The Microwave Oven
When I was a youth, there was no such thing as a microwave oven. However, the
invention transformed our culture. Only 25% of homes had the device in 1986. Over 90% of homes had the device just 11 years later.
How did the device explode in popularity?
"Jane, you've got to
get a microwave!"
"What's that?"
"It's a device for your kitchen. You can reheat drinks and foods in minutes if not seconds. I have one and it has changed our home life."
Homeowners bought microwaves because their friends and family recommended them.
The lesson? When we are really grateful for what a product has done for our family, we tell others. What do we do
when we are really grateful for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
The Church Website
Where would the unchurched go to learn if the people in the church down the street really
believe that Jesus changes lives? Where would they go to hear stories about how Jesus has made a difference in people's lives? If they are to "buy in" to the idea that Jesus is the answer, where can they read testimonials?
The local church website (and social media channels).
The Church is Communicating that Jesus is NOT the Answer
The Gramazin staff has recently explored the websites of 103 Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) churches in both the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic. We found precisely
one church that published testimonies on their website!
.00971 percent of PCA churches publish testimonies of how Jesus Christ has changed lives.
I conducted a similar study of 2,000 churches 10 years ago and I did not limit that study to the PCA. The study included other evangelical denominations as well as many independent evangelical churches. The results were no different.
An unchurched person has every reason to be skeptical about the alleged faith of those who attend the Bible-believing church down the street. Nobody from that church is willing to go public with their story of rescue and healing by Jesus Christ. Nobody from that church demonstrates the courage to make a public testimonial for the One to whom they allegedly worship each Sunday.
"If they don't really think Jesus has a made a difference in their lives, why should I think He will make a difference in mine?"
The church has a well of testimonies that sit in the pew each Sunday. Our mission at Gramazin is to turn on the spicket so that
those stories of the life-giving water of Jesus Christ flow into the local community from the website of the local church.
May God bless you!
Charles Wagner