REASONS SO MANY CHRISTIANS LEAVE THE CHURCH
1. Marriage to a non-Christian spouse - or to an alienated Christian spouse. This is
also the source for converts to Christ, but it must be pursued. Approximately
25% of all who leave the church do so because of marriage to non-Christian
mates.
2. Mobility - Christians moving to a new location and failing to identify with a local
congregation. 20% of the American people every 12 months. If contact is not
made with the church within the first 6 months after arrival, the Christian is almost
certain to drop out.
3. A personal or family quarrel - with a church, a brother or sister, a minister, a
physical act of abuse, a real or fancied insult, or an act of rejection by a religious
leader.
4. Deterioration of Christian family life - the family’s increasing inability in the face of
secular value systems to pass on to the children the Christian way of life and
practices.
5. Diminishing loyalty to a specific congregation - shopping around for compatible
personalities and worship styles results in a less personal commitment in and
with each move.
6. Crisis of authority and its consequent confusion - caused by liberal theology and
a lack of understanding of God’s Word.
7. Impersonalism - created by congregations who have no small group interaction
opportunities for Bible study and greater fellowship.
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Steps Toward Church Growth
Name:
STEPS TOWARD CHURCH GROWTH
I. STEP ONE: CONDUCT A CHURCH GROWTH SURVEY.
A. Gain the approval of the elders/leaders and have them appoint a
committee to accomplish this.
B. Train the Survey Committee by showing them what is to be accomplished
with each chapter of the survey:
1. Chapter 1 “Geography and History of the Region.”
2. Chapter 2 “The People Living in the Region.”
3. Chapter 3 “Growth of the Local Church.”
4. Chapter 4 “Analysis of the Membership.”
5. Chapter 5 “Evaluation of and Recommendations for the Work of the
Local Church.”
6. Chapter 6 “Goals and Objectives for Increased Growth.”
7. Chapter 7 “Conclusions.”
C. Appoint various Survey Committee members to gather the data for each of
the first three chapters (only). Probably a minimum of three and a
maximum of five people should serve on each chapter. Then have two
people serve as editors of the entire work; they will determine the format
and edit each chapter to provide continuity of style.
D. Write a Church Growth Survey.
1. Write an Introduction to the Survey.
Define the study. State the purpose and scope of the study.
Determine the area and religious bodies to be covered.
2. From local sources, give a brief history of the area, how it started,
how it grew, statistics on its present size, and any unusual growth
-2-
or decline and its cause (large company moved in, or mine shut
down, etc.). This will be Chapter 1.
3. From demographic companies, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.
determine the people or peoples (i.e. different groups if desired) to
be covered and their characteristics. This will be Chapter 2. See
“Currents.”
4. Compile the Necessary Growth Statistics of the Local Church. This
will be Chapter 3.
a. Membership totals - for each year for a least ten years.
b. Attendance totals - gather them for all services and classes
for ten years.
c. Annual gains and losses in membership. Plot on both bar
and pie graphs.
Types of Growth: Types of Decreases:
1) Biological. 1) Deaths.
2) Transfer. 2) Transfers out.
3) Conversion. 3) Reversions to the
World.
d. Contribution totals and distribution - building costs and
upkeep, outreach, supplies, etc.
e. Units within the congregation:
1) Racial mixture.
2) Age groups.
3) Division by sex.
4) Geographical analysis of membership. . . . . . . Plot
on a map of the area.
5) Socio-economic groups.
-3-
6) Special groups within the congregation. . . . . . . Plot
on pie graphs.
(Use pie graphs when working percentages because
they are part of a whole.)
f. Communicants . . . . . . . Plot on pie graphs.
1) Non-Christian children of Christian parents.
2) Spouses favorable to the church.
3) Bus children or other children attending Bible classes,
VBS, etc.
4) Relatives of members who live nearby.
5) Active prospects, etc.
g. Family Analysis. . . . . . . . . Plot on pie graphs.
1) Full Families.
2) Half Families.
3) Singles (both old and young).
h. Three-Circle Analysis of Membership. . . . . . . . . Plot on pie
and line graphs.
1) Hard-core.
2) Mainstream.
3) Outer-fringe.
i. [If this is for a study beyond the local congregational level
you will need the following:
1) Field totals (i.e. of all other statistics you are
comparing).
2) Membership totals of each homogenous unit (i.e. of
similar statistical groups).
-4-
3) Individual local church totals.
4. Write This Study in a Readable Form. This will be Chapter 3.
ll. STEP TWO: CONDUCT AN ANALYSIS OF THE CHURCH’S MEMBERSHIP.
A. Determine what you wish to measure with your analysis and then
construct your questionnaire. [See sample(s).]
B. Set up the procedures for tabulating the information.
C. Have the elders determine what Sunday morning you will administer the
questionnaire. Have them take a leading role in explaining the importance
of gaining more information about the congregation so they may do a
better job of shepherding the flock.
D. Administer the questionnaire in connection with the Sunday morning
services. Otherwise you will not get the needed information since other
services are usually appreciably less attended and therefore would not
include input from all who come to the morning service.
E. Compile the pertinent information from the questionnaires, construct the
necessary graphs. This will be Chapter 4.
III. STEP THREE: EVALUATE EVERY ASPECT OF THE WORK OF THE
CHURCH.
A. Have the elders select some of the men from the Church Growth Survey
Committee to interview committee chairmen, every deacon and elder
involved in leadership roles in the local church, (if no elders and deacons,
other leaders), for example, those heading up the youth work, education
program, personal evangelism, visitation committee, etc.
B. Then, for each area describe the current program. Take one program at a
time. Have the committee write up recommendations for possible
improvement based on the results of chapters 3 and 4. They may need to
consult an organization chart to make certain that they get a clear picture
of each area of work.
C. Compile all of these evaluations and recommendations. Write an
introduction and a conclusion to this study. This will be Chapter 5.
-5-
IV. STEP FOUR: PROJECT THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE LOCAL
CHURCH.
A. Share the results of the survey thus far with the elders and get their input
in setting goals for the church.
B. Get the elders to share this survey with the members and get them to
participate in the goal-setting stage.
C. Consider the graphs showing past growth (or lack of it) and make faith
projections as to what can be done in every area of work in the future.
D. Bathe the matter in prayer and fasting during a two-week period. Then
present it to the entire congregation in a positive, optimistic way.
E. This will be Chapter 6.
V. STEP FIVE: WRITE YOUR CONCLUSIONS.
A. Write your conclusions to the church growth study.
B. This will be Chapter 7.
VI. STEP SIX: PREPARE A WORK PLAN.
A. Write out your goals and priorities for the church in detail.
B. Prepare a 5-year strategy with a PERT Chart for the work.
C. Secure, train and put to work the personnel to carry out the plans.
D. Give God the glory for any growth or success.
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Ministry Analysis Questionnaire
Ministry Analysis Questionnaire
Service
Giving time and talents to Christ through using time and talents to benefit others
1. There is an ongoing effort to identify and provide meaningful roles and tasks for YES NO
persons involved in our ministry or program area. ☐ ☐
2. We provide training for our members prior to their assuming a role or task. ☐ ☐
3. Our ministry area helps members identify and use their spiritual gifts appropriately. ☐ ☐
4. We provide appropriate roles and tasks for friends or relatives of members, and
seek to invite and involve these people. ☐ ☐
5. Our group or ministry has a procedure for identifying persons who are in need in
the church or community, and providing appropriate assistance. ☐ ☐
6. At least once a year our ministry area sponsors a service project in which a large
number of persons from the church participate. ☐ ☐
Outreach & Assimilation
Reaching out to, and involving newcomers in the life and ministry of the church
1. At least once each quarter our ministry area sponsors an event specifically planned YES NO
and promoted to reach out to unchurched persons in our community. ☐ ☐
2. We have had an evangelism training course specifically for the people in our
ministry area during the past year. ☐ ☐
3. Specific prayer for unchurched friends, neighbors, and relatives is part of our
regular meetings. ☐ ☐
4. Our ministry has a purpose statement which includes outreach to unchurched
people. ☐ ☐
5. Our ministry has an active and effective procedure for identifying prospective new
members. ☐ ☐
6. There is a person(s) specifically responsible for greeting visitors and newcomers,
introducing them to others, and making them feel welcome at all functions. ☐ ☐
7. Our group or ministry has a method for obtaining the names of potentially interested
church members, and contacting them about our programs. ☐ ☐
8. Our group sets yearly membership and attendance goals. ☐ ☐
9. We have started at least one new group in this ministry or program area within the
past two years. ☐ ☐
©1993 Charles Arn, Church Growth Inc.
P.O. Box 541, Monrovia, CA 91016 • 1-800-423-4844
Published in Ministry Advantage -The Growth Report, May/June 1993.
Permission is granted to reproduce this questionnaire for local church use.
Instructions
1. Complete this analysis for each ministry or program area in your church.
2. Check YES or NO after each statement, based on the most accurate assessment of that ministry.
3. Total the YES items checked in each of the four areas below. On the “Scoring Guide” circle the
number on each continuum which represents the number of YES items checked.
