There’s not only a mandate for the church to grow, there is a natural desire for most churches and church leaders to want to grow. There are some people who run around saying, “it’s not about numbers”, and in one sense it’s true. In another sense, everyone is about numbers – because it indicates people, … Read more
It’s way too easy for churches to coast. Urgency is a gift. If we’re not moving forward in ministry, we’re moving backward. Reaching outward is part of the mandate for success. Nothing is as devastating as a church that is focused solely on its individuals, bickering over things that don’t have eternal significance, while the … Read more
Here are three main concerns for a first time guest in worship. 1) Facilities. A newcomer will see things about the facilities that long time church attenders will never notice. It begins with the impression from the road, the parking, and the signage to get into the right door. From there it moves to the entrance, … Read more
I recently read an article about mystery worshippers who are paid to attend worship and then give a report. [Read the full Wall Street Journal Report] Here’s a quote that stuck out. “First-time guests, they don’t come with mercy, they come with judgment. They’re looking for a reason to leave.” Whether we like it or not, there is some … Read more
If one customer has a bad experience, they will tell 11 people who will in turn tell 5 others. On the other side, if a customer has a positive experience, they will tell about 6 people who in turn tell 4. It’s a sad truth. It’s much easier to spread the word about the bad … Read more
We just recently renumbered all the of the rooms at our church. We are still waiting for signs to arrive, but for now, at least we are on the road toward less confusing locations around the building. I’ve been a part of this church, in one way or another, since high school days. I’m now … Read more
“Church leaders need to create ministry, not replicate it.” Center Church, Keller Creating ministry, specific to your region, the people and the gifts of the congregation is a powerful force. Attending conferences, hearing about other ministries and churches and reading books, can all be helpful springboards, but in the end, each church is designed to extraordinarily … Read more
It’s no secret that churches have lots of fluctuation in members and attenders. Church leaders bemoan the fact that too many people quickly leave out the proverbial back door. I understand the concept. We don’t want new people to attend for a few worship services, only to fade away after a few Sundays. But, I have … Read more
According to a recent study there are 282,000 churches in the USA with weekly attendance somewhere between 7 and 499 people. That same study concluded that there are approximately 19,210 churches with attendance over 500. 34 million Americans worship in churches with less than 500 people. 20 million worship in congregations with more than 500 … Read more