Empty Pews is about the urban church goer. Martin uses his former Manhattan pastorate as a case study for his worship enhancement program. He eschews theological jargon as he highlights the history of worship in the Bible. He dis cusses contemporary worship and speaks of practical problems such as finding parking spaces in cities.
The author emphasizes worship's focus on God, but stresses response and interaction as vital in true worship. He suggests ways of stimulating such inter action.
The extensive appendices include questionnaires used in the Manhattan congregation, as well as outlines of eight sermons on worship.
While increasing attendance is important, another goal surfaces in the book. Martin monitors attendance and learns how well his worship approach meets the needs of his flock. But the author's greatest desire is that congregants know joy and richness in worship and in fellowship with each other. He writes about developing a church climate in which this deepened experience can be realized.