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Christian Formation
Enabling men and women to grow toward Christ likeness
1. We have at least one Bible study or small group meeting each month for every YES NO
25 members, other than what is available through Sunday School. ☐ ☐
2. Our group or ministry area plans specific learning experiences to help members
apply their Christian faith to real-world issues. ☐ ☐
3. Every activity we sponsor has a component to help members develop in their
Christian life. ☐ ☐
4. Our members are learning about prayer, and are encouraged to grow in their personal
and group prayer life. ☐ ☐
5. We have a plan in which each group member is individually prayed for each
month. ☐ ☐
6. Members of our group or ministry are encouraged to attend our worship service
regularly, and attendance records are reviewed by group leaders. ☐ ☐
7. Our church provides resources (print, audio, video) related to spiritual growth,
which our group members know about and use. ☐ ☐
8. We sponsor at least one missions experience each year for our members. ☐ ☐
Fellowship
Building close friendships and relationships among members YES NO
1. We have at least one social event each quarter for the persons in our ministry area. ☐ ☐
2. We have an intentional strategy to help members build stronger relationships with
each other. ☐ ☐
3. At least once a month every member receives a contact from the church or representative
in our ministry area. ☐ ☐
4. We have a way to identify members with a special need, and a way for members
to respond and get involved. ☐ ☐
5. We encourage our members to spend time together informally outside the regular
meetings. ☐ ☐
6. Our group keeps records to recognize and celebrate special occasions in members’
lives (i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, new children or grandchildren,
honors, etc.). ☐ ☐
7. We have a method or program designed to build and strengthen relationships with
newcomers in our group or ministry. ☐ ☐
Ministry Area Effectiveness Scale - SCORING GUIDE
Circle the number of statements in the YES column for each of the four ministry areas.
Service:
Very Effective Ineffective
6 5 4 3 2 1
Outreach/Assimilation:
Very Effective Ineffective
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Christian Formation:
Very Effective Ineffective
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Fellowship:
Very Effective Ineffective
7 6 5 4 3 2 1
If the number you circled is on the right side of any of these four scales, determine to move the NO items to YES in the coming year.
and identify specific activities to do so. The result will be an increase in the enthusiasm of your members, the effectiveness in your
ministry, and number of unchurched people you reach for Christ and His church.
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Using Others’ ProgramsU
sing Others’ Programs
Here are a few reasons why borrowed programs that work well in one
congregation may not work well in another one.
1. The real philosophy, mechanics, and nature of the program may
not be completely understood. Some move too quickly in
adopting new programs.
2. In some cases the leadership is not prepared to properly handle
the program. This is vital in borrowing programs.
3. Members do not fully understand the program or their role in it,
thus, they are not sold on it. Proper communication must ensure
that everyone has been informed.
4. Your context (i.e. socio-economical conditions) may not be the
same as the church your are borrowing from. A big city program
may not work in a rural community.
5. The Biblical basis for the program may be questionable. Just
because someone else is successfully doing it does not
guarantee it is Scriptural.
6. Proper education and preparation has not been completed.
7. The congregation does not have the right talent-mix to
implement and maintain the program.
8. It may merely be a fad that has died and is being resurrected by
an uninformed novice.
-2-
9. The program may not be working as well as you think. Zeal and
the quest for new programs can blind us to some key factors,
such as results.
10. The program may serve only to inflate the adapter’s ego and
have no real sustenance for the church’s future or its growth.
11. Your congregation may not be spiritually, financially or
numerically able to handle the new program.
12. The same degree or amount of faith required for the program’s
success is not available in your congregation.
There may be a deeper reason why borrowed programs have such a
hard time in being adapted. As we search for programs, we are, as a
general rule, starting in the wrong place. We are looking without
instead of within.
The beginning of church growth is within the heart of each member.
The truth is exemplified in the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8:15. The
Master church builder said, “These are the ones who have heard the
word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast and bear fruit with
perseverance.”
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Church Of Christ Questionnaire
CHURCH OF CHRIST QUESTIONNAIRE
1. How often do you attend Sunday school?
regularly sometimes never
usually seldom
2. My impression of Sunday school is that it is:
well organized and growing.
losing its effectiveness.
generally good.
poor.
3. More people would attend our Sunday school if:
we had better teachers.
the classes were smaller.
we had greater variation in our curriculum.
the classes were more relevant to everyday living.
the biblical content was stronger.
4. How often do you attend Sunday morning worship?
regularly sometimes never
usually seldom
5. Worship would be more inspiring if:
more attention was given to the Lord’s Supper.
there was more variation in the songs we sing.
the service was shorter.
the service was longer.
Other:
6. The pulpit ministry of our preacher is:
meaningful and meets my needs.
unrelated to the problems we face today.
too long.
Comments:
7. I believe our pulpit minister is fulfilling his responsibilities according to the
following scale:
excellent fair
good poor
Comments:
2
8. In my observation I believe our pulpit minister needs improvement in:
preaching.
working with people.
visitation.
organization and administration.
Other:
9. How often do you attend Sunday evening worship?
regularly sometimes never
usually seldom
10. I would attend Sunday evening worship with greater regularity if:
there was more diversity to our program.
it was more relevant to everyday life.
it were not so boring.
Other:
11. How often do you attend Wednesday evening Bible study?
regularly sometimes never
usually seldom
12. My attendance on Wednesday evening would be more regular if:
the teachers were better prepared.
the meeting time was changed.
the classes were smaller.
the class topics were relevant to everyday life.
Other:
13. The youth program of our church is:
meeting the needs of our junior high and senior high young people.
a vital part of our church.
not attractive to our young people.
not effective.
Comments:
14. Our youth program needs more:
interested people of the church to work in it.
activities.
opportunities for our young people to serve the Lord.
spiritual depth.
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Other:
15. I believe our outreach program needs to be improved in the following ways:
develop an effective soul winning program.
invite a speaker for a church growth seminar.
follow up on visitors to our services.
do direct mailing.
find prospects through a religious survey.
subscribe for a bundle of Church Growth magazine.
16. On a scale of 1 through 10 (1=poor, 10=excellent), how would you rate our elders
individually?
(name of elder)
(name of elder)
(name of elder)
Comments:
17. How could the elders more effectively serve you?
by greater availability to counsel.
by more personal involvement with the congregation.
by more visitation.
Comments:
18. In my opinion the greatest strength of (name of church) is:
19. In my opinion the greatest weakness of (name of church) is:
20. I contribute to (name of church)
regularly sometimes never
:
usually seldom
4
21. I would give more generously to (name of church)
we were involved in more missionary work.
if:
I knew how the funds were being spent.
I had more input into how the funds were being spent.
I knew more about the works we support.
Comments:
22. I give to other Christian organizations, programs, missionaries, etc., besides
(name of church)
yes no
.
23. How many times in the past year has someone, other than a family member,
visited (name of church)
once three times never
as a result of your invitation?
twice four or more times
24. Would you consider (name of church)
yes no moderately
a “friendly” church?
25. How can we improve to become a friendlier church?
include a time for greeting each other in the assembly.
have more social functions.
Other:
Optional
I am: male female
I am: single married widowed divorced
How long have you been a member at (name of church)
less than 1 year 4-10 years 15 or more years
?
1-3 years 11-15 years
How far do you live from the church building?
less than 1 mile 4-10 miles
1-3 miles more than 10 miles
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Congregational Survey
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
I. PERSONAL INFORMATION: To be completed by each individual member of the
Lord’s body.
A. Circle the number to the left of the answer that best communicates your
answer to each question or sentence completion. Note: If more space is
needed for a response making a suggestion, please continue your
suggestion on the back of the last sheet beginning with the number of the
item.
Q1. I am: Q2. My age is:
1 ... a male 01 ... 12 years or under
2 ... a female 02 ... 12 to 18 years
03 ... 19 to 25 years
04 ... 26 to 30 years
05 ... 31 to 40 years
06 ... 41 to 50 years
07 ... 51 to 60 years
08 ... 61 to 70 years
09 ... 71 or more years
Q3. I am: (family status)
1 ... single (never married)
2 ... married
3 ... married and a parent
4 ... a widow
5 ... a widower
6 ... a single parent
7 ... divorced
8 ... divorced and remarried
9 ... single college student living away from home during school
Q4. I became a member of the body of Christ by being baptized for the forgiveness of
my sins:
1 ... during the past year
2 ... 1-2 years ago
3 ... 3-5 years ago
4 ... 6-10 years ago
5 ... 11 or more years ago
6 ... I have never been baptized
-2-
Q5. I moved to this area and identified with this congregation:
1 ... during the past year
2 ... 1-2 years ago
3 ... 3-5 years ago
4 ... 6-10 years ago
5 ... 11 or more ago
Q6. I have been a member of this congregation:
1 ... 0 to 1 year
2 ... 2 to 4 years
3 ... 5 to 7 years
4 ... 8 to 10 years
5 ... 11 to 15 years
6 ... 16 or more years
Q7. Circle the number to the left of the answer that best describes your condition
when you became a member of this congregation.
1 ... I was converted to Christ at this location but my parents were not members
of the Lord’s body.
2 ... I was converted to Christ at this location and my parents were members of
the Lord’s body.
3 ... I placed membership here from another local Lord’s body.
4 ... I moved here from another city and identified with this Lord’s body.
