I was in a pastors' meeting a few months ago and listened to pastors complain that their congregation is more "comfortable on the couch than coming to church." There was a murmur of agreement as they lamented that the church has become "convenient" and "lazy Christians" don't care like they used to.
As much as I'd like to see more people coming to church, lamenting over the ones who "aren't coming back" may be futile at this juncture. I would propose (and did propose at that meeting) a different train of thought.
What in-person experiences are we offering?
If all we're doing is singing and talking for 90+ minutes, then there is NOTHING new to what you can get online. The in-person experience needs to be something you can ONLY get in person. Create connection times with food. Do block parties after the service. Get various people in your church to share what God is doing in their lives; the more people we see, the more we feel the need to connect and celebrate. Take pictures of groups laughing and enjoying themselves. Let the community know there is a community vibe at your church. Do physical altar moments that require congregants to write something on paper and bring it to the front. These types of things help create an in-person experience worth attending.
What are we rallying people to?
If all we ask them to do is come to church on Sunday, then I fear we've missed the point of church. The church is not a gathering. It's a family that works. The mission has never been clearer, "go and make disciples." How are you doing that? Talk about that and invite the people you haven't seen in person to participate. This may be on a mid-week or weekend, but it's an opportunity for people to reengage in something they feel is more meaningful than consuming content.
What are we releasing people to do?
It's true; it's never been easier to access amazing teaching/preaching and worship right on your phone. This means that many of our congregants are getting fed. But we know that the feeding is only part of it. We need people to overflow in serving, giving, witnessing and the like. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. Our job can be to help release people into ministry where they are. If they're watching church online, challenge them to have watch parties where more could join. If they find themselves too busy to attend church, help them start a church where they are. People can be on a mission every day, not just Sunday. We can be more about releasing than catching.
I know this seems a little opposite of how we typically view church; come here, and we'll fill you up for the week. But, I would say we have an opportunity here to reframe what church looks like in this season and meet people where they're at. The gospel never changes, but our methods can change constantly.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.