifting and you want to make sure that your ministry want to make sure that your ministry want to make sure that your ministry model is ready for what God is doing in model is ready for what God is doing in model is ready for what God is doing in any particular season. And as we talked any particular season. And as we talked any particular season. And as we talked about before on this podcast, the trends about before on this podcast, the trends about before on this podcast, the trends are reversing. We are seeing the seeds are reversing. We are seeing the seeds are reversing. We are seeing the seeds of revival. Brand new Bara data shows of revival. Brand new Bara data shows of revival. Brand new Bara data shows that the number of US adults who affirm that the number of US adults who affirm that the number of US adults who affirm that they've made a personal commitment that they've made a personal commitment that they've made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in to Jesus that is still important in to Jesus that is still important in their life today has rebounded from an their life today has rebounded from an their life today has rebounded from an all-time low of 54% 5 years ago to 66% all-time low of 54% 5 years ago to 66% all-time low of 54% 5 years ago to 66% today. That's a huge shift. It's today. That's a huge shift. It's today. That's a huge shift. It's actually a 12point jump in just a few actually a 12point jump in just a few actually a 12point jump in just a few years. And Gen Z is now leading the years. And Gen Z is now leading the years. And Gen Z is now leading the return to church, attending 1.9 times a return to church, attending 1.9 times a return to church, attending 1.9 times a month, more than any other generation, month, more than any other generation, month, more than any other generation, including more frequently than their including more frequently than their including more frequently than their generation X and Boomer parents. So what generation X and Boomer parents. So what generation X and Boomer parents. So what does this mean? What this means is that

does this mean? What this means is that does this mean? What this means is that when people show up on a Sunday, you when people show up on a Sunday, you when people show up on a Sunday, you have to do less explaining, less have to do less explaining, less have to do less explaining, less attracting than you used to. People attracting than you used to. People attracting than you used to. People aren't coming in cold, they're coming in aren't coming in cold, they're coming in aren't coming in cold, they're coming in hungry. So if the attractional model is hungry. So if the attractional model is hungry. So if the attractional model is fading, then the question becomes, well, fading, then the question becomes, well, fading, then the question becomes, well, what is replacing it? Well, that change what is replacing it? Well, that change what is replacing it? Well, that change means that when people show up at your means that when people show up at your means that when people show up at your church, they're ready to go deeper church, they're ready to go deeper church, they're ready to go deeper faster. So, here are a few things you faster. So, here are a few things you faster. So, here are a few things you want to think about. What about praying want to think about. What about praying want to think about. What about praying with boldness? I mean, we see confession with boldness? I mean, we see confession with boldness? I mean, we see confession really resonating with Gen Z. People really resonating with Gen Z. People really resonating with Gen Z. People don't want a polite God. They want a don't want a polite God. They want a don't want a polite God. They want a powerful God and they're ready for an powerful God and they're ready for an powerful God and they're ready for an encounter with him. Um, you want to encounter with him. Um, you want to encounter with him. Um, you want to preach deeper. All right? Don't assume preach deeper. All right? Don't assume preach deeper. All right? Don't assume they'll be bored. Assume that they're they'll be bored. Assume that they're they'll be bored. Assume that they're hungry and they really want the word of hungry and they really want the word of hungry and they really want the word of God. offer real spiritual practices, God. offer real spiritual practices, God. offer real spiritual practices, worship, fasting, prayer, confession. worship, fasting, prayer, confession. worship, fasting, prayer, confession. And I'll talk about this more in the And I'll talk about this more in the And I'll talk about this more in the future, but what you want to do is you future, but what you want to do is you future, but what you want to do is you want to design your weekend experiences want to design your weekend experiences want to design your weekend experiences from your heart posture to the way you from your heart posture to the way you from your heart posture to the way you position the message to the way your position the message to the way your position the message to the way your worship leaders position the music. worship leaders position the music. worship leaders position the music. Design it for encounter, not for Design it for encounter, not for Design it for encounter, not for entertainment. That really what you're entertainment. That really what you're entertainment. That really what you're trying to do is you're trying to trying to do is you're trying to trying to do is you're trying to facilitate an experience, a possible facilitate an experience, a possible facilitate an experience, a possible experience between God and his people.