Q8. The ministry of the church that had the most influence toward my conversion
(becoming a member of the Lord’s church) was:
1 ... influence of friends
2 ... influence of relatives
3 ... the Bible classes
4 ... the preaching
5 ... personal evangelism
6 ... the friendliness of members
7 ... visiting during a special event
Q9 I try to study the Bible at home:
1 ... daily
2 ... two or three times a week
3 ... at least once a week
4 ... hardly ever
-3-
Q10 I spend about the following number of minutes, per day, developing a personal
relationship with God through prayer and study:
1 ... 5 to 10 minutes
2 ... 10 to 30 minutes
3 ... 30 to 60 minutes
4 ... none
Q11 My formal education level is:
1 ... less than 9 years
2 ... 9 - 12 years
3 ... 13 - 16 years
4 ... more than 16 years
II. PERSONAL EVALUATION OF THE CHURCH AND ITS WORK: (Circle the
answer or the number on the scale that most closely represents your evaluation
of the following: I = low in value and 7 = high.)
A. BIBLE CLASSES:
Q12. The length of our Bible class periods are:
1 ... too long
2 ... about right
3 ... too short
Q13. The times of our Bible class periods are:
1 ... good (9:00 am Sunday, 7:30 pm Wednesday)
2 ... not good
3 ... May I suggest:
Q14. The curriculum for our Adult Bible classes is:
1 ... equipping me for my needed spiritual growth
2 ... providing the opportunity to obtain good Bible knowledge
3 ... in need of improvement
4 ... May I suggest:
Q15. I believe the teachers of my Adult classes are:
1 ... doing a good job
2 ... are not adequate and should be replaced
-4-
3 ... May I suggest:
Q16. I believe that the church’s Bible class curriculum for the Cradle Roll through
Teens is:
1- - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not meeting needs Very Effective
May I suggest:
Note 1: Please list some specific Bible class topics which you believe would help equip
you for spiritual growth:
4
Q17. I believe that the teachers participating in the church’s Bible classes for the
Cradle Roll through Teens are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not adequate Doing an excellent job
May I suggest:
Q18. I believe that our provisions for New Christians to be integrated into our Bible
classes and providing Christian classes is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not adequate Doing an excellent job
May I suggest:
B. WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES:
Q19. I believe that the length of our worship assemblies are:
1 ... too long
2 ... about right
3 ... too short
4 ... May I suggest:
Q20. I believe that the times of our worship assemblies are:
1 ... good
2 ... not good
3 ... May I suggest:
-5-
Q21. The balance of time used for praying, singing, teaching, giving, and partaking of
the Lord’s supper is:
1 ... about right
2 ... needs improvement
3 ... May I suggest:
Q22. I believe that the song leading and singing in our public assemblies:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Needs improvement Is excellent
May I suggest:
Q23. I believe that our conduct of the Lord’s Supper is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Needs improvement Is conducted in a worthy manner
May I suggest:
Q24. I believe that the sermons being presented at our assemblies are:
1 ... providing sound messages for the equipping us for spiritual growth
2 ... edifying
3 ... encouraging
4 ... motivational
5 ... good for our non-member visitors
6 ... could be improved
7 ... May I suggest:
Q25. I think that our assemblies for public worship are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Discouraging Extremely uplifting
May I suggest:
Q26. I believe that a children’s Bible hour for ages 2-5 on Sunday mornings during the
sermon only is:
1 ... needed
2 ... not necessary
3 ... needed and I would participate in such a ministry
4 ... needed and I would serve in support of such a ministry
-6-
Q27. I think that our evangelistic ministry toward the community is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Dead Active and working
May I suggest:
Q28. I think that our efforts in non-local (USA) missionary work are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Ineffective Very effective
May I suggest:
Q29. I think that our efforts in the foreign missionary work are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Ineffective Very effective
May I suggest:
Q30. I believe that our missionary works:
1 ... are good and necessary works for the Lord
2 ... have a good influence upon the congregation
3 ... need to be promoted more by keeping the congregation better informed
4 ... receive too much unnecessary attention
May I suggest:
Q31. I believe that our ministry of training preachers, missionaries, leaders, personal
workers, and song leaders is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not worth the Very worthwhile
cost and efforts
May I suggest:
Q32. I believe that the staff assembled to conduct our work of the church is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Poor Excellent
-7-
May I suggest:
Q33. I think that the potential for personal and numerical growth, considering our
present location, membership, and staff is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Poor Excellent
May I suggest:
Q34. I believe that our spiritual leaders (shepherds), in their conduct of the oversight of
the church, are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Doing a poor job Doing an excellent job
May I suggest:
Q35. I believe that our spiritual leaders (elders) in their conduct of the shepherding of
the flock are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not concerned Very concerned
May I suggest:
Q36. I believe that our spiritual leaders (elders) in their contacts with the members:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Are lacking Doing a good job
May I suggest:
Q37. I believe that the utilization of our elders in their teaching roles:
1 ... needs to be increased
2 ... is well balanced
3 ... are being used too much well
May I suggest:
-8-
Q38. I believe that our Christian (social) activities outside our worship assemblies e.g.
High School Banquets, Showers, Bible class and special group activities are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Are lacking Excellent
May I suggest:
Note 2: I would be willing to serve on a task force to generate ideas for reaching
our community with the Gospel.
Yes No
C. ADMINISTRATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Q39. Concerning our involvement ministries and work programs. I believe we are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Lacking Doing an excellent job
May I suggest:
Q40. Concerning our involvement ministries and work programs, I believe we:
1 . . . need more emphasis on:
2 . . . need less emphasis on:
May I suggest:
Q41. Our deacons and/or work team directors are:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Not performing Performing well
Q42. Our deacons and/or work team directors are being delegated:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Too little authority The right authority
to function to function
May I suggest:
-9-
Q43. I believe that the use of our proposed and budgeted church funds:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Needs improvement Is conducted in a worthy manner
May I suggest:
Q44. I believe our use of our bulletin boards as teaching and motivational tools:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Needs improving Is excellent
May I suggest:
Q45. Concerning our public attempts to communicate information to the congregation
at the beginning of public worship assemblies. I believe these announcements
are:
1 ... aided by the use of the Overhead Projection on the screen
2 ... necessary and needed to keep the congregation informed
3 ... too long
4 ... are impersonal
5 ... are awkward
May I suggest:
Q46. I believe that our church bulletin:
1 ... is informative and easy to read
2 ... contains good teaching articles
3 ... is a good information vehicle to keep the brotherhood informed about the
work at this location.
4 ... Needs to be improved and/or revised
May I suggest:
III. PERSONAL EVALUATION OF My INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CHURCH AND
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH. (Circle the number on the scale that most
closely represents your personal evaluation of the following:)
-10-
Q47. I normally try to assemble with the church for Bible classes: (Circle all that are
applicable.)
1 ... Sunday morning classes
2 ... Wednesday evening classes
3 ... I do not attend because:
Q48. I normally try to assemble with the church for the worship assemblies: (Circle all
that are applicable.)
1 ... Sunday morning classes
2 ... Sunday evening
... I normally sit in the auditorium:
3 ... near the front
4 ... in the middle
5 ... near the rear
... I am distracted during worship:
6 ... occasionally, because:
7 ... often, because:
Q49. Concerning my financial contribution to the work of the Lord’s body here: (Circle
all that are applicable.)
1 ... I cooperate with the church’s planning routine by providing the elders with
my purposed plan for giving.
2 ... After purposing, I give weekly as the Lord has prospered me.
3 ... I normally give only when I am in attendance.
Note 3: What suggestions would you have to strengthen our bonding to Christ and to
one another and be more responsive to serving one another?
Q50. When I try to relate to the “church family” I am in the:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Outer limits Inner circle
May I suggest:
-11-
Q51. I find most of the activities of our congregation to be:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Burdensome Very enjoyable
May I suggest:
Q52. I purposefully give to support the Lord’s work financially:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Seldom Regularly
Q53. When it comes to sharing my faith with others:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
I am a failure I look forward to opportunities
May I suggest:
Q54. My Christian life, from my own perception is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Very shaky Very solid
Q55. My Christian life because of the ministries of our congregation is:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Struggling Soaring
May I suggest:
Q56. If given the opportunity to train for some type of an outreach or teaching ministry
through the church I would:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
Choose not to Choose to get
get involved involved
Q57. When it comes to understanding my talents and using them for the glory of Christ
and His church:
1 - - - 2 - - - 3 - - - 4 - - - 5 - - - 6 - - - 7
I do not know what to do I am confident that I am using them
May I suggest:
-12-
NOTE: If you have a suggestion or comment that you think would aid us as a
congregation in this evaluation of ourselves as a part of the Lord’s body, please include
it in the space below:
1
Flowchart
2
Church Growth Reading List
CHURCH GROWTH READING LIST
Anderson, Andy. Effective Methods of Church Growth. Nashville Broadman Press,
1985.
Arn, Charles, Donald McGavran, and Win Arn. Growth: A New Vision for the Sunday
School. Pasadena: Church Growth Press, 1980. 150 pgs. The first book to make
explicit application of church growth principles to the growth of the Sunday School.
Arn, Win. The Church Growth Ratio Book.
_____ , ed. The Pastor’s Church Growth Handbook. Pasadena: Church Growth Press,
1979. 220 pgs. A very interesting compilation of articles that have appeared in Church
Growth: America magazine over the last few years.
_____ . ed. The Pastor’s Church Growth Handbook. Vol II. Pasadena: Church Growth
Press, 1982. 191 pgs. More of the above. An excellent and practical source.
