Church Uses "Drive Thru Prayer" to Reach Out - Good Idea?

[James Nored]

Here is an article on a church that offers "Drive Through Prayer." While the article talks about this as a "church of convenience" offering, I do not think of it as this. This is not the same as drive through communion--something that is meant to be taken communally. 

No, this to me seems like an innovative idea that could catch the attention of seekers who drive by the sign who might be looking for prayer. Perhaps they have had a bad day or a bad life. Sometimes people are so desperate, they will try anything.

However, unchurched people do not automatically seek out churches for help. They may not believe that they will be welcomed due to all of the negative stereotypes out there about churches and Christians. They may feel some internal guilt about their lives which may make them stay away.

So this seems to me to be a brilliant way to let people know that they are welcome, meet a felt spiritual need that some may have, and perhaps be able to touch them during a moment of crisis.

What are you thoughts on "Drive Thru Prayer? Good idea or not? Why or why not?

[James Nored]

Here is a website that someone sent me of a "drive thru church," which takes the issue quite a bit further.

http://driveinchurch.net/

[James Nored]

Thanks, @Apostle, for sharing your thoughts. Yes, few people turn down prayer during times of crisis. I know that I don't!

[Phyllis Jane Ryser]

This is probably a very good way to reach out to hurting people.  I know a fellow who is very vocal about his faith.  He says the people in grocery story checkout centers, shopping malls, and gas stations sometimes ask him for prayers.

I know there are many, many people will tell their troubled stories to anyone who will listen. They are especally looking for strangers who do not know their family or friends.  Therefore an invitation to prayer would be especially appealing if they were offered prayer in safe and free environment.

 

[James Nored]

Thank you, @Phyllis! Yes, there are a lot a hurting people out there. Hopefully we can reach them in many different ways.

[Chancellor C. Roberts II]

James Nored said:

Here is a website that someone sent me of a "drive thru church," which takes the issue quite a bit further.

http://driveinchurch.net/

[Chancellor C. Roberts II]

More "let's-make-everything-convenient-for-me" syncretism.