A few weeks ago after inviting someone to church, I was asked the following question: “Is it free?”  Maybe you’ve had the same conversation with someone.  It wasn’t the first time for me.   However, I still found myself giving the usual answer, “YES!”  But this time, my response got me thinking.  Why do I tell people church is free, when it’s not.  Let me explain.

Although, as churches we are able to offer our services at no cost to visitors, someone is still paying.  Let that sink in for a moment.  No, visitors don’t pay.  However, there have been many people who have paid over the years and continue to pay.  In fact, these payers don’t just pay, in some cases they sacrifice!

The same is true of our country.  Right?  We experience the freedom we have today because of the countless people who paid for it with their own lives.  Because of their sacrifice, we have opportunities that few others in the world have.

Maybe you’re not a pastor, but you have a business and you’ve also been thinking about a better response when people ask the- Is it free question?  Or ‘How much does it cost?”  I’d love to hear your responses on Facebook and Twitter.  In the meantime, here’s an optional response.  Are you ready?

What if we responded by saying: “I believe a better question is ‘What is it worth?’  This kind of question provides opportunities to make people think.  Is it worth having a better marriage?  Is it worth having peace day and night, three hundred and sixty five days a year?  Is it worth having kids who grow up with a good solid foundation and a genuine faith to get them through the hard years?

These types of questions all boil down to value.  When someone asks us ‘Is it free?”, they generally are wondering what the minimum requirements are.  And for good reason.  Everywhere you go today, people are charging.  The insurance man wants your money.  The hardware store wants your money.  The car dealer wants your money.  You get the idea.  So when people come to church, they are often thinking it all boils down to money.

Imagine responding to the ‘How much does it cost?” question by saying something like this.  Yes, it costs a fortune!  But we love you and your family and we’re willing to fit the bill so that you can get in on all that God has for you.  We don’t ask the question ‘How much does it cost?”  We ask the question “How much is it worth?”  And we believe you’re worth it.  We’re willing to sacrifice our own comfort for yours.  We’re willing to sacrifice our time so that you and your family have a place where you can come and grow!

O.K- sounds like we’re laying it on a little thick, right?  You don’t have to use my words.  Come up with your own response.  Word it as you see fit.  However you word it, the point is there is tremendous value in the products and services we have to offer our customers.  When we tell them it’s free, there’s a part of them that knows that’s not true.  Lets start telling them the truth and leave the rest up to God.

I hope you are challenged by the “Is it free question”!  Ponder it for awhile and see what happens.  You might be surprised.  And when it comes time for your next purchase, ask yourself the “What is it worth?” question.  For example, is the safe vehicle worth the price I’m paying so that my family will be safe?  How much is the media equipment upgrade worth so that we can improve our visual presentation every week?  You all know the answer.

Many times, our investments provide priceless returns.  After all, how do you put a price tag on safety?  How do you put a price tag on quality?  How do you put a price tag on a relationship?

Lets not forget the founder of our faith and the awesome price He paid so that we could have a life that matters.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  (John 3:16 KJV).

No, church is NOT free!  It costs a fortune, but….it’s worth it.