Newcomers

Think with me this week about how difficult it must be for a person who has never been inside a church to come to Trinity for a worship service. Huge building. Large parking lot. Liturgy at three services, although they don't know that word. Intimidating!

But how very important these people are to the future of Trinity! As we "long-time faithful folks" go to be with the Lord, who will be left to strengthen Trinity? The people just walking in the door now.

So....what can we do to help them feel welcome and wanting to come back again the following week? Pastors (Pastor Jeff and me!) need to preach sermons that are relevant and meaningful. Choirs need to sing songs that are meaningful to modern people. And folks in the pew (that's you!) need to be helpful and welcoming. 

How can lay people be helpful?

Ushers can spot persons entering tentatively, looking around. Restrooms? Nursery? How can I help?

People in the pews can have a welcoming smile.

People in the pews can open a worship book and show new folks the hymns.

People in the pews can say, "I don't believe I know you. I'm (and then give your name).”

People in the pews can make sure they sign the attendance register and pass it to the new folks.

After worship we can make a special effort to speak with those around us that we don't recognize.

Praise Worship folks can, in addition, make sure that children of new folks know about the juice and goodies and let parents know that the first time their child goes to children's church, a parent can go along, just to be comfortable about where their children are.

Where will Trinity be if we are not welcoming to new folks? Older, smaller, and not a delight to Jesus.

So, let us all make an effort this Lenten and Easter season to be welcoming. The future of our congregation depends on it!

In Christ,

Pastor Mitchell

Suggested Ministry Strategies

Last week, our “Think Piece” was from Pastor Don Brandt, of the NALC, who leads the denomination in thinking about how to grow churches. He talked about current ministry challenges. This week we’ll continue with some suggested ministry strategies.

1. Many growing congregations are offering, as a way of connecting with the unchurched, parenting classes and/or events, marriage enrichment opportunities, and sports ministries.

2. Growing congregations try to provide scheduling options as a way to connect with increasingly busy households.  Obviously, this is a strategy much more difficult for smaller congregations to manage. But the days are long gone when you can expect most of your members or “prospects” to be available on the same evening.

3. Growing congregations offer small groups (offered at different times, of course) to integrate and disciple busy people.  And the larger your congregation the more essential small groups are.

4. Growing congregations are more likely to offer contemporary music in worship.  Please note this is not only contemporary music.  However, it is far less likely that a congregation will grow if it only offers traditional worship music.

Finally, some direct quotes from Kirk Hadaway, the author of the “Facts on Growth” study:

+ “Most important to growth is the ability of congregations to attract younger adults and families with children.”

+ “At least part of the explanation for mainline decline (as opposed to relative evangelical growth) is the lack of a clear motivating purpose…It helps to stand for something.”

+ “In terms of the character of worship itself, the descriptors most strongly associated with growth are ‘joyful,’ ‘innovative,’ and ‘inspirational.’”

+ “Congregations that involved children in worship were more likely to experience substantial growth.”

+ “The primary way people first connect with a congregation is through someone who is already involved.”

In Christ,

Pastor Mitchell

Current Ministry Strategies

Our “Think Piece” for this week comes from Pastor Don Brandt, of the NALC, who leads the denomination in thinking about how to grow churches. He’s a good man!

Current Ministry Challenges

1. North Americans are less likely than ever to belong to any off-line social organizations. The digital age has only increased the odds that the typical American is not a part of any voluntary group or community that actually meets physically (as opposed to online). I just read in the New York Times that there are now one billion people on Facebook.  Facebook has only been available for seven years!

2. Children and teens, especially in middle and upper middle income households, are over-programmed.  Between sports teams and extracurricular school activities there is very little discretionary time left for church activities and groups.

3. Our current weak economy has impacted congregations in multiple ways; including less discretionary income (reduced charitable giving), many adults having to work multiple part-time jobs (less available time for volunteering), and fewer new people moving into the community. The overall financial impact of the last four years on congregations has been significant. The 2010 study states, “Congregational economics are much more precarious today than in 2005.”

4. The changing landscape for the American family has added to the challenge congregations face when trying to reach out to residents in their surrounding communities. The new demographic realities include  a) 44% of American newborns are now born to single Mothers,  b) fewer adults are choosing to marry, and  c) of those who marry, fewer are choosing to have children.

5. The aging of the American population in general and mainline Protestants in particular has made it even more difficult to reach younger adults, youth and children. Generational barriers are real. A congregation with a median age of 60 or 65 will have a difficult time reaching single adults or couples in their 30’s and 40’s.

Next week, we’ll discuss his Suggested Ministry Strategies.

In Christ,
Pastor Mitchell