5 Lessons I Learned About Unchurched People From A College Basketball Game

One of the challenges for those of us who have attended church for many years is how easy we can forget what it is like for unchurched people to attend your weekend services.
Last night I attended the Clemson-Boston College basketball game in Greenville, SC.  The tickets were a gift from my boss Joe Sangl, the owner of INJOY Stewardship Solutions.  We had a great time but I experienced an interesting moment prior to the game’s tip-off.
Like all colleges, the Clemson crowd had their own pre-game traditions.  They had their own fight songs which we were asked to sing along with.  They had customs like swaying back and forth during the song.  Most dressed the same way.  They even had their own motivational chants.  It was insider language.
Honestly, I did not fit in.  I felt out of place.  I felt everyone was probably staring at me because I wasn’t singing or swaying back and forth.  I was just standing there.  I wasn’t even dressed in orange.  Then it occurred to me this is probably how unchurched people feel when they visit our churches on Sunday.
I had several thoughts as the game started:

1. I Am Glad I Attended With A Friend – Joe talked me through the entire Clemson process and what to expect.  He was more than a friend, he was a guide.  Unchurched people will have a better experience if they attend with a friend.  And for those who come alone, the platform needs to serve as their guide for the morning.
2. Does Your Music Connect With Unchurched People? – During the fight song sing-along, I leaned over and said, “This is what it must be like for unchurched person to attend a service.”  Joe then said something interesting.  He asked me, “Did any of the music draw you in to the experience?”  I said, “No.”  Your music needs to immediately engage unchurched people.
3. Are Our Customs Turning Off The Unchurched? – I definitely felt like an outsider while everyone around me was singing the Clemson fight song.  I was glad when it was finally over.
4. They Were Not Expecting Visitors – If they were, they would have put the words to the Clemson fight song on the scoreboard.  Most churches put the words to songs on the screens.  But what about your parking, signage, seating, clean facilities, children’s area, your Bible passages and how your services are planned and delivered?  Is your weekend experience telling visitors you were expecting them and are glad they are there?
5. They Were Having Fun – Even though I didn’t know what they were doing, they were certainly having a good time doing it.  And I found that attractive.  I wanted to have fun too.  If invited to another Clemson game, I will definitely come back.  Are your services fun and do the people look like they are happy to be there?  If so, the unchurched will find your passion for Jesus attractive as well and they will come back.

And if they come back, they will find God.

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