Quit Using the “IF” Word in Church!

by William Cowles

Pastors, leaders, and church communicators – do you want to engage more people in your ministries and missions? OK, then quit stifling interest and enthusiasm by using the “IF” word in church! 

This seemingly simple, unassuming word,  when used carelessly, is an automatic indifference-inducer. Consider these quotes taken from recent church newsletters (I’ve bolded some other off-putting language, as well), and how many opportunities for great mission, ministry, and service will be missed because of “If….”

• If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact….
• If you would like to help…
• If you get a chance, poke your head in sometime and....
• If you’re available most any time tomorrow, please….
• If you're interested in reading about….

Are you motivated? Fired up to take action on those opportunities? How could you muster any enthusiasm? When the call to action is not important to the writer/speaker, it’s not important to the reader/listener.

“If” is a commonly used conditional qualifier that proper church people use because they’re polite – they don’t want to offend a volunteer by seeming pushy. But, it’s not effective. “If” weakens your request or invitation by saying you’re indifferent about the outcome. “If” lets the reader or listener off the hook. “If” gives them permission to respond with “No” and not feel guilty about it.

Here’s a classic “If Memo” taken from a recent church newsletter. It practically apologizes for taking the readers’ time, and saps the energy from the opportunity. I have bolded seven weak, passive, indifferent language uses, and have deleted identifying information:

New Adult Sunday School Opportunity!

If you are an adult who enjoys the ___ service on Sunday mornings and would like to participate in an Adult Sunday School class during the ___ hour, please plan to attend an organizational meeting at 9:00 AM on Sunday, September 8. We will determine interest and discuss curriculum options with the hope of starting our first official class the following Sunday.  If you have questions or would like additional information please feel free to contact ____.

Oh, you say, “But I don’t want to offend people by being too presumptive.” Why not? Is discipleship passive? Did Jesus apologize, defer, and beg? Do we consider it an option to obey God and follow Jesus? Did God suggest, “IF it’s convenient, you should consider having no other gods before me?” Did Jesus say, “IF you have time, I’d appreciate it if you might think about following me?”

You don’t have to be a linguist to recognize and use language that communicates clearly, effectively, and positively. You do have to make a good choice from among at least three ways to make a statement: 

•  Passively:                   IF you think you’d like to join a Bible Study Group….
• Aggressively:            You must join a Bible Study Group….
• Assertively:                When you decide which Bible Study Group to join….

So, stop and look at your newsletters, bulletins, and flyers before they ever go out. Listen to your sermons before you preach them. When you use the passive “IF” word and its mealy-mouthed cousins, you can’t complain about your church's apathy and passive engagement because they simply are practicing what you've been preaching. 

Be assertive – eliminate this un-discipling “if” language from your church’s vocabulary. 

If you think you’ll have time and might want to consider it, of course.