Crying out for a spiritual experience?

This morning I stumbled upon two women discussing attendance at a spiritualist church. One of them was extolling its virtues and encouraging the other (who had been a few times herself) to come along this Sunday. I held back from quoting Scripture and from telling them why they shouldn't talk to dead people and asked instead why they went. Were there particular people from their past that they wanted to hear from? The answer was a surprise and a challenge - the main reason for going was for healing and guidance.
The spiritualist church near here is apparently increasingly popular. They've recently purchased a bigger building and at the service on the Sunday evening it sounded like you have to get there early to get a seat and even earlier to get a spot in the car park. I didn't ask, but I suspect that people are invited and/or are willing to give generously for the 'service' that is provided too.
It's often said that we live in a society where people are crying out for a spiritual experience. I know some people have questioned this, but the conversation this morning reminded me that some people are indeed seeking an encounter with something or someone 'beyond' the visible and material world that they inhabit. The challenge to me as a church pastor is the realisation that we still have a way to go in making church a place where these spiritual needs are fully met. I've talked about it before, but I am more committed now to having regular opportunities for people to receive prayer for healing and where we as pray-ers can be open to words of guidance for those who are seeking to hear God's voice. Perhaps people's past experiences of church or preconceptions of church will stop them coming, but the need is obviously there.
Indeed, only just the other day I was asked to come and do something about the 'goings on' in the home of a friend. The previous tenant of the house had died there and since my friend had moved in she'd seen ghostly apparitions, heard strange noises and seen other unexplained things. This woman didn't go to church, and in her own words didn't know what she believed, but was pleased that I was able to come and pray through her home. This is actually the second time I've been asked to do this in the last year...
Whatever else church is it needs to be spiritual and experiential - and some are. I know, however, that my church isn't alone in having lost this important edge to our mission and ministry. Please pray for us as we seek to rediscover it in the coming months and years.