Where do we do this?
Everywhere. At Redeemer, we put out the Doubters Welcome Mat at every service and meeting, always expecting and hoping to be “overheard” by those who don’t believe.
First, we believe that worship must be done in such a way that believers can understand and be included. In I Corinthians 14:24-25, Paul asserts that “seekers” are to be expected and accommodated in Christian worship. He demands that the service be conducted in a way that is comprehensible and convicting to outsiders.
Second, we provide classes and “after meetings” where people can be debriefed after services and helped to understand the Christian faith. This is patterned after Acts 2, where nonbelievers were first impressed with the worship of the disciples (“We hear them declaring the wonders of God”), and then received a more thorough exposition of the gospel in response to their question (“What does this mean?” v.11).
Third, we seek to have most of our small groups and service ministries open and inclusive of people regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey.
We are extremely fortunate to minister in a large city, where Christians are not totally able to segregate themselves from others in their relationships. Urban Christians tend to have more good friends among people who don’t believe. At Redeemer, we aim to create a climate where the Christian comes and quickly realizes, “If I brought my unbelieving friends here, they will be surprised to see how attractive and sensible Christianity is.” As long as Christians are having that thought, Redeemer will continue to change many lives.
This is a reprint of a Redeemer Report article by Tim Keller, originally published in 1996.
