No one wants to be part of a church made up only of mature believers.
The real mission of the church is reaching new people in our communities—seekers, skeptics, and those curious about Jesus—and helping them understand the gospel in a way that feels clear, honest, and accessible.
If your congregation includes people who are new to faith (or not sure what they believe at all), here are seven practical tips to help you communicate clearly and connect deeply with seekers.
1. Always Explain the Context and Characters
When preaching from the Bible, never assume your audience knows the background.
Take a moment to explain who the author is, who the audience was, and what’s happening in the passage. For example:
“Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a city known for its cultural diversity and moral challenges.”
This small step helps seekers follow along without feeling lost or intimidated—and it benefits longtime believers too.
2. Define Biblical Words Clearly
Words like righteousness, justification, and sanctification are central to Scripture, but they may be unfamiliar to many listeners.
Use these important terms, but slow down long enough to explain them in everyday language. Clarity builds confidence and helps seekers engage instead of tuning out.
3. Use Stories, Humor, and Illustrations
People connect with stories long before they connect with theology.
Stories and humor make truth relatable and memorable—especially for seekers who may not yet care deeply about the message itself. Illustrations give people a reason to lean in and stay engaged.
A helpful mindset is to preach as if people don’t care yet—then give them a reason to care.
4. Help People Find the Biblical Text
If you’re asking people to open a Bible, guide them clearly.
Say things like:
“We’re in 1 Corinthians, chapter 5. It’s about two-thirds of the way through the Bible.”
This removes unnecessary friction and encourages seekers to engage with Scripture instead of feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed.
5. Acknowledge Doubts and Questions
Many seekers come to church with real doubts—and pretending otherwise creates distance.
Say it out loud:
“You might be wondering if this Jesus thing is actually true. That’s a fair question.”
This kind of honesty makes people feel seen and welcomed, creating space for real exploration instead of pressure.
6. Answer the Questions They’re Actually Asking
Seekers often have questions about difficult or controversial topics—sexual ethics, forgiveness, hypocrisy, or suffering.
Even if they don’t agree with everything you say, they will respect that you’re engaging their real concerns thoughtfully and honestly.
Avoid strawman answers. Speak to the questions beneath the questions.
7. Be Honest About Your Weaknesses
Authenticity builds trust faster than polish.
Share appropriate stories about doubt, failure, or growth in your own life. This breaks down the assumption that pastors “have it all together” and shows seekers that faith is a journey, not a performance.
People are far more likely to listen when they believe you’re human.
Final Thought
Preaching with seekers in mind doesn’t water down the gospel—it clarifies it.
Mature believers have doubts too. Clear, compassionate teaching helps everyone grow. When you preach in a way that welcomes seekers, you create a church culture that is accessible, honest, and deeply inviting.
If you’re preaching or teaching, keep these principles in mind—and trust that God will use clarity, humility, and grace to draw people closer.
At Mission Support, we help churches like yours streamline operations, improve communication, and build stronger teams. Whether it’s branding, strategic planning, or website development, we partner with pastors so they can focus on what matters most.
Need help getting your systems in place? Let’s talk.👉 Click HERE to set up a meeting.
Hungry for more?
This post is just the tip of the iceberg. Most of this content comes straight from our Practical Church Podcast—a bi-weekly show packed with real-world insights, honest conversations, and practical solutions for life in and around the Church.
🎧 Catch the full episode here → Watch Now