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“What is a pew warmer? A pew warmer is a person who does not get involved in their church; they only attend church on Sundays and they are content in doing so. When a church is healthy, people are excited about lending their gifts to the up-building of their local church and the Body of Christ as a whole.
However, if the only time a church sees a rise in volunteerism is when the pastor lays a huge guilt trip on his or her congregation, something is wrong. When a church’s environment is a healthy one, you should never have to inflict guilt upon people in order to get them involved. They will have a heart to serve, not out of guilt but out of desire.”
Taken from 5 Signs You Are Part of an Unhealthy Church,
Marielle Thomas, Christian Post
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I think one of the keys is discipleship. When “Christ Followers” are going deeper in their faith, they get excited about the advancement of the Kingdom. Participating in that advancement is irresistible!
A new phenomenon are those who aren’t “warming the pew” but only attending group gatherings in lieu of the worship service (yet many are serving).
This issue often times gets boiled down to church vs alternatives and it shouldn’t. Going to a gathering where scripture is read, shared and taught is crucial but only a part of a growing walk. What if the Elders of the church served the people and their gifts. What if the goal became the more mature would selflessly serve to show the others everything God had for them. What if they prayed together in the Holy Spirit, spent time in Gods word, in fellowship and in group (small or otherwise) studies and spent time sharing the Gospel. Although this requires more time energy and effort from the lead sheep with the bell down, it will ultimately inspire more involvement and growth.
We embrace “pew warmers”. Oftentimes these folks have served for many years in our churches. We respect that and think that each of us have times when we need to rest in the Lord. To look at them differently is to label them and that isn’t what Jesus taught.
I have to agree with PJ here. I connect volunteers at my church..that is how I serve. I’ve been told by several people who are volunteer coordinators that you should take someone off the list after 3 contacts. Unless a potential volunteer tells me they don’t want to hear from me again, I will continue to touch base once a month or so. Last weekend, I served with someone who I contacted the first time a year ago! She needed some down time, but when she was ready, I was there to help her!Just keep reminding people that being the Hands & Feet is an amazing experience, and eventually, hopefully, they will join you.
Guess we first need to discern why they’re warming the pew. Yes, we all need time out to rest and refuel, but part of the discovery process is knowing your people.
In a large church there usually are pew warmers. Those people need to be there and hear God’s Word and praise and worship with disciples. Many times however, the people who’ve just been sitting in the pew are not always aware of opportunities. Sometomes, hearing the available opportunities in the Large Group helps some people slide off those seats (we don’t have pews)and get involved. Hearing the pastor say these are important things (not guilting them) can make a difference.
I agree with Pam that people don’t always know what opportunities are out there and don’t know what is involved in being a part of them. It should be our mission with God’s help by prayer to let everyone know what is available and how they can be involved. Let’s not blame them without looking at what we’re doing for them to help them first.