Arn, Win and Charles Arn. The Master’s Plan for Making Disciples. Pasadena: Church
Growth Press, 1982. 176 pgs. One of the key concepts of church growth theory is to
identify people movements that travel along lines of natural webs of relationships. The
Arns call this “oikos” evangelism and develop the principle in detail in this excellent
book.
Arn, Win & Nijquist, Carroll, Who Cares About Love. Church Growth, 2670 S. Myrtle
Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016.
Arn, Win. Live Long and Love It. Church Growth Institute, Arcadia, CA 91006.
_____The Church Growth Ratio Book. Church growth, Inc., Monrovia, CA 91016.
Baker, Brown, and Dale. Reviving the Plateaued Church.
_____Sunday School Board. SBC, 127 9th Ave, Nashville, TN 37234.
Barna, George. Church Growth: Practical Steps That Work. The Barna Research
Group, 1989.
Barna George. Marketing The Church. Nav. Press, Colorado Springs, CO 1973.
(262.1.)
Bast, Bob. Attracting New Members. Church Growth, Inc., Monrovia, CA.
Bast, Robert. The Missing Generation. Church Growth Inc., Monrovia, CA.
3
Buttry, Daniel. Bringing Your church Back to Life. Judson Press, Valley Forge.
Carl, George and Robert Logan. Leasing and Managing your Church. Old Tappan:
Fleming H. Revell Company, 1979.
Clark, Stephen. Building Christian Communities: Strategy for Renewing the Church. Ave
Maria Press, Notre Dame, IN 46446, 1972.
Dale, Robert. Keeping the Dream Alive. Broadman, Nashville 1981.
Dale, Robert. To Dream Again. Broadman, Nashville, 1981.
Davenport, D. Dewayne. The Bible Says Grow: Church Growth Guidelines for the
Church of Christ. Church Growth/Evangelism Seminar, Box 314, Williamstown, WV
26187, 1978. Donald McGavran writes the introduction to this fine summary of church
growth principles contextualized for the Restoration Movement Churches. (Xn)
Easum, William. The Church Growth Handbook. Nashville: Abingdon Press 1990.
Galloway, Dale. 20 20 Vision: How to Create a Successful Church. Portland: Scott
Publishing Company,1990.
Gibbs, Eddie. Body Building Exercises for the Local Church. London: Falcon, 1979. 80
pgs. A creative application and adaptation of Wagner’s church pathology to churches in
England. This book models how church growth principles can be contextualized.
_____. I Believe in Church Growth. Eerdmans. 1982. This is the most complete
introductory textbook on church growth available. Gibbs, who has a D.Min. in church
growth from Fuller, writes from a British perspective, but his insights are universal.
Goldtrap, George. The Madison Story. Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1987.
Hadaway, C. Kirk. Church Growth Principles. Broadman, Nashville.
Harre, Allan F. Close The Back Door. Concordia, St. Louis 63118, 1988.
Heck, Joel. New Member Assimilation. Condordia, St. Louis, 1988.
Hunter, George, III. The Contagious Congregation. Abingdon, 1979. 150 pgs. Hunter
has provided fresh insights into local congregational growth. The book has become an
Abingdon best-seller.
_____. Your Church Has Doors: How to Open the Front and Close the Back. Church
Growth Center, 1983. 103 pgs. Church growth expert Kent Hunter expounds on eight
4
“keys” to open doors to growth in your church: faith, aftercare, incorporation, integrity,
assimilation, accountability, pruning and amputation.
Hunter, Kent. Foundations for Church Growth. Church Growth Center, Caruna, IN.
_____. Friendship Evangelism (Heart to Heart). Same, (video).
_____. Introducing Church Growth Today. (tapes)
Huffard, Everett. Church Growth Principles on II Corinthians.
Jackson, Neil E.. 100 Great Growth Ideas. Broadman, Nashville.
Jenson, Ron and Jim Stevens. Dynamics of Church Growth. Baker, 1981. 200 pgs.
This adds to church growth literature by bringing to bear the Campus Crusade insights,
laying a strong biblical base, incorporating management principles, and offering
practical suggestions for action at the end of each chapter.
Kelly, Dean M. Why Conservative Churches are Growing. Rev. ed. Macon, GA: Mercer
University Press, 1986. 180 pgs. This was probably the most discussed religious book
in the seventies. It deals with the function that churches have in society and shows how
liberal churches usually turn out to be socially weak institutions. It is a must for students
of church growth.
Logan, Bob and Jeff Rast. Church Planting Workbook. (They offer seminars.)
McGavran, Donald and Win Arn. How to Grow a Church. Regal, 1973. 180 pgs. In a
question and answer format, McGavran sets forth his thoughts on American church
growth. This is the best selling church growth book to date with over 125,000 copies in
print.
_____. Ten Steps for Church Growth. Harper & Row, 1977. A substantial sequel to
How to Grow a Church with many new insights from the authors.
McGavran, Donald and George G. Hunter, III. Church Growth: Strategies That Work.
Abingdon, 1980. 120 pgs. One of the best primers on the Church Growth Movement,
this book also provides practical tips on motivating people for growth, training laity,
helping small churches grow and planting new churches.
McGavran, Donald and C. Peter Wagner. Your Church and Church Growth: A Self
Study Course. Rev. ed. Pasadena: Charles E. Fuller Institute of Evangelism and Church
Growth, 1982. Six audio cassettes and workbook. The condensation of MC500 or
MC520, the fundamental church growth course with Wagner’s comments on
McGavran’s Understanding Church Growth. A 25-hour self study experience.
5
Miles. Church Growth: A Mighty River. Broadman (esp. for CG literature).
Mylander, Charles. Secrets for Growing Churches. Harper & Row, 1979. 140 pgs. This
book draws many practical applications for American churches from general church
growth principles. Written by a pastor who is seeing it happen in his church.
North, Ira. Balance. (Xn) Gospel Advocate Publishing Co., Nashville, TN.
North, Ira. You Can March for the Master. Nashville: Gospel Advocate Company, 1959.
Pepper, Clayton. Church Growth Today. Quality Press, Abilene, TX, 1998.
Peterson. Evangelism As A Lifestyle.
Redford, Jack. Planting New Churches. Broadman, Nashville, 1978.
Reeves, R. Daniel. Prescription for Church Growth.
Reeves, R. Daniel and Ron Jenson. Always Advancing. Here’s Life Publishers, 1984.
196 pgs. An up-to-date book introducing church growth principles with new information
on church typology and philosophy of ministry.
Schaller, Lyle R. Schaller is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable and skilled church
consultant in America today. A United Methodist by affiliation, he works both for the
Yokefellow Institute and independently. He comes to the church from the field of city
planning. Schaller writes a book a year with Abingdon as well as editing the influential
Creative Church Leadership series which adds four books per year. His books are all
highly relevant to the student of church growth. Eight of his latest books are listed here:
. Activating the Passive Church. Abingdon, 1981. 160 pgs.
. Assimilating New Members. Abingdon, 1978. 130 pgs. (254.5)
. Effective Church Planning. Abingdon, 1979. 170 pgs. (262)
. 44 Ways to Increase Church Attendance. Abingdon, 1988.
. Getting Things Done. Abingdon.
. Growing Plans. Strategies for Increasing Church Membership. Practical.
Abingdon, 1983. 176 pgs.
. Hey! That’s Our Church. Abingdon, 1975.
. The Small Church is Different. Abingdon.
6
Schuller, Robert H. Your Church Has Real Possibilities. Regal Books, 1975. 200 pgs.
In this book Schuller articulates sound church growth and goal-setting principles and
inspires the reader with possibility thinking.
Shenk, Wilbert. Exploring Church Growth. Eerdman’s, Grand Rapids, MI, 1983.
Sisemore, John T. Church Growth Through the Sunday School. Broadman Press, 1983.
156 pgs. Southern Baptists have used the Sunday school as a primary structure for
growth better than any other denomination. Here is how they do it. This excellent book
takes a balanced view of church growth and then stresses adult evangelism and the
adult Sunday school as practical keys. You will not want to miss this one!
Sullivan, Bill. Ten Steps to Breaking the 200 Barrier. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill
Press of Kansas, 1988.
Towns, Elmer L., John N. Vaughn, and David J. Seifert. The Complete Book of Church
Growth. Tyndale, 1981. 400 pgs. An amazingly thorough textbook on various case
studies of growth analyzing a number of approaches to ministry in American churches
including a substantial chapter on “The Fuller Factor.”
Trexler, Edgar. Ways to Wake Up Your Church. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969.
Turner, J. J.. Christian Leadership Handbook. West Monroe, LA, Howard Publishing
Company, 1991.
. The Leadership and Church Growth. Lambert Book House, Shreveport, LA
71104.
Vaughan, John N. The World’s Twenty Largest Churches. Baker, 1984. An amazing
piece of research which identifies, describes and analyzes the top super churches. An
indispensable resource for the church growth student.
Wagner, C. Peter. Church Growth: State of the Art. Tyndale, Wheaton IL.
. Church Planting for a Greater Harvest. Regal, (Gospel Light) Ventura, CA.
. Effective Body Building. Here’s Life Publishers, Box 1576, San Bernardino, CA.
. Helping Your Church Grow. (tapes $39.95)
. Leading Your Church to Growth.
. Strategies for Church Growth. Regal, Ventura, CA. 93006.
