Saturday I received my Winter copy of The Old Schoolhouse, and in the movie review of Facing the Giants (which I saw in the theatre and LOVED!), the movie was lauded as being doctinally sound, having no "seeker-sensitive characteristics."  Now I'm not sure if the lay-reviewer meant to suggest that seeker-sensitive churches teach unsound doctrine, but it was clear that she has some disdain for the church form. 

Three years ago, I shared a similar attitude, looking down my nose at "seeker-friendly" churches.  I thought, "Okay, so you put on a good dog and pony show...but where's the meat of the Word?"  Which was a very convenient attitude, though somewhat prideful.  The church I attended was hopping when 100 people showed up for the very serious and sincere worship, teaching and fellowship.  It was comforting to feel superior to that big mega-church in the neighborhood that packed over 1500 or so people into their Sunday service.  I was sure they must be watering down the word to get so many people to attend.  But I never checked it out for sure, I was committed to my church where the Word was taught with authority (though now that I look back, the members, myself included, grew in the Lord while neglecting to convert unbelievers).

Shortly after, my family moved to South Carolina and visited one of "those"churches, which was very close to our home.  My first impressions were that it was lightweight worship, and really short (only one hour for the service?  Are they kidding?).  They had so many things going on, I was sure my suspicions would prove correct, that the teaching was "a mile wide and an inch thick." 

Three years later, I'm still at this church, digging deeper into the Word, enjoying meaningful worship, and connecting with other believers who are on the same journey.  Along the way, I've learned to repent of that prideful attitude, and appreciate the efforts the church leadership makes to make unbelievers comfortable...at least in the short term.  My church unapologetically states that they are going to woo unbelievers, since it's the sick that need a Doctor.  That means fun and entertaining weekend services (4 of them), a coffeeshop and bookstore where confused people can connect with grounded believers (AND enjoy a cafe mocha), a myriad of small groups on every subject from "Healing and Forgiveness after Abortion" to Beth Moore Bible Studies to "Ultimate Frisbee."  Yes, people who come to the Ultimate Frisbee group experience changed lives.  How?  By connecting with grounded believers, seeing the fruit in their lives, and wanting that same Jesus that saved THEM from who they were!  Sometimes it takes patience.  The guy with alcohol addiction and a gambling problem isn't likely to attend a church service, (or attend the Beth Moore bible study, for that matter).  But in a non-threatening sports group, subtle evangelism takes place.  Let's face it:  sin can be fun.  But the love of Jesus is irresistible!

So allow this to be a gentle correction, if you, like me, have held this former attitude.  Seeker-sensitive churches are not necessarily watering down the Word just because they appeal to unbelievers.  Remember, babies need milk before they're ready for meat.  I don't see Jesus despising efforts to attract sinners to a place where they can find both.