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
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