7
. Your Church Can Be Healthy. Abingdon, 1979. 120 pgs. A description and
analysis of the causes and symptoms of eight major growth-inhibiting diseases of
American churches.
. Your Church Can Grow: Seven Vital Signs of a Healthy Church. Regal, 1976.
Rev. ed. 1980. 170 pgs. Wagner’s first book on American church growth has now become
a basic document in the field. It is in its 13th printing with over 100,000 copies in
print.
Waymire, Bob and C. Peter Wagner. The Church Growth Survey Handbook. Santa
Clara, CA: global Church Growth Bulletin, 1980. 40p. This 8 ½ X 11 inch workbook is a
step-by-step methodology for doing church growth research. It is the authors’ hope that
it will serve to standardize the recording and reporting of church growth worldwide.
Werning, Waldo. Vision & Strategy for Church Growth. Chicago: Moody Press, 1977.
Williams, Jack H. (Ed). Church Growth God’s Way. Williams Publishing, 16105 E. 40th,
Independence, MO 64055.
Yeakley, Flavil R., Jr. Why Churches Grow. Anderson, 1977. 85 pgs. A social scientist
summarizes his Ph.D. dissertation on the reasons for growth among the Churches of
Christ. (Xn)
Zunkel, C. Wayne. Growing the Small Church: A Guide for Church Leaders. David C.
Cook, 1982. 110 pgs. This is an extremely practical manual with extensive professional
artwork for teaching its contents to others. It is much more than theory. If its principles
are followed, the progress for growth in almost any small church will be good.
-1-
Evangelism
Where Are You On The Growth Development Scale?
Where Are You on the Growth Development Scale?
Ignorance Information Infusion Individual
Change
Institutional
Change
Awkward
Application
Integration Innovation
Why can two or three churches attend the same church growth seminar, apply the same
strategies, and one church will show results, while another may not?
Through the “Two Year Growth Process” (conducted by CHURCH GROWTH, Inc. for
individual and clusters of churches) we have found that an appropriate strategy for
church growth will depend on a number of factors. A growth strategy for one church
may be highly successful ... the same strategy for another could cause a church split!
I recently developed what I call a “Church Growth Development Scale.” Locating your
congregation on this scale can help you determine the appropriate steps to take in
moving your church forward in growth. As you study the “Church Growth Development
Scale” keep the following insights in mind:
1. Growth requires moving from one step on the Scale to the next. A church cannot
jump over a step, although sometimes leaders inadvertently try, and encounter
problems.
2. Individuals change before organizations change. Some church leaders try to
change the organizational structure prior to changing individuals, and encounter
frustrations.
3. Correct strategy for growth will vary depending on where the church is presently
located on the Scale.
4. Movement on the Scale may be forward or backward.
5. Leadership in a church may be a different place on the Scale than membership.
This may create problems if it is assumed both groups are at the same point.
On the next page is a more detailed description of each stage. Can you identify where
your church presently is? Which direction it is moving?
(continued)
-2-
1. Ignorance
Congregation and leadership are uninformed of mandate to make disciples. Departments /
ministries have no unified direction or sense of mission. The congregation tends to be selfcentered
and self-serving.
2. Information
General interest in learning more. Questions arise as to what results “church growth” might
have for our church. If no further action is taken, increased indifference and apathy toward the
Great Commission develops.
3. Infusion
Penetration of new ideas into the status quo may cause confrontation with apathy, prejudice,
tradition. Tendency is to focus on problems. The need is for a dream to carry the church to the
next step.
4. Individual Change
“Church Growth Eyes” begin to develop in some leadership. Growing number of questions arise
on whether present church activities are bringing satisfactory results. Little institutional
reinforcement exists for members advocating change.
5. Organizational Change
Church’s goals reviewed and clarified in light of growing mission priority. New activities and
ministries are introduced in response to the new focus. New committees and structures may be
formed.
6. Awkward Application
Some failures and some successes experienced. Initially limited applications of church growth
thinking. Some mistakes are made, learning process is rapid. Need for additional knowledge,
training, resources becomes apparent.
7. Integration
Growing comfort in understanding and application of church growth principles. Fewer dramatic
changes, more refinement of previously initiated changes. Growing sense of accomplishment
and secondary wave of results and success occurs.
8. Innovation
The base of support and involvement by membership and application of principles expands to
other areas. Significant results are achieved and growth begins to perpetuate itself.
-3-
Suggestions for Moving Forward on the Growth Scale
Once you determine where your church is on the “Growth Development Scale,” how do you
move forward? Here are some suggestions ...
Ignorance to Information
• Show church growth films • Precede leader/committee meetings with study of church growth
books • Emphasize growth/outreach in sermons • Establish biblical base that “It’s God’s will
that His Church grow” • Study growth and the early church in adult education classes.
Information to Infusion
• Establish a church growth task force • Study church’s growth patterns • Formulate and
communicate a “dream” for the church • Sponsor a church growth seminar • Conduct a
diagnostic study of the church/community • Seek support of all leadership • Expand reading /
study in church growth.
Infusion to Individual Change
• Share information from church diagnostic process • Ask what are appropriate responses to
diagnostic information • Use church growth consultants • Give high visibility to church’s dream
• Seek public commitment to growth by all leadership • Conduct survey to identify areas of
need and opportunity for outreach.
Individual Change to Organizational Change
• Establish/review statement of purpose • Involve members in setting growth goals, objectives
• Identify needed new groups, new roles, new tasks • Continuing education for task force •
Keep the “dream” in front of membership • Emphasize changes as additions not replacements
• Use proven growth methods.
Organizational Change to Awkward Application
• Publicly recognize and appreciate growth leaders • Closely monitor growth projects •
Quickly recycle potential failures • Communicate early successes • Preacher/Staff model
commitment.
Awkward Application to Integration
• Encourage and inform “middle adopters” • Provide growth events for larger congregation to
become involved • Expand number of roles available in outward-focused areas (Class II) •
Sponsor a second church growth seminar for updating.
Integration to Innovation
• Enlarge staff with director of evangelism/church growth • Celebrate God’s blessing • Share
credit with all • Enlarge the dream • Build disciples and mature Christians from new members.
-1-
How To Use Steps To A Successful Family
-2-
-1-
Prospect Sources For Sowing And Reaping - The Individual Christian
PROSPECT SOURCES FOR SOWING AND REAPING - THE INDIVIDUAL
CHRISTIAN
1. Non-Christian mate
2. Non-Christian children
3. Non-Christian relative
a. Those close to you
b. Those with stresses and problems in their lives
c. Those with special times in their lives
4. Non-Christian friends
a. Friends that have problems and stresses in their lives
i. death
ii. divorce
iii. family problems
iv. business problems
v. sickness
vi. other
b. Friends you work with
c. Friends you play golf with, fish with, etc.
d. Friends you shop with, have exercise class with, go to the beauty salon
with, etc.
5. Classmates at school, college, art and craft classes, etc.
6. Neighbors
7. Business contacts
a. People you commonly do business with
b. People who commonly do business with you
c. Employers
d. Employees
e. Fellow employees
8. Casual contacts
a. The friendly postman
b. Waitresses, gas station attendants, store clerks, etc., that commonly wait
on you
c. Your barber or hairdresser
d. Other
-2-
9. People in need of benevolent aid that you know well or casually
a. On your block
b. At work
c. At school
d. Other
10. Newcomer
a. On your block
b. At work
c. At school
d. Other
11. Home contacts
a. Guest in your home
b. Those attending Bible study in your home
c. Those attending a party at your home
d. Delivery people
e. Workers who knock on your door
f. Other
12. Those seeking your help
a. Counseling
b. Encouragement
c. Benevolent
d. Other
13. Friends or relatives in hospital or rest/convalescent home
14. Friends or relatives of friends or relatives in hospital or rest/convalescent home
15. Referrals
a. Fellow worker
b. Parents of children’s friends
c. Friend of another friend
d. Prayer list (non-Christians)