experience between God and his people. experience between God and his people. So, you want to design your weekend So, you want to design your weekend So, you want to design your weekend services to facilitate an encounter, not services to facilitate an encounter, not services to facilitate an encounter, not entertainment. Cut the fluff. Maximize entertainment. Cut the fluff. Maximize entertainment. Cut the fluff. Maximize the real. I know it sounds like a big the real. I know it sounds like a big the real. I know it sounds like a big reversal. So, you know, some of you reversal. So, you know, some of you reversal. So, you know, some of you might be saying, "Wait, does this mean might be saying, "Wait, does this mean might be saying, "Wait, does this mean we're going back to oldtime church for we're going back to oldtime church for we're going back to oldtime church for the already convinced?" Let me be clear. the already convinced?" Let me be clear. the already convinced?" Let me be clear. I hope not. I hope not. I hope this just I hope not. I hope not. I hope this just I hope not. I hope not. I hope this just is an insider itis, you know, for the is an insider itis, you know, for the is an insider itis, you know, for the the next generation. You see, if church the next generation. You see, if church the next generation. You see, if church becomes insider focused, we're just done becomes insider focused, we're just done becomes insider focused, we're just done on so many levels. So, I think there are on so many levels. So, I think there are on so many levels. So, I think there are some lessons from the attractional some lessons from the attractional some lessons from the attractional church era that we can carry forward to church era that we can carry forward to church era that we can carry forward to today. Despite everything I've said, I today. Despite everything I've said, I today. Despite everything I've said, I think there are some lessons we don't think there are some lessons we don't think there are some lessons we don't want to forget. Think about attractional want to forget. Think about attractional want to forget. Think about attractional church, right? Which everybody makes fun church, right? Which everybody makes fun church, right? Which everybody makes fun of. Nobody wants repulsive church, of. Nobody wants repulsive church, of. Nobody wants repulsive church, right? You don't really want to make right? You don't really want to make right? You don't really want to make church so repulsive that people who are church so repulsive that people who are church so repulsive that people who are curious about God show up and they walk curious about God show up and they walk curious about God show up and they walk out the door saying, "I will never go out the door saying, "I will never go out the door saying, "I will never go back." No. What do you want to do? Well, back." No. What do you want to do? Well, back." No. What do you want to do? Well, you don't want to go down so deep that you don't want to go down so deep that you don't want to go down so deep that people who can't swim in the scriptures people who can't swim in the scriptures people who can't swim in the scriptures end up drowning. So, here are a few end up drowning. So, here are a few end up drowning. So, here are a few things from the attractional church things from the attractional church things from the attractional church approach that I think are still very approach that I think are still very approach that I think are still very valuable and that everybody is wise to valuable and that everybody is wise to valuable and that everybody is wise to consider. So, when it comes to content, consider. So, when it comes to content, consider. So, when it comes to content, your message, you know, how you're your message, you know, how you're your message, you know, how you're positioning people around the Bible, positioning people around the Bible, positioning people around the Bible, assume intelligence, but not background.

assume intelligence, but not background. assume intelligence, but not background. People may be spiritually hungry, but People may be spiritually hungry, but People may be spiritually hungry, but they might not know basic Christian they might not know basic Christian they might not know basic Christian concepts. So, what you want to do is you concepts. So, what you want to do is you concepts. So, what you want to do is you want to create quick on-ramps for any want to create quick on-ramps for any want to create quick on-ramps for any spiritual encounter you've got on the spiritual encounter you've got on the spiritual encounter you've got on the weekend. For prayer, you might say weekend. For prayer, you might say weekend. For prayer, you might say something like, "We're going to pray." something like, "We're going to pray." something like, "We're going to pray." Now, you can simply listen or you can Now, you can simply listen or you can Now, you can simply listen or you can join in silently or you can pray with join in silently or you can pray with join in silently or you can pray with me, right? Just create an on-ramp so it me, right? Just create an on-ramp so it me, right? Just create an on-ramp so it doesn't get weird. And then with doesn't get weird. And then with doesn't get weird. And then with scripture, you might say, "Okay, we're scripture, you might say, "Okay, we're scripture, you might say, "Okay, we're turning to Ephesians chapter 5. That's turning to Ephesians chapter 5. That's turning to Ephesians chapter 5. That's page 11:56 and the Bible's under your page 11:56 and the Bible's under your page 11:56 and the Bible's under your chair." Or you can use the Bible app. We chair." Or you can use the Bible app. We chair." Or you can use the Bible app. We got a quick link to that. You can tap got a quick link to that. You can tap got a quick link to that. You can tap your phones or use this QR code that'll your phones or use this QR code that'll your phones or use this QR code that'll take you directly to it. So, you want to take you directly to it. So, you want to take you directly to it. So, you want to invite people along with the journey. invite people along with the journey. invite people along with the journey. All right? You want to avoid Christian All right? You want to avoid Christian All right? You want to avoid Christian insider language. Don't use jargon or insider language. Don't use jargon or insider language. Don't use jargon or become a Christian culture club or live become a Christian culture club or live become a Christian culture club or live by acronym or code. And even when you're by acronym or code. And even when you're by acronym or code. And even when you're doing proper theology, you want to doing proper theology, you want to doing proper theology, you want to translate terms like sanctification, translate terms like sanctification, translate terms like sanctification, atonement, or fellowship into everyday atonement, or fellowship into everyday atonement, or fellowship into everyday language. Another thing I would say is language. Another thing I would say is language. Another thing I would say is don't ignore felt needs. People still don't ignore felt needs. People still don't ignore felt needs. People still come with real life problems, right?

