Confessions of a Pew Warmer

I've heard the term "pew warmer" as a derogatory way of calling people who do not participate in church functions. As someone who can be called that, let me offer my perspective on how to add more "pew warmers".

1. Overload on programs and events with auxiliary duties not related directly to evangelism. Sunday morning. Sunday nights. Wednesday nights. Cook offs. Missionary Tuesdays. Mowing. Nursery duty. Vacation Bible School. And don't forget Saturday morning prayer at 7am.

2. Forget that we don't live in a 1950's culture. A generation or two ago, we had the father work as the breadwinner, and the mother took care of the children. Today, people work more in a service economic sector that requires work at nights and weekends, what with the disappearance of manufacturing jobs. With single parent and dual income households, leisure and family time is at a minimum, and helping your kids with their homework takes precedent over washing dishes at Youth Pastor Appreciation Night.

3. Schedule corporate prayer time at an un Godly hour. I've heard of a couple scheduled at 7am, one by a pastor with no kids to take care of, and wondered why attendance was sluggish. Some people have other priorities, such as being at a job on time. If certain pastors had to punch time clocks, maybe they would appreciate this more (but the Pastor was already at his place of work, so no problem).

4. When people are unable to attend functions and services, use it as a velvet wedge of disapproval. It creates an us versus them: the saints that are present at every church function, and the heathen who only come to church at their convenience. After all, if the widower Jones can make Sunday evening service, it's just too bad that Mary with two kids ages five and three couldn't make it, but I guess she has other things to do besides attending church three times a week, bless her heart. But she is praying for her.

5. Treating visitors special while neglecting regular members. Visitors can be treated very special in churches, Songs sung to them, gifts, handshakes, and dinner invitations. How well do you treat a fellow member? Are they having a hard time? Are they feeling overwhelmed? It's hard to be in Church whenever the doors are open when you have family issues and work two jobs. People going through such issues when judged according to their attendance are eventually called former members. Wouldn't it almost be nice if you could not accept visitors because the church was too full with regular members.

6. Call people "pew warmers." Alienate more people with names and judgment and give them a reason to hate church and not come back.