The Christian's prime directive is the great commission given to the disciples by Jesus.  Matthew records the account in Chapter 28:18-20: 

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:  and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of they world. Amen." 

Jesus left His disciples with a purpose to tell the good news of His coming, His crucifixion, and His rising from the dead after three days in the grave.  They were to teach the people to repent of their sins to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  They were to baptize those who came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and to teach them to remember Him with the Lord's Supper.  Then they were to teach them all that He had taught them.  The Book of Acts tells the story of their efforts.  They were empowered to carry out Jesus' commands by the Holy Spirit.

That prime directive still stands relevant for today's Believers.  Nothing has changed from the time Jesus issued His command.  If Jesus were to come today, I fear He would find us unfaithful.  We have strayed from our mission.  Many are simply ill-equipped and uncertain on how to witness.  Many are uneducated on the Word of God.  In short, they have not prepared themselves to fulfill God's command.  We rely on the Holy Spirit, but we must be willing and teachable.

Often a social gospel of meeting physical needs is preferred rather than risk offending someone by telling them what the Bible says.  In the process of meeting spiritual needs, physical needs will also be met.  When a seeker becomes a Believer, God steps in to provide and help in times of need.  Without God, the needy are left struggling on their own.  Yet, God wants no one to perish but all to come to Him (2 Peter 3:9). 

Too often we try to adapt our churches into something that is more acceptable to the seeker.  The result in my opinion is catastrophic.  The world creeps in as we try to make church less intimidating.  We don't want to offend or to cause someone to decide not to come.  We want a watered down message so they can understand and be saved.

My experience with a seeker friendly church was horrible.  At first new ways to foster church growth were exciting, but before long, I realized that the Believer was pushed aside to welcome the seeker.  Wonderful!  Unfortunately, to be seeker acceptable, we removed the Bibles from the pew, moved the observance of the Lord's Table to an evening, and changed our worship style so it would be more like what the seekers listen to away from church.  Soon there was a church full of seeking people.  Were they seeking God? Yes, some were, but many were seeking fun and entertaining activities for their children.  People enjoyed the coffee and donut time more than they did the Bible study time.  Bible study evolved into self-help books and popular works of Christian authors.  We were hearing man's understanding but not the Word.  Fellowship was a big hit, but studying the Word didn't seem to be as attractive.  Finally the name of our church was changed so the denominational designation would not be a put-off to the seekers.  Anything that would cause offense to the seeker was removed or hidden.  The church became so seeker friendly, there seemed little distinction from the world's ways.  As long as everyone was having fun, then all must be well seemed to be the thinking. 

Here is a comparison of seeker oriented worship versus God oriented worship:

Our primary focus must always be on the spiritual.  Think of the progression of the prime directive's steps:  teaching first, then baptizing.  Church is the gathering place for the Believer first, with all who will join them welcome.  Let us not make the mistake of moving our focus off discipling the Believers.  For the seeker who does not have Jesus is incapable of being discipled in spiritual things.  Many of us know people who sit in church for years without ever making a profession of faith.  Did the weekly lessons and preaching make a difference?  No, because they are incapable of understanding spiritual things.  To understand spiritual truths, one must be saved. Does that mean they are unwelcome in church?  No, but we must be more diligent to teach and train those who are seeking so they can understand their need for the Savior Jesus.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him:  neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  1 Corinthians 2:14

Seekers can be ministered to via home visitation where they can hear the salvation message.  Home visits can also be used for basic discipleship.  Developing a personal relationship will lead to a mentoring relationship and will provide needed accountability for the new believer.  One on one teaching will quickly bring a new believer up to speed on basic doctrines so they will feel more comfortable in the new environment of a church family. 

I am trained in sharing the Gospel and have had opportunities to do so with some good results.  I want my church to grow primarily by adding new Believers who have made the decision to join our church family in worship and service.  I've learned that when the church is Believer focused, people grow and become equipped to minister to the needs of the body and to evangelize the seeker.  When seekers accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and come into a church family, they too will grow and become equipped. 

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:  for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."  1 Peter 4:1-2

Remember the prime directive! 

"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."  Colossians 4:5

""Seek the Lord, and His strength:  seek His face evermore."  Psalm 105:1