Interview with an Unchurched Friend # 2

Age: 20
Sex: Female


1. Have you had any past experience attending a Christian church? What was your experience like? (Please include the church denomination, if possible)
     I attended Lutheran church regularly as a child and adolescent. I was confirmed in the Lutheran church. My experiences there were pleasant. It was always a relaxing atmosphere and everyone was friendly as it was a small congregation and everyone was quite familiar.


2. Have you had past experience with serving in a church? Where did you serve/what did you do?   
     As part of confirmation we would all take turns having the responsibility of helping out with the services, including lighting the candles, helping with communion, and collecting the offering.


3. Why do you choose to not attend church regularly?
     I would honestly like to attend church regularly I just currently do not have the desire to motivate myself to get up and go although that is not my wish that is just how it is at the time.


4. What are some issues you see in the christian church right now that may be keeping you from attending a church?
     I do not really see too many issues in the Christian church that are holding my back I believe internal issues hold me back from attending. If anything would hold me back involving the church it would only be fear of judgment by other members.


5. What is something, or some things, that you see the church is currently doing well?
     I believe the church is doing very well at accepting new members and keeping teens and adolescents more involved which in turn will make them feel more important and necessary to the church.


6. Do you think there is any advantage to serving in a church and attending, rather than simply attending without serving in a ministry?
     I believe serving again can help create a feeling of importance and necessity as well as belonging.


7. In your opinion, what should the church's role be in the community? How about in the world?
     I believe the church should be a safe haven in a community as well as a helping hand to those in need in the community whether members or not. To the world, I believe the church should also be a safe haven, somewhere to go and be peaceful in your thoughts as well as a way to spread hope and belief in a brighter future to other countries.


8. How would you describe Jesus?
     I would describe Jesus as the central figure of Christianity and God's son who gave his life for us. 


9. Why do you think attending church is important to many people?
     I believe attending church is important to many people because it allows them to be alone in their thoughts and experience peace and hope. I can see church as an outlet after a hectic week of school or work or perhaps an outlet to request forgiveness after a mistake has been made. I also believe church is simply a part of life to many people therefore they go without giving it a thought such as people go to the grocery store because they need to, I believe some people need to go to church because that is simply how they were raised and how they live.


10. How could a local Christian church change, or what could they add, that would interest you in attending the church or getting involved?
     I love getting involved in ways that help others. I still lend a hand and help others through other ways besides the church. However, in order to help out in the church I think I would need to feel more of a sense of welcoming new help. As I said in a smaller congregation, to me it is difficult to fit in right away when others have been there for so long and have known each other for so long. I also do not know enough going on to be helpful. Perhaps more of a drawing in to bring attention, something that could seem more relaxed such as a social of some sort that would allow someone who has not been to church regularly to consider going without feeling pressure or concern of being judged.


My Response: 
This friend was one of my very best friends growing up. While she is no longer attending a church or really following Jesus... it is very good to see the beautiful things that exist in her heart. She has a servant's heart and sees the value of working together as a team to serve a greater cause. It seems like her biggest hesitation to really get involved in a church isn't the motivation to just get out of bed in the morning. I think she needs someone to really love her and tell her that she is welcome and so precious to God and his purposes, even though she hasn't lived the typical "church person's life". I can see incredible leadership potential in her to advance the kingdom of God and spread the pure, life-giving love of Jesus. She sees the value in helping people get excited about life and understanding that they have a purpose. I want Jesus to use that in her so, so much. I would love for my friend to know Jesus. 


This interview tool is incredibly precious and eye opening for me today. It's easy for us to assume what someone's view of the church is or what they're hungry for in life if we only make our judgements based on observation. I'm going to start praying today about the best way to start caring for my friend and connecting with her again. I'd love for her to come visit church with me. This interview tool is beautiful because it reminds us that there is more. There is more to a person than the destructive life style they live in. Jesus sees their heart, their hurts, their gifts, their potential.... He knows how free and alive they'd be if they knew him and came alive in following him. I want to see people like Jesus does. I want to see this sweet friend of mine like Jesus does and bless her the way she's always blessed me. Bless her the way Jesus blessed me in introducing me to what really being alive is like.