How Does Your Community View Your Church?

By Bart L. Denny, Ph.D., Th.M.

How does your community view your church?

Do you even know?

Here’s how to find out: go to the nearest grocery store and ask the cashier. Visit a local coffee shop, gas station, or hardware store and strike up a conversation. Ask, “What do you know about [your church’s name]?” You’ll get answers—maybe not what you were hoping for, but honest ones. Chances are, your church has either a good reputation, a bad one… or none at all.

Let me be blunt: whatever your church’s reputation—good, bad, or nonexistent—you’ve earned it. You might think some of it is unfair, and you may even be right. But the community has formed a perception, and that’s what you’ve got to work with.

I remember talking with the chairman of the deacons at a church that had a poor reputation in town. He seemed to think the community had judged them unfairly. But here’s the reality: fair or not, perception is reality in terms of community witness. That’s the soil you’re planting in.

In this case, I don’t think the reputation was entirely unjustified. The church had suffered through bitter internal conflict, resulting in the pastor’s abrupt resignation. Whether all the blame belonged to the church or not, it gave the impression of being a pastor-eating congregation. Worse, the church had no visible outreach—even though it sat in a prominent location. Meanwhile, another church just up the road, similar in size, was clearly engaged in community ministry. Visit the two churches on a Sunday morning, and the contrast was obvious: one felt cold and uninviting—like a mother-in-law’s kiss; the other felt warm, friendly, and excited to welcome guests.

Did that church deserve its bad reputation? I’ll let you judge. But I bet you can guess what I think.

In today’s culture, it’s even more common to find churches that don’t have a reputation at all. I’ve pastored one. You could ask the store employees next door about the church, and they’d say, “What church?” It had simply faded from the community’s awareness. Internal issues still simmered, but no one outside noticed—because the church had stopped making any impact.

These “invisible” churches often blame their irrelevance on the community: “No one wants to go to church anymore.” But let’s be honest. Hanging a shingle isn’t enough. Hoping people will just show up won’t cut it.

So what can be done? Repairing your church’s reputation—whether broken or blank—requires more than a quick fix. There are no silver bullets. Hiring a young pastor with a young family won’t magically attract other young families. It’s a complex process that takes time, humility, prayer, and intentionality.

I could write a book on it (and maybe I will), but here are four first steps to get started:

1. Own Your Reputation

Don’t deflect or defend—own it. As a church, you’ve contributed to the perception others hold. Even if it feels unfair, your community didn’t imagine your presence or absence. So admit the problem. Confess it to one another and to God. Repent. Especially as leaders, make a clear decision to acknowledge what led your church to this place and commit to doing better.

2. Pray—Together and Outward

Many churches pray—but usually only for the needs inside the walls. Prayer lists often focus solely on health concerns for saved people. Of course we should pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, but don’t stop there. Begin praying corporately for your community: its needs, families, schools, addictions, marriages, and lost souls. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His—and to use your church as an instrument of Gospel transformation.

3. Act Like You Expect Visitors

You’d be surprised how often churches make it hard for guests to attend. Start with the basics: Is your service time easy to find—on signage, your website, and social media? Is the building entrance clearly marked? Are the bathrooms clean? Is there someone warm and welcoming at the door? Assign this to a friendly greeter (not Eeyore), and make sure no one walks in unnoticed or unwelcome. A few clear directional signs and a clutter-free environment can go a long way toward helping visitors feel at ease.

4. Ditch the Insider Language

This one’s a pet peeve of mine. So many churches fill their announcements and bulletins with insider talk: “See Bonnie Sue if you want to bring something to the potluck.” That’s great—if everyone knows Bonnie Sue. But newcomers don’t. Include last names, contact info, or better yet, a simple sign-up sheet. Communicate like you expect new people to show up—and to stick around.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a starting point. The good news? Your church can regain—or gain—a Gospel witness in your community. It won’t happen overnight. It will require repentance, prayer, planning, and a servant’s heart. But with God’s help, it’s possible.

What other simple steps can a church take to rebuild its reputation and reach its neighbors? I’d love to hear your thoughts—chime in below!