Get Rid of the DoorStop

There are many who do not understand what it is to be Christian even if they have heard of our Father, Jehovah (YHWH). Some want to know but there are many reasons why people shy away from learning due to troubles, misconceptions, or just plain lack of knowledge through hearing and believing lies about what it is to be a Christ follower. The name given to these individuals is unchurched. Personally, I am not fond of that term because some would misconstrue that by saying we are just trying to get people into the church for their money which is an obvious misconception. Of course we are not to go around calling them pagan Gentiles and such, so how about just calling them Lost Brothers and Sisters.
These Lost folk have either been affected negatively early on or completely left in the dark while they are searching out the truth.  We are commissioned to seek the lost and bring them home. This does not mean to say, “Hi I’m _____ from ______ come with me on Sunday”. No. How about asking questions and inviting them to get to know Jesus first then if they wish to know more is when the invitation to the church body should take place. Getting to know who Jesus is much more important than how much they can put in the offering (which some feel obliged to do because they do not want to be embarrassed or harassed). For the people who were church goers in their youth but judged harshly or witnessed others being judged by their Christian Brothers and Sisters, or even had poor models of Christian leadership which failed their needs, this may be a long journey home. 
What are some other fears and misnomers do we have to conquer in order to bring the lost back home???     
Well, for starters, the lost are unsure what is needed to be found and welcomed home. How do we start fixing this?? Teach them that being a Christian means being in a relationship with Jesus and other Christians. Yes there are rules and regulations to follow, but those are natural changes to a person’s life when the relationship with Christ and other Christians is built in Christ’s Love shown from all involved. God’s Agape Love needs to be explained and reciprocation encouraged through showing and sharing with others. Of course the God’s Love for us includes our understanding and following the rules and guidelines set before us in Scripture. When all is fully realized and accepted we may welcome a lost Brother or Sister home.
We need to be prepared to answer questions with life examples but most importantly through Scripture. Questions of faith can and should be answered through Scripture references followed with true life examples. Remember, to some people seeing is the start of believing in order to move to believing is seeing with the heart.  
Some believe they need to gain God’s favor through doing good works that would help in getting into Heaven. Understand, first and foremost, that God desires in us a loving faith and belief in Him through showing obedience in His Word. Being a faithful servant and living a godly life is what He needs from us.
When bringing a lost person into the church for the first time there may be an overwhelming sense of awe in the excitement of the worship and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere (as long as it truly exists) by others in the church. This is normal so do not downplay it or over exaggerate it. This might be so overwhelming that they do not come back because of their guilty feelings.
A challenge many face is when they question God in the face of tragedy. Be truthful, we have all done it at least once. God is not to blame. Bad things do happen to good people, it is the natural course of events and as harsh as it seems, a part of the plan. How we deal with those things may dictate future events. It is normal but to get over it. We also must teach people how to let go and let God. Yes God gave us free will but that does not mean He does not guide and direct our lives. There are things that people try to control things they are not meant to. Giving over to God eases the mind and helps people get through things with less stress. It is a matter of trust. It is not easy and requires much prayer but the sincere prayer in and true prayers in desperation is heard louder than the routine mundane prayer. 
The simple sermon also grabs the attention. One thing that might scare a lost person is overly theologically sounding sermons. Ensure that if the sermon is above the head that simpler (layman’s terms) explanation is best. On the subject of the church service itself, new or prospective believers who are subjected to a show church (flashy/concert type) tend to be turned off when just learning about Christ. Those services tend to be less instructive which can lead to a distorted Christian worldview. Remember worship is more than a song. People who see other people of all ages learning and loving Christ through worship are more apt to desire to want to welcome Jesus into their hearts.
The lost (unchurched) need to find the doorstop and remove it. They need to realize that Jesus was and is waiting with His foot in the door. It is up to them to open it.
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