These are survey questions for your church's neighborhood:
- Are you an active member of a nearby church? If the answer is yes, the interview stops there. Wish the person well, but remember that you are looking for the opinion of the unchurched.
- What do you think is the greatest need in (insert the name of your area or community)?
- Why do you think most people don't attend church? Be sure you don't change the working of this key question.
- If you were looking for a church in the area, what kinds of things would you look for?
- What advice would you give me as the pastor of a nearby church? What, for example, could I do for you?
Take notes as you talk, then leave the person a brochure describing your church. When you have 100 pages of notes, study them for a long time in an attitude of prayer. You should find you have a good handle on the felt needs of the unchurched in your area.
Regal Books, Leading Your Church to Growth, by C. Peter Wagner