come with real life problems, right? come with real life problems, right? Their marriages are not perfect. They Their marriages are not perfect. They Their marriages are not perfect. They have financial problems. And guess what? have financial problems. And guess what? have financial problems. And guess what? The scripture speaks to that, right? So, The scripture speaks to that, right? So, The scripture speaks to that, right? So, you want to connect with their struggles you want to connect with their struggles you want to connect with their struggles and take them to deeper spiritual truths and take them to deeper spiritual truths and take them to deeper spiritual truths than the culture is offering them. The than the culture is offering them. The than the culture is offering them. The question isn't whether they'll come. The question isn't whether they'll come. The question isn't whether they'll come. The question is whether you're offering them question is whether you're offering them question is whether you're offering them something that will satisfy the something that will satisfy the something that will satisfy the spiritual hunger that they have. And spiritual hunger that they have. And spiritual hunger that they have. And then finally, what you want to do when then finally, what you want to do when then finally, what you want to do when you're introducing the scripture is you you're introducing the scripture is you you're introducing the scripture is you want to bring people up to speed want to bring people up to speed want to bring people up to speed quickly. So if you're speaking on David, quickly. So if you're speaking on David, quickly. So if you're speaking on David, for example, King David, you might say, for example, King David, you might say, for example, King David, you might say, "Hey, we're going to go back about 3,000 "Hey, we're going to go back about 3,000 "Hey, we're going to go back about 3,000 years. There was the nation of Israel years. There was the nation of Israel years. There was the nation of Israel just being established as a superpower just being established as a superpower just being established as a superpower in the world. David is their king, and in the world. David is their king, and in the world. David is their king, and right now he's contemplating what he's right now he's contemplating what he's right now he's contemplating what he's going to do about, you know, whatever going to do about, you know, whatever going to do about, you know, whatever situation you're looking at." So what situation you're looking at." So what situation you're looking at." So what you've done there is in 15 seconds, you you've done there is in 15 seconds, you you've done there is in 15 seconds, you brought everyone on board. You've given brought everyone on board. You've given brought everyone on board. You've given them a historic context. And the cool them a historic context. And the cool them a historic context. And the cool thing is this works for Christians and thing is this works for Christians and thing is this works for Christians and non-Christians, right? A lot of your non-Christians, right? A lot of your non-Christians, right? A lot of your believers, they don't know that David believers, they don't know that David believers, they don't know that David was 3,000 years ago. They don't know was 3,000 years ago. They don't know was 3,000 years ago. They don't know that he was king of Israel or where that that he was king of Israel or where that that he was king of Israel or where that fits into the timeline. So, you're going fits into the timeline. So, you're going fits into the timeline. So, you're going to bring everybody onto the same page at to bring everybody onto the same page at to bring everybody onto the same page at once. So, I just want to encourage you once. So, I just want to encourage you once. So, I just want to encourage you to pay attention to the times we're in to pay attention to the times we're in to pay attention to the times we're in to think about what part of the to think about what part of the to think about what part of the approach, the model of church that we're approach, the model of church that we're approach, the model of church that we're using right now is still resonating, using right now is still resonating, using right now is still resonating, what parts are not. Well, that's a what parts are not. Well, that's a what parts are not. Well, that's a teaching for today. If you want to go a teaching for today. If you want to go a teaching for today. 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