The guts to go barefoot

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/mission/missionthinking/would_your_church_go_barefoot/

[sydneyanglicans.net] 19 Feb 2009--Something strange is happening in my neighbourhood. The local bowling club is going ‘barefoot’ to attract new and younger members.

They’ve kept the same game but thrown out the stodginess - you don’t have to dress up, its very laid back, and everyone is welcome.They’re advertising in the local papers and there’s a banner on the Roseville Bridge. I got a flyer in the letterbox and two personal invitations! Six months ago I wouldn’t have known where the club was - now I’ve been along. Members were bending over backwards to be helpful and see us enjoy ourselves. I’m going to accept the invitation to come back again.

Lots of Sydneysiders would see our local church like the bowling club - nice old people who get together for a fast dying pursuit that is of little interest to the next generation. Bowling clubs also sit on some very valuable real estate, are struggling to attract new members, and are being sold for more profitable activities.

Is your church prepared to reform itself as radically as the local bowling club? I was really impressed that the club was not content to see the future as a museum to its glory days. Here are some lessons....