It has been estimated that the total number of unchurched/unsaved people in America is large enough to be the 5th largest nation in the world. But, there are two types of unchurched: modern and postmodern. And ministry to the two is very different.
Most “seeker/guest-sensitive” churches focus on ministry to moderns. Moderns are people who:
Have a church background
Are monotheistic
Have a mostly western, Judeo-Christian mindset
These people may have left the church at one point in time because they did not find it interesting to them, for one reason or another. To reach them the modern church has created a worship style and atmosphere that doesn’t not look or feel “churchy”. It is bright, airy, upbeat, and contemporary. Sermons are designed to appeal to “felt needs”, using Scriptures to frame the points and applications to “take home”. Music is designed to sound like what is listened to on the radio. They put on a tremendous, and effective, show.
Destination God, on the other hand, is designed to look and feel like church. Not traditional church. Ancient church.
Lights will be dimmed
Music will be eclectic
Candles might be used
Ancient Christian images, like crosses, will be prominently displayed
Artistry and poetry will be celebrated and used
There are periods of quiet reflection and meditation
An ancient hymn is included with an explanation of its origin and Scriptural basis
There are interactive prayer stations where the gathering’s theme is reinforced through multisensory and participatory exercises
This is because the emerging generation values the ancient. Postmoderns:
Have little or no church background
Are much more likely to be pluralistic, that is, “all paths lead to God”
Have a mindset that is more eastern/mystical
Learn through interaction and participation
Want to be able to use their artistic and creative talents in worship
Destination God is a place where the worship of God means more than singing and preaching.
It is a multisensory worship experience where periods of quiet reflection and meditation, poetry, and the arts are celebrated and encouraged.
Destination God is missional. We look beyond ourselves, to the community, nation, and world as a whole. Our focus is being involved in helping to solve the problems in our society.
Our ultimate vision is to create Destination God: The Practice of Vintage Faith for the emerging generations. This will be a radical departure both for us and for our community. But, sometimes, I think God calls us to a "radical departure".