Sermon Outline Title: God’s Blueprint for an Attractive Church
Bible Text: Philippians 2:1-7
Theme: The biblical principles that attract people to a church are the same principles God instructed us to follow thousands of years ago
Big Idea: People are drawn to churches that offer authentic community, biblical teaching, genuine worship, and Christ-like example—all principles God commanded in Scripture long before modern research confirmed their importance.
1. Sense of Belonging and Real Relationships (Philippians 2:1 – “consolation of love”)
a. People want community, not just a service to attend
b. Real relationships matter more than programs
c. The Bible calls us to genuine fellowship and love for one another
2. Strong Biblical Preaching That Connects to Real Life (Pew Research: 83%)
a. People want God’s Word applied to their everyday struggles
b. Preaching must be both biblically sound and practically relevant
c. Truth without application leaves people unchanged
3. A Welcoming, Non-Judgmental Culture (Philippians 2:1 – “affection and mercy”)
a. Especially important from church leadership
b. A warm church creates an atmosphere of acceptance
c. People need to feel they can trust their leaders
4. Meaningful, Spiritual Worship (Philippians 2:1 – “encouragement in Christ”)
a. Pew Research found about 75% said worship experience influenced their decision
b. Worship must be authentic, not fake or superficial
c. Fellowship with the Spirit creates genuine spiritual encounters
5. A Sense of Purpose: Caring and Serving (Philippians 2:2 – “focusing on one goal”)
a. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves
b. Sharing the same love and thinking the same way unites the church
c. A family-friendly church gives everyone a role and purpose
6. Authenticity and Sincerity Over Superficiality (Philippians 2:4)
a. People of all ages are drawn to genuine churches, not trendy or consumer-focused ones
b. Looking out for others’ interests shows sincere care
c. Authenticity in the church reflects Christ’s character
7. Family Friendly and Family Supporting
a. Churches that support kids, marriages, and parenting attract families
b. Strong families build strong churches
c. Biblical family values create a welcoming environment for all generations
8. No Drama, Divisions, or Scandals (Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit”)
a. People avoid churches filled with bickering and backbiting
b. Humility means considering others more important than yourself
c. Unity and peace make a church attractive to the lost
Illustration
Modern research tells us what draws people to churches—community, biblical preaching, welcoming leadership, meaningful worship, purpose, authenticity, family support, and drama-free environments. But here’s the amazing thing: God told us to do all of these exact things thousands of years ago in Scripture! It’s not new. What’s new in our generation is actually fulfilling what the Bible has instructed us to do. When we follow God’s blueprint in Philippians 2, we become the kind of church people are searching for—not because we’re trendy, but because we’re biblical.
Alliterated Main Points
• Belonging (Real relationships and community)
• Biblical (Strong preaching that connects)
• Benevolent (Welcoming and non-judgmental)
• Blessed (Meaningful worship experience)
• Big-Picture (Sense of purpose in serving)
• Believable (Authenticity over superficiality)
• Building Families (Family-friendly support)
• Brother-Love (No drama or divisions)
Conclusion / Invitation
Jesus emptied Himself of being God of all and King of kings to fulfill His mission. Likewise, we followers of Christ must empty ourselves of who we are and how important we think we are to be the kind of believers that will bring many to Christ. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). This gets back to the example you set for people—be a Christ-like example and you will bring people to Jesus, you will influence everyone around you, and you will never be ashamed. Our words mean nothing if our life example doesn’t back them up. Will you commit today to being the kind of church member that makes this church irresistible to a lost and dying world?