Some churches are bold enough to reach beyond their own walls. For a more progressive church, this could involve setting up a booth at a pride festival. Churches engage in parades and community activities and offer free babysitting during their Vacation Bible School and summer camps, hoping to encourage parents to attend the final program of the event. While these activities may be presented as a means to “save souls,” their primary aim often serves as a recruitment strategy.
In many contemporary churches, systems are in place to warmly welcome individuals at the entrance, address their inquiries, and connect them with the congregation and the church’s mission. This practice of excessive kindness, often observed with new pastors, is referred to as the honeymoon phase. During this time, the community expresses immense joy over a new pastor, overwhelming them with praise while reserving their grievances for later.
Travel Tips for the Desert – Part 3
Travel Tips for the Desert – Part 2
Travel Tips for the Desert – Part 1
Our New Course is ready to review for FREE! Start Here
YouTube Playlist – click here
Religious Trauma Resources
The Desert Sanctuary Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-desert-sanctuary/id1345562241
Karl Forehand is a former pastor, podcaster, and award-winning author. His books include Out into the Desert, Leaning Forward, Apparent Faith: What Fatherhood Taught Me About the Father’s Heart, The Tea Shop and Being: A Journey Toward Presence and Authenticity. He is the creator of The Desert Sanctuary podcast and community. He is married to his wife Laura of 35 years and has one dog named Winston. His three children are grown and are beginning to multiply! You can read more about the author here.
The Desert Sanctuary 
Leave a comment