Why Would Anyone Choose to Attend Your Church?
As you are fully aware, most non-churched people aren’t walking around wondering what church they should attend this weekend.
As a pastor, you care deeply about growing faith in your current congregation. You also care about reaching people far from faith. You want your church to matter in the community.
But here’s the question:
Why would someone with no church background or interest choose your church?
Overcoming the First Major Hurdle
There are many reasons a non-churched person isn’t attending your church. One big one?
They’ve already been to a church—and they didn’t like the experience.
I’m not saying church needs to be entertaining (although a bit of fun never hurts). But a bad past experience—whether with a church or a Christian—can be a significant obstacle.
Most people who aren’t attending church don’t think about church much.
But when they do, what comes to mind?
Or more specifically… What comes to mind when they think about your church?
What Are “Churches” Known For?
If your church feels like just another church, you’re going to struggle to reach new people.
Denominational churches sometimes get a pass. People moving into a new area often look for “their” denomination’s local outpost. But that’s not mission growth—it’s sheep swapping.
To reach the non-churched, you can’t just be a church.
You need to be known for something. Something specific. Something different.
Because to most outsiders, all churches look the same—and not in a good way.
What Is Your Church Known For?
You don’t need a gimmick. But you do need clarity.
You can’t be known for everything. If you try, you’ll end up being known for… nothing.
Here are a few examples of focused church identities:
A church unchurched people love to attend
A church where people find community that feels like family
A church where hope is available for everyone
A church for the broken, the overlooked, or the curious
Of course, your church might care about all these things. But for the sake of the unreached, you need to choose one—and own it.
Define Your Brand Identity
A brand identity is how you communicate your values, personality, and promises to your community. It’s more than a logo or color palette.
Everything you do communicates.
Your signage. Your sermons. Your kids’ check-in process. Even your bathroom.
Download this FREE GUIDE to help clarify your identity: Church Brand Identity Guide: 23 Questions Every Church Must Answer
Free Resource - Church Brand Identity Guide
Wrapping This Up…
This isn’t quick work. It takes time. You’ll need to reflect, collaborate, and probably edit along the way. That’s okay.
You’re not trying to beat other churches. But you are trying to reach people who need a different kind of church.
Once you’ve defined your identity, your next step is to build your messaging around it and start communicating it clearly and consistently.
But that’s for another post…
✅ Call to Action:
If your church wants to reach the unreached, you must define your identity and align your experience with that identity. Don’t leave it to chance. Download our free Church Brand Identity Guide: 21 Questions Every Church Must Answer to start shaping your church’s future today.
💬 Quotes for Inspiration:
“You’re not competing with other churches, but you are competing with people’s past experiences with church.”
“People don’t reject Jesus as often as they reject the version of Him they experienced through a church.”
“If you try to be known for everything, you’ll end up being known for nothing.”
📚 Resources for Further Learning:
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
- If you need any help working through the questions or want fresh eyes on your church, I’d love to help: Church Accelerator Workshop Information
- Article: How to Make a Guest’s First Sunday Count
One More Thing…
At Church Accelerator, we offer consulting, workshops, content, and community to help churches break through barriers and grow their church.
Work with us in the way that best works for you:
✅ RESOURCES: Save 49 hours every month for only $49.
✅ WORKSHOPS & WORKING SESSIONS: Experience our Church Accelerator Workshop, a 2-day process with your core team where we clarify your vision, dream about your future, discover your current reality, and design an actionable plan.
✅ CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS: Great churches don’t happen by accident. We coach and consult with churches with fewer than 100 attendees to churches with over 10,000 to improve discipleship pathways, communication and preaching, church engagement, and church leadership.
✅ ON-DEMAND EXECUTIVE: Add me to your executive team conversations and get a fresh perspective through a personal partnership.
Starting at just $49 – 🚀 Don’t wait—become a partner today.
Leading WITH You,
Dr. Gavin Adams
