Yep. It’s about church research and retention.
However, as a pastor, I’m amazed at the number of guests we have that seem to be isolated and ignored.
People’s response: “We don’t want them to seem overwhelmed.”
My response: “Anyone worried about ‘underwhelming’ them?”
After that, it is one which preaches sound doctrine and has a congregation who seem genuinely interested in helping each other.
I believe it is these type of places which will fill needed leadership voids when TSHTF and many of our present ruling class get the Nicolae & Elena Ceaușescu treatment.
I do wonder, though, if the question ever gets asked. Personally it doesn’t bother me in the slightest if everyone around me doesn’t shake my hand in the ‘passing of the peace’ or whatever it’s called these days.
I do mind very much, however, if I’m made to sing worship team pablum off the contemporary Christian hit charts and then subjected to a message that isn’t centered on God’s Word. I don’t consider either of those things reverent to God, and since reverence is the reason I go to church, I’d rather see those things than feeling ‘isolated’. If I want handshakes, I’ll go and get them myself.
/ rimshot