16. Questioners – someone who has questioned you about religious matters
17. Objectioners – someone who has objected to the church
18. Parents of children for whom you babysit either at your home or their home
-3-
19. Contacts at births
a. Friends or relatives who have a new child
b. Friends or relatives who visit you when you have a new child
c. Individuals you meet at the hospital who have a new child at the same
time you or your friends or relatives
20. Wedding contacts
a. Relatives, friends, or others attending your wedding
b. Relatives, friends, or others attending your children’s wedding
c. Contacts at weddings of relatives, friends, or others you attend
21. Funeral contacts
a. Relatives, friends, or others attending the funeral of your loved one
b. Contacts at funerals of relatives, friends, or others you attend
22. House-to-house contact
23. Delinquent denominational church member
24. Delinquent Christian
25. Those who are ill
26. Friends and relatives of those who are ill
27. Those who have stress or problems in their lives
28. Hospital contacts.
-4-
PROSPECT SOURCES FOR SOWING AND REAPING - THE LOCAL
CONGREGATION
1. Prospects from individual Christians
2. Non-Christian mates
3. Non-Christian children
4. Other non-Christian relatives of members
5. Delinquent Christian
6. Visitor to worship
7. Visitor to Bible school
8. Visitor to Ladies’ Bible Class
9. Visitor to VBS
10. Visitors to World Evangelism Forum
11. Visitor to group evangelism meetings
12. Visitor to seminars, workshops, film showings, etc.
13. Visitor to Monday night classes
14. Visitor to neighborhood Bible studies
15. Visitor to social activity of Christians
16. Visitor to fellowships
17. Visitor to youth programs and events
18. Visitor to classes, graduations, etc.
19. Visitor via bus evangelism
20. Visitor to witness baptisms
21. Newcomer to city
-5-
22. Neighbor (or special) Bible class
23. Those responding to invitation for further study, etc.
24. Referral - prayer list
25. Counseling - those seeking help
26. Bible correspondence course enrollee
27. Hospital contacts
28. Rest/convalescent home contacts
29. Those who are ill
30. House-to-house contacts
31. Benevolent contacts
32. Referrals to the church for whatever reason
33. Day school contacts
34. Youth camp contacts
35. Bible Chair contacts
36. College ministry contacts
37. Radio contacts
38. TV contacts
39. Newspaper ad contacts
40. Herald of Truth contacts
41. Heartbeat contacts
42. Obituaries in newspaper
43. Divorces in the legal section of newspaper
44. Wedding section of newspaper
-6-
45. Engagement section of newspaper
46. Birth announcements in newspaper
47. Individuals in newspaper undergoing disaster, etc.
48. Contacts at births
49. Wedding contacts at church building
50. Funeral contacts at church building
51. Business contacts of local congregation
52. Fair booth contacts
53. Jail/prison contacts inside
54. Jail/prison contacts outside
55. Youth contacts
56. Religious survey
57. Contacts from direct mail work
58. Contacts from tract distribution or display
59. Parents and workers of Cub Scout den
60. Parents and workers of Boy Scout troop
61. Parents and workers of Explorer post
62. Contact with persons having alcohol problems
63. Contact with persons having drug problems
-1-
Target Group Evangelism - Unlocking A Secret To Growth
“Target Group Evangelism” - Unlocking A
Secret to Growth
Churches desiring significant evangelistic results and membership growth in the
coming decade will need to become effective at what I call “target group evangelism.”
This is a strategy of outreach which identifies one or more specific segments of the
surrounding community (“people groups”), and then researches, communicates with,
and builds bridges to persons in that group.
There are hundreds of “target groups” in America today. “Baby boomers” are
probably the most publicized. (See the new book, The Missing Generation, by Bob
Bast.) But there are myriad more; plenty to go around for all churches, and then some.
In this issue of the Growth Report we will suggest some universal principles of
“target group evangelism,” then look at two groups in particular.
Let’s begin with some common steps for effective “target group evangelism:”
1. Determine which “target group/s” you intend to focus upon. A reasonable
way to start is to examine your present membership and identify your
present strengths - the people groups you are already attracting and
ministering to. And, by enlarging your focus to other target groups, you
can stretch your church’s growth potential in new areas and ways.
2. Abolish your evangelism committee ... and replace it with “target group
task forces” - one for each group you are focusing upon.
3. Have each task force develop a timeline and then implement the following
activities:
A. Define the “target group.” The more specific, the better. “Singles”
is not a good target group definition. “Widowers” or “divorcees” or
“never marrieds” improves it. Adding age, gender, geographic
location, etc. will make the definition better still. Remember, “target
group evangelism” is a rifle shot, not a shot gun.
B. Know your audience. This is a research project. Interview at least
15 persons representing this group; more if possible. Conduct mail
and/or phone surveys. Visit the local chamber of commerce, real
estate offices, library. Learn as much as you can about who these
people are, where they live, what they do in their spare time, what
their attitudes are on relevant issues, what they think about, worry
about, etc. The more you know about this “people group,” the
better.
-2-
C. Communicate with your “target group.” Focus on an issue they feel
is important (not one you feel is important). Here’s where your
research comes in. Use at least three “communication vehicles,”
such as mail, phone call, personal invitation, flyer, radio spots,
newspaper ads, articles, etc.
D. Provide an opportunity for response. Whether it’s a coupon to tear
out and mail, a phone number to call, or an event to attend, provide
a way to let them say, “I’m interested in learning more.” Be sure to
make the opportunity for response easy. Don’t make people take
one “giant step,” let them take several “baby steps.”
The less threatening the response, the more people you’ll see respond.
To elicit the response, you will need to offer something of interest/value. It
may be a free booklet, a Saturday morning seminar, a brochure on a
church program, etc.
4. Identify your church members who share common characteristics (i.e. they
are in the same “people group”) with those persons who have just
responded.
5. “Link” the persons in your church with prospects who have responded to
your communication. The “linking” process should be based on common
characteristics between the prospect(s) and the member(s), such as age,
interests, marital status, family status, occupation, location, etc. The more
things in common, the better. (For example, a member is asked to contact
“John Doe” and plan an informal get-together based on their common
interest of golf. The member calls up two other golfing friends in the
church, and sets up a Saturday foursome.)
6. Start one (or more) new groups specifically for your identified “target
group. “Don’t plan for these newcomers to become assimilated into your
established groups. A few might, but most won’t because of the difficulty
in breaking the relational history already established in the group. See the
resource book: How to Start & Grow Small Groups.
(Note: #5 & #6 can and should go on concurrently.)
Tuesday School
TUESDAY SCHOOL...
Applications for Tuesday School are now ready. Tell friends,
neighbors, and relatives who have a three or four year old about it.
(Tuesday School is not for children of members of the church.) There
is no cost to parents; it is absolutely free. We will be starting
Tuesday School on September 15, and it will be each Tuesday that
public school is in session. Our school will begin at 9:30 A.M. and
end at 12:00 Noon at the building. Transportation will be provided by
the parents of the Tuesday School children. There will be five
classes taught each Tuesday and they are the following:
BIBLE
ABC’s
ORGANIZED GAMES
ARTS and CRAFTS
REFRESHMENTS, SINGING, AND STORY TIME
To enroll a child, the parent can come to the church office from 9:00 A.M.
- 12:00 Noon and 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. It won’t take but a
few minutes of their time to fill out the application.
HELP MAKE TUESDAY SCHOOL A SUCCESS.
Baptizing Behind Bars
Baptizing Behind Bars
OKLAHOMA CITY – The annual study of prison ministries coordinated by College
Church of Christ reports 1,985 baptisms in 1988, which is a 29% increase from 1987.
A total of 368 congregations in 37 states report prison ministries. The study was
presented in June at the 16th Annual Jail and Prison Ministry Workshop at the Westlake
Church of Christ in Indianapolis.
TOP 10 CONGREGATIONS IN NUMBER OF BAPTISMS FOR 1988 OF PRISON WORKS
City Congregation 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
Oklahoma City * Fishers of Men • • • • 301
Huntsville, Texas * Prison Ministry 183 117 178 122 205
Plainview, Texas Garland St. • • • 137 201
San Antonio, Texas Northside • • • • 192
Madison, Tenn. Madison 67 93 142 120 151
Amarillo, Texas * Prison Ministry 216 215 202 226 147
Corpus Christi, Texas Windsor Park • 152 161 137 112
Jacksonville, Fla. San Jose • • • • 91
Houston, Texas Bammel Road • • • 44 59
Stuart, Fla. Lake Street • • 54 • 55
*Multi-congregational ministry
Benevolence Handout
Used by Rick Walker to hand out to those coming for food, commodities and clothing (once a month or quarter, etc.).
Begun 6/93
(THE POWER FOR MANKIND)
1. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who
believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
YES - NO Is the gospel of God powerful enough to save everyone who believes?
YES - NO If we reject God’s gospel, will we be rejecting God’s power to save us?
(THE PROBLEM OF MANKIND)
2. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
YES - NO Have we ALL sinned and fallen short of God’s glory?
(THE HOPE OF MANKIND)
3. Romans 5:8-9 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. Much more then, having now been justified (made righteous) by His blood, we shall be saved
from the wrath of God through Him. “
YES - NO Though we are sinners and deserve His wrath, in love, did God allow Jesus to die for us?
YES - NO Is it true that no matter how sinful we are, God can make us righteous by Jesus’ blood?
(THE RESPONSE OF MANKIND)
4. Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be!
How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that allow us who have been
baptized into Christ have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him
through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of
the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”
YES - NO As our response to Jesus, are we now to consider ourselves dead to sin?
YES - NO Are we also to respond by being buried in baptism to show that we have died to sin?
YES - NO After our baptism are our lives new, i.e., we get to start over again?
YES - NO Have you been immersed/buried in baptism so that you may begin your life anew?
(THE DECISION OF MANKIND)
5. Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from
the dead, you shall be saved.”
YES - NO Once we have died to sin, are we to make the decision that Jesus is Lord of our lives?
YES - NO Can we be saved if we don’t make Him Lord, or if we don’t believe in His resurrection?
(THE LIFE OF MANKIND)
6. Romans 12:1-2 “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living, and holy
sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed
to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
YES - NO By making Jesus Lord, can we continue to live by conforming to this world’s standards?
YES - NO Might this change lead us to sacrifice our bad habits which are not acceptable to God?
(THE CHURCH FOR MANKIND)
7. Romans 16:16 “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.”
YES - NO Do we read about the church of Christ in the Bible?
YES - NO Is this the church that is made up of people who have accepted the HOPE, RESPONSE, DECISION, and
LIFE of mankind?
If you would like to check your answers or if there are any questions or decisions with which we may help you, PLEASE
give us a call at the ------- church of Christ. We want to be your family’s church!
