Willowcreek Stops Mid-week Service

Willowcreek Community Church is known for their “seeker-sensitive” approach to church services and evangelism. In recent years, Willowcreek felt it was time to take a hard look at this strategy. They surveyed over 57,000 church goers in 200 churches by asking them questions on their satisfaction with church. Most people responded that they are leaving the church because they’re not challenged enough. Wow! I thought they were leaving because they didn't like the Folgers coffee.

Greg Hawkins, who has spearheaded this massive research effort called REVEAL, is working to turn this “seeker-sensitive” ship in a new direction. This is not a small change. This is a major shift. This is like going from hymns to contemporary songs in a worship service. Click here to read the article in Christianity Today. (Tony Morgan also posted some thoughts on the REVEAL study here.) Here are some points from the article that I am still pondering:

• Their “strategy to reach seekers is now about focusing on the mature believers.”
• “Anonymity is not the driving value for seeker services anymore.”
• It was previously assumed that seekers didn’t want large doses of the Bible or deep worship music. This is not correct anymore.
• Willowcreek has loaded their services with worship music, prayer, Scripture readings, and more challenging teaching from the Bible.
• Willowcreek is ending their mid-week service in June and adding bible and theological classes in it’s place.
• Willowcreek has revamped everything from their services to their seeker strategy.
• Greg states “It would be malpractice for us to not do something with what we’re learning.”

In the larger REVEAL survey taken by 200 churches, people were asked what they want most from their church. The top three responses were:
1. Help me understand the Bible in greater depth
2. Help me develop a closer personal relationship with Christ
3. Challenge me to grow and take the next step in my faith

Think of this in terms of school. How do you teach 1st graders and high school students in the same classroom for only 1 hour per week? I don’t have the answer to this. What are your thoughts?