There is an interesting phenomenon happening in our world.  People are becoming less motivated by guilt in their lives, and more motivated by the desire to more fully enjoy life.  This is important to realize as the church attempts to reach people.  The threat of guilt, or even the threat of Hell does not motivate people to turn toward the church or toward Christ.  I have to confirm that I am a part of this phenomenon myself.  I have little use for guilt, or worry over Hell.
   Even though the church has been successful over the centuries using these threats (guilt and Hell), I don't think it will work any more.  But, I don't think it was ever a good approach for leading people to Christ.  The gospels quote Jesus consistently as a teacher of hope and joy, and not as a harbinger of doom.  One example comes from John 15:10-11:
   "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete."
   Jesus does not say that you must keep my commandments or you will be a bad person, or that you will rot in Hell.  Jesus does not use threats to bring people to God.  What Jesus does is offer joy, a joy that is complete.
   I believe that the church needs to refine its approach to unchurched people.  We need to introduce people to a God of life who wants to fill our lives with a joy that is complete.  In fact, many of us need to be introduced to this God who wants to give joy, rather than the God who judges and punishes our sin.  Jesus died to offer forgiveness for our sin, so that we can be free to live.
   We are forgiven.  We are set free.  God wants each one of us to find joy in life, which is best