Unchurched Friend #3

What do you think is the greatest need in your area?
Right now I think it’s crime. There are a lot of shootings and killings going on in the streets for no reason.
Are you actively attending any church?
No.
What are a few issues or topics that interest you?
I am concerned with the education of inner city children and how they seem to get the worst of everything.
Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
I think it’s because they don’t see a difference in people who go to church compared to those who don’t. People are looking for a change.
If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?
I would look to see if the people are the same way they are in church outside. Are they real? Are they friendly? Is the church there for me when I need them? Is the church all about money?
What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?
Be friendly. Don’t use language that the people you’re speaking to don’t understand. Make it exciting and apply it to my life.

This interview was from a friend that lives in the city. They have a different view point of life. They live in Philadelphia, specifically a section that has a really high crime rate. They have lots of children in their family and therefore that is one of their concerns and interests. Something needs to be done with the violence in their area. They also are concerned with the schools children attend. They said they feel as if they get the worst of everything, maybe the worst teachers since no one wants to be where there’s violence. These kids need a hope, a chance to get out of the area they live in. She doesn’t attend a church and didn’t specify why. She did however say that a lot of people don’t attend church because the Christians are necessarily Christian when they are outside the church walls. Is this true? In the world today, people are looking to see how real everyone is. It’s important for us as Christians to show them a lifestyle that is the same both in the church and out. We are to live like Christ did. If she was looking for a church, that is one of things she would look for. People want a “church family” they can rely on. When times get hard, does the church bail? Or are they there to comfort and help out? We must see the needs the world has and meet them. Her advice to a pastor is first and foremost to be friendly. Not to stay behind the pulpit and disappear after the service, but to get to know his congregation. Also to use terms and language the common person would know. No one can meet Jesus and learn about who he is if the pastor is speaking in an unknown language. Relate to your congregation and present them an exciting message that applies to their life.