Recent research by LifeWay (the nice people that bring you books by Beth Moore and Henry Blackaby) uncovered an interesting preference among those people that are unchurched. By a nearly 2-to-1 ratio over any other option, those that are not attending church may be inclined to attend a church that looks more like a church (the research actually used the word "gothic") rather than the contemporary and mall-like church building.Up at Mackinac Island, MI, one of the churches I try to bring guests to is the "Old Stone Church". This traditional yet unique architectural gem was constructed over 100 years ago and has the traditional stain-glass windows, pews and raised pulpit common to traditional churches. The Old Stone Church is a much-requested place for weddings but typically is empty six months of the year as their tiny congregation only meets during the summer.
I don't have any definitive studies to point to but based on what I have seen, I believe that our typical church-plants (churches that are started from scratch with the objective of attracting unbeliever) are likely meeting in store-fronts, in bowling alleys and theaters and not in traditional church buildings. Based on my observations, they also have a format that is almost "anti-liturgical" or "non-traditional". The typical theme is "church for those who don't like church" and the culture is heavy Starbucks and very casual with Christian crosses or crucifixes obviously absent.
Ed Stetzer, the director of LifeWay Research, reported that the unchurched may prefer the more aesthetically pleasing look of the more traditional church because it reminds them and connects them to the past.
Interestingly, the younger unchurched people between the ages of 25 to 34 were particularly drawn to the more traditional look.
The traditional look was preferred by both unchurched Roman Catholics and unchurched Protestants, according to the LifeWay survey.
One survey respondent said, "I don’t like modern churches, they seem cold," said "I like the smell of candles burning, stained-glass windows, [and] an intimacy that’s transcendent."
So....if this is what the research is saying, perhaps there may be a congregation out there that would be willing to try a new approach in church plants.
Perhaps it's time to rethink who we are trying to reach and find an approach that may connect to the unchurched.
Paul's words the the Corinthians "I have become all things to all people, so that by all means I may save some," (1 Cor 9:22) have been used as the reason to bring in contemporary worship, casual dress and embrace modern contemporary church architecture. Perhaps it can also be applied to others that appreciate a more traditional church.