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Evangelistic Program - The Area System
EVANGELISTIC PROGRAM
THE “AREA SYSTEM”
Use these ideas and adjust them to those that will work best in your area.
I. ORGANIZATION
A. Divide the congregation into four alphabetic groups (if there are more than
30 in each group, have two organizations with 15 - 20 in each which would
then cover twice the area).
B. Have two leaders over each group for one year.
C. Assign leaders a certain geographic area they become completely familiar
with (streets, demographics, etc.) within the “target area” of your
building/meeting place.
D. Promote regularly by a systematic (not helter-skelter) way the necessity of
everyone
E Each group would be responsible for work once a month on a Saturday.
5th Sundays would be used to make up when holidays came for certain
group’s regular meeting days (example: 4th of July, etc.).
in the group coming every time their group is to work.
F. The time would be 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday; if a Sunday is
used the time would be 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
G. Not everyone would be able to come each time, but each person would
probably come 4 to 7 times a year (which is more than many of us are
doing now).
The advantages of this program could be one or more of the following:
1. Makes the community aware of our existence, who we are, and
what we do and teach.
2. Results in the salvation of many.
3. Causes a greater fellowship among a mixed segment of the church.
4. Shows all of us that there is more to Christianity than just church
attendance.
5. Causes some who are “proud” to become humble as they “lower”
themselves to do service for the Lord.
6. Shows us the need to study more as we see we don’t know the
answers to everything we’re asked.
7. Shows us how to depend on each other more as we are challenged
and attacked by those who ridicule our work.
8. Gets the congregation to begin teaching.
9. Causes the congregation to grow in spirit, size and quality.
II. PREPARE A FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM SECOND TO NONE.
Ill. POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES (Can be done door-to-door, by phone, or by mail.)
A. Pass out brochures, ads for upcoming events, etc.
B. Set up BCC’s.
C. Set up home studies.
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D. Offer help (financial, transportation, repairs, maintenance, etc.).
Look for those to help, not just money food and clothing, but any kind of
help. This would make our door to door work different than the J.W.’s and
Mormons. Ours would be to serve.
IV. POSSIBLE SURVEY FOR COMMUNITY
The advantage of this kind of approach is that THEY are the ones who are doing
the input; you are not telling them anything. People respond better to this
approach.
A. Are you an active member of a nearby church? (This is your target
audience.)
B. What do you think is the greatest need in (our town)?
C. Why do you think most people don’t attend church?
D. If you were looking for a church in the area, what kinds of things would
you look for?
E. What advice would you give churches in our area if they wanted to be
helpful?
F. TWO OPTIONS FOR THE ENDING
1. We offer (one of the things they mentioned they liked)
at Hometown church of Christ. We’d like to leave this brochure
with you to tell you more about it and invite you to come find out for
yourself.
2. Would you be interested in meeting with us and helping us develop
that kind of church?
1
International Student Evangelism And You
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EVANGELISM AND YOU
Christians Concerned About International Students
One million international students attend universities outside their native
countries each year. Currently close to 350,000 from 185 countries are enrolled in
American colleges and universities. They come from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, China,
Japan, India, countries of Europe, and other nations.
These internationals speak English, work on their degrees from 2 to 5 years and
are curious about the American lifestyle. Although their first priority is their own
academic studies, they want to learn about American culture, economics, music, art,
family life, and religion.
New to our city, life for many international students becomes somewhat lonely
and self-contained on the campus. In their tenure at a university, many are never once
invited into an American home. More important, these “world citizens” need to see what
an American Christian home is like. They should upon graduation leave our city with
Christ in their lives and God’s Word in their hearts.
Without doubt here is a “mission field” in our own back yards in countless cities in
50 states where congregations surround universities. For the future redemption of the
foreign student it’s time we opened our homes, shared our food, gave out Bibles,
discussed the Christian life, and converted these lovely citizens from abroad.
How about volunteering as a host Christian or host family, befriending one
international student? This is a natural friendly way to introduce the Christian life and
Biblical teaching to another human being. This does not mean that you would have him
or her living in your home. Nor would you be responsible in any way for their financial
support.
Methods of Contacting Internationals
Remember that college students, young married couples, middle aged couples
with children, and “classics” (60s to 70s) can befriend and eventually teach Christ to the
foreign student. They are open to friendship, cross-cultural learning, and building with
the personal ties of mutual appreciation.
One way of contacting the international student is through the “host family”
program of the university near you. In this approach the foreign student office of the
university provides the student with a questionnaire. The student checks a question
which asks him or her, “Would you like to have an American host and be invited to an
American home?” If they answer “yes” then the international friends office sends out
2
material to civic organizations and churches. You simply fill out a form with your name,
address, occupation, etc. Indicate your preference for a male or female student and
from what country. Return the form to the office of the university, and they will send you
the name, address, telephone number, and background information on your student.
Then you either contact your student by letter or by telephone.
Another way to attract foreign students is to solicit a group of English teachers in
the congregation. These teachers do not have to be professional teachers nor have
previous experience in teaching conversational English. The ideal teacher-student ratio
is one Christian teacher to two or three students. Usually college students have more
time on weekends, so 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday nights, or 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday
afternoons is a convenient time. The study area can be a home, Bible Chair facility, or
a church building. Materials used can be conversational English textbooks, newspaper
and magazine articles, books on American proverbs, as well as the English Bible. God
will be with you as you “bond” yourself to the heart of the international student. You
also provide a realistic need for the student – learning how to express himself in
English.
College students can also form an international outreach group where each
Christian “adopts” only one or two foreign students. Limiting to one or two students,
quality time can be spent in leisure, meeting needs, discussing life’s problems and
introducing Biblical teaching. Where international students eat in dormitory cafeterias,
American Christians can purposely sit down across from the foreign student. After
casual eating and light conversation, then names, addresses, and telephone numbers
can be exchanged.
One student from Taiwan said, “At first I was too busy in my studies to want a
close American friend. Then later I was asked to meet at Burger King for a meal. We
talked for about three hours. That’s when a great friendship between us began.”
Another student from Indonesia said, “When I came to the U.S., I knew nothing about
American culture. But American friends made me feel truly welcome. I had someone to
call. I wasn’t here alone.”
A fourth way of contacting internationals is for the church to host an international
friends dinner at the church building on a Friday or Saturday evening. Good food and a
program of songs and presentations about American culture, language, history of the
state you live in, and Christianity can be interesting. Two or three meetings annually
should be planned, and also don’t forget the summer months when many foreign
students remain at the campus. Most important, Christian singles or families should
“pair off” with one or two students at these dinners. Then personal relationships
naturally begin to deepen as the students are invited into homes, to go on outings, and
to share their lives with American Christians who care about them.
Inviting the Student Into Your Home
Sharing a relaxed, unhurried meal is a beautiful cross-cultural way for the
Christian and the international student to get acquainted. Of course don’t be surprised if
your guest from abroad is late to your home by 20 or 30 minutes. We Americans live by
3
the clock, yet from their culture and background, punctuality may not always be
honored.
Usually internationals eat similar foods that we Americans have on our dinner
tables, although they are cooked differently. From time to time it may be discovered
that some students do not eat pork or beef because of religious reasons. Yet normally
what you daily prepare for yourself or for the family will be acceptable. Rich desserts
may need to be given in smaller portions or made with 1/3 of the sugar normally used.
If you start a meal with a prayer as is the custom of Christians, take a few minutes to
explain the custom to your guest.
Arranging activities for your international friend is not as difficult as you might
think. The majority of these students truly miss friends and relatives as they start their
new life abroad. Especially after heavy testing or deadline projects are finished, the
foreign student is ready to relax and be with friends. Remember that timing is important
in planning activities. In other words, a student might decline an invitation one or two
times because of an upcoming test or term paper.
Therefore, let the international friend know at least a week ahead of an activity.
Putting an invitation in writing with the date, time, and description of the event should
make things clear. Then a phone call the day before an event is always helpful.
Consider some of the following interesting and enjoyable activities: have a picnic
at a nearby park; go to an American garage sale; go walking around a mail; attend a
ballgame or concert; listen to music and talk. And don’t forget your city’s museums,
lakes, restaurants, and cultural events like fairs or arts and crafts exhibitions.
Of course, working in a garden or hiking in the wooded areas or fishing can be
pleasant for everyone. Or just enjoying a quiet supper and casual conversation in a
warm, friendly Christian home is “entertainment enough” for a person far away from his
or her country. He or she might also have a good time playing with your children, or
listening to your daughter or granddaughter play the piano.
When foreign students first arrive on our college campuses, they have immediate
practical needs. Where are the supermarkets with the best prices or the discount
stores? How can they find a good family doctor or dentist? Where is a bank that caters
to college students? They may need advice on purchasing a car or finding a good
mechanic. Serving the needs of others is actually central teaching from our Lord, and
the foreign student has realistic needs to be met.
On the average, you spend time with the international student about every two
weeks. This time is arranged at your convenience and there is no set schedule to
follow. You can just be yourself and utilize the talents and resources that God has
given you to woo and attract your friend to the Friend of sinners.
4
Introducing the Bible
“Most Americans are indifferent to me and pay me no attention. Then there are
the religious people. They show an interest in me until it appears to them that I’m not
interested in Christianity. Then they drop me and I never see them again,” a foreign
student said.
