Seeker-Sensitive versus Seeker-centered Ministry

It has been nearly four years since I left my non-denomination pastorate, and joined the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Since then, I have observed a number of different issues that divide this group of people and pastors I have come to love. These tumults usually occur as the church struggles between two different focal points. The first, is that our rich heritage is maintained, a constant support for our people, in a world that is neither constant, or supportive. The second group, valuing the grace we are given in faith, desires to broadcast that faith in such a manner as people can hear it, and then respond. The tension occurs when these two aims collide, or appear to collide.

For instance, one of these issues revolves around a Church Growth concept called being “seeker-sensitive”. For some in the church-growth world, this means abandoning the historic practices of their faith, in order to focus their ministry towards pure evangelism. It is more what I would consider being “seeking-centered” in their approach to ministry, than sensitive. The opposite extreme is being tradition-centered, wherein on writer commented, “I would have no qualms whatsoever about telling people who struggle with books and hymnals and sitting and standing and chanting and whatnot that perhaps the Evangelical Lutheran Church is not the place for them, and that they would probably be much happier at the Willowback megachurch up the street.” (http://www.lutherquest.org/cgi-bin/discus40/discus.cgi )

I think, to be honest, that both sides miss the concept of being “seeker-sensitive”. A “seeker-sensitive” Lutheran Church, in my opinion, does not have to abandon its practices, nor does it have to turn a cold shoulder to those who visit from non-church backgrounds, and from other traditions.

I think it is possible, even as we pass down the faith we have received, to seriously consider and understand the practices that have passed it down successfully to us. I also believe we can do this in a way that is inviting and educates those that are new to it.
Here are a couple of ideas.
1. In the liturgy, teach the liturgy. Explain why we have the parts of the liturgy in the service. Find a way to do this that is natural and doesn’t interrupt the flow of the service.
2. Have members who act as “hosts” to new people. These members should have two qualities. One – they should be knowledgeable in the Liturgy and able to explain its components. Two - they must be hospitable, able to make the visitor feel welcome. This also requires training and practice. Ushers could know who these people are, and guide visitors to sit near them.
3. Choose your hymns and music wisely. Hymns which have difficult rhythms, or that are in keys too high for the congregation to sing, will have a negative effect on the congregation. Learn to use the “transposer” on organs, and even more, learn how to use the metrical index.
4. Announce page numbers occasionally.
5. Make sure signage is adequate. Long time members know where the bathrooms are – but can a visitor with a 2 year old about to have an “accident” find them? What about the pastors office? Or Sunday School? Where are they?
6. Have informational brochures available to explain more of the service in depth. Include a couple fo them, with a list of what is available, in the visitors packets. ( if you write them – please send me copies!)

A lot of what is behind “seeker-sensitivity” and church growth, is common sense. It doesn’t require betraying our past, in fact – it invites it being shared, and that it will be passed on – for generations to come.