Many times if we “get too religious too fast,” then the international will feel that we
are only interested in converting him to Christianity. In other words, in his mind our
friendship is not genuine. Always be true to yourself and your student, and offer
authentic friendship in Christ. Try in a very natural way to share your life with him or
her, and open up your private world to them.
One way to get into a religious discussion (only after a few months) is to first ask
the student questions about his country’s religions. Become truly curious about what
his religious beliefs are. Always show respect and interest in what your guest from
abroad holds as morally right and sacred. You might want to spend a short time in the
encyclopedia to deepen your understanding of his culture. Also check your local library
or bookstore for books explaining his religious philosophy of life.
Don’t forget that your own story of how you became a Christian might be
interesting to the student. An eventual study of the advantages of living the Christian
life shows practical application of God’s principles to our present times. Or ask the
student if he would be interested in a short two or three month study of the life of Jesus
Christ. Meet once a week on the average, and keep the study to an hour and a half,
and then have refreshments. A study of the Gospel of John is recommended showing
from select passages the beauty of the character and life of Christ. Or a three month
study of the attributes of God is always appropriate for the non-Christian.
Remember that through your local bookstore, you can order your friend a copy of
the Bible or New Testament in his own language. Tracts in the native language of the
international are available from a missionary of the church. It could be that your international
friend has never had his own Bible, nor read many religious materials of a
positive nature about Christianity.
As your relationship with your student deepens and in God’s grace becomes
more pleasant, continue to place the name and needs of your friend before the
Heavenly Father. Ask for patience, wisdom, and perseverance in reaching out in
service to him or her.
Follow Up . . . After They Leave
Sometimes we find that we befriend an international for only 9 months or possibly
as long as 2 years before he leaves to return home or study elsewhere. If the student is
moving to another state for an advanced degree, contact the elders and local evangelist
of the church in that city. Give them a background sketch of the foreign student and the
progress that you made with the student in Biblical teaching. Make a long distance call
to the church building later to discuss “follow up” procedures with the student by the
church there.
5
To the international, the gift of friendship continues for a lifetime. Keep the
communication lines open by sending a brief letter, a birthday card, a family snapshot
once a year, or call long distance every three or four months. Remember the
international student’s redemption and eternal destiny is hanging in the balance. With
effectual follow up, after a short while you may be informed by the church of his or her
baptism by co-workers in Christ at their location.
A Summary of Guidelines ....
1. Befriend only one or two international students so that you and your family can
spend quality time with him or her.
2. Just be yourself and, by imitating the compassionate Christ, offer sincere
friendship.
3. Try to get together on a regular basis so that your friendship will develop and
begin to truly deepen.
4. Learn to share yourself with the student, and let him know that you genuinely
care about his personal life and future.
5. Learn from the student what he or she enjoys in life (e.g. in areas of music,
sports, hobbies, food) and where their immediate needs are.
6. Plan invitations to dinner or activities right after major testing when he or she is
more likely to be in the mood to get away from campus fife.
7. On major American holidays (prior to your own family get-togethers), be sure to
honor the international friend in your home. This shows him that during
America’s most important “festivals” he is always thought of and included.
8. Allow the international to do some things for you (cook his favorite foods, work in
the yard, etc.) so that the friendship won’t be one-sided.
9. Don’t start right away by getting “too religious too fast” with your friend from
abroad.
10. Eventually you will want to give your student a Bible in his own language. It may
be the first Bible of his own that he has ever had. Religious tracts in the
student’s language are also available through missionaries on the field.
11. Order from the Sunset bookstore, the following “How To” brochures (3723 34th
Street, Lubbock, Texas 79410, (806) 797-2249): Teaching The Bible To African
Students; Teaching The Bible To Chinese Students; Teaching The Bible To
Hispanic Students.
12. Every two months meet with others in the congregation for discussion of
progress and problem areas in international students evangelism. Continue in
6
private and collective prayers to ask the Lord of Harvest for vision and
compassion in how to truly serve and Biblically teach these “world citizens”
among us.
Al Henderson
7
Name
I would like to volunteer for the following:
( ) International Friends Dinner
( ) Teach conversational English (2 hours a week)
( ) Being a Host person or family (invite into home once a month)
( ) Exclusive outreach as a Christian woman to a student’s wife
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8
Visitors
Determining Our Openness Quotient
VISITORS
Determining Our Openness Quotient
Respond as honestly as possible to the following questions.
Total positive points
Total negative points
Openness quotient is
Excellent More than adequate
Average Less than adequate
Yes No Points plus or minus
1. Visitors are given ribbons or name tags.
2. Every worshiper wears a name tag.
3. Visitors sign a guest book, or there is attendance registration.
4. There is more than enough parking.
5. Our auditorium is full for worship.
6. Members leave the closest parking spots for the handicapped and visitors.
7. I take the initiative to talk with those I do not know well.
8. Our congregation is about the right size .
9. If someone is sitting alone, I sit by them.
10. Classrooms are identified.
11. There is a register of rooms at the entrance.
12. Rest rooms are easy to find.
13. Ushers greet people and show them to seats.
14. Service times and the name of the church are clearly identified outside.
15. I go to church with a mental list of people I need to see, items I need to check on.
16. We have a refreshment time after worship.
17. At fellowship times I usually spend my time talking with friends.
18. Visitors to church are visited within 48 hours.
19. We have some specific strategies for growth.
20. The church is united on wanting the church to grow.
21. I feel good about my preacher.
22. Most of our elders have been members of our congregation for at least five years.
23. I feel good about our brotherhood.
24. There is continual tension in our congregation.
25. In the worship services terms are used and references made that someone new
ld d d
© 1982 David C. Cook Publishing Co. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom only - not for resale.
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Reaching Different Ages
Ways To Build A Morally Powerful ‘Youth Ministry’ In A Small Church
Ways to build a morally powerful ‘youth ministry’ in a small church
I recently met with some adult youth leaders and volunteers. We were
discussing adolescents, volunteering, and youth culture. Someone asked, “Can you
have a youth ministry in a small church?” The answer is “no” and “yes.” If you wait until
you have extra money, an intern, or “enough” young people, the answer is “no.” If you
love the youth you already have, use volunteers and do creative things that don’t
require huge amounts of money, the answer is “yes.”
I am always encouraged at large youth gatherings. I get to see a lot of my youth
ministry friends. So many of these, however, are adults and college students who
volunteer to help with young people at their small church.
A small church has parents, college students, or young married couples who can
volunteer to work with the youth. These often have extra time, get some small stipend,
or want the best for kids. Whatever the reason, these people make youth ministry
happen in small churches. They might say they don’t know very much about youth
ministry, but they do want students to love the Lord, be like Christ and serve his church.
Here are some ideas for your small church youth ministry.
• First, start with what you have. If you have one student in your church, you
have youth ministry potential. Get one adult with a passion to see that one student
grows spiritually, and you have a youth ministry. I know youth ministers with many
students in their ministries. They love it, but they hate it. Often they say, “I wish there
were only a few, so I could spend time with them all.”
• Second, develop a plan. Spend some time casting a vision for what a youth
ministry might be like, considering the needs of your youth, your church and your
community. Set achievable goals which reflect concepts that build students spiritually,
mentally, physically, and socially.
• Third, start with a good foundation. Rick Chromey suggests four building
blocks for a good foundation in small church youth ministry – L.I.F.E. Love is the
cornerstone for any ministry, but especially youth ministry. Use members who truly love
young people and are willing to sacrifice their time and money. This is especially
important in a small church where there is more one-on-one relationship potential.
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Involvement is the second part of the foundation. Don’t wait for students to grow
up to be adult workers in the church. Get them involved right now. There are jobs in
the church that youth can do at all spiritual levels. All of the adult jobs we do in church
can be done by youth. Students can welcome new and visiting students. Students can
share the Gospel with others – young and old. Students can visit other students and
pray for them. Bottom line: Get them involved in doing what they were truly created to
do!
Fellowship is the third element of a good foundation in a small church youth
ministry. Students need to learn how to love and accept others. Christian fellowship
gives them a platform to accomplish this task.
Education is the fourth part of a good foundation. Don’t sacrifice education for
entertainment. It used to be that many of our students knew Bible facts. They weren’t
necessarily very good at applying them, but they knew the facts. Now it seems that not
many know the facts, much less the applications of those facts. We must put a priority
on teaching in our youth ministries, whether they are large or small. This teaching must
be followed with examples of application, as well as opportunities to personally apply
biblical concepts in real student life.
Other specific areas to think about:
• One-on-one relationships – Connecting significant adults to students.
• Programming – Meet the needs of the students at your church.
• Family activities – Small churches should capitalize on intergenerational
activities among its families.
• Discipleship – Push students to grow spiritually.
• Evangelism – Challenge your students to share the Gospel with their friends.
• Missions – Team up with a larger group and take your students on a joint
mission trip,
• Service Projects – Do things around your community for others.
• Fun activities – Balance all of the above with reasonable fun activities.
– DUDLEY CHANCEY, Oklahoma City
For more information on youth ministry in small churches, contact Dudley
Chancey at the Youth Ministry Department, Oklahoma Christian University, Box 11000,
Oklahoma City, OK 73136. Phone: (405) 425-5373. E-mail: dudley.chancey@oc.edu.
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Sensitivity: Growing Singles Population Requires Attention
Sensitivity: growing singles population requires attention
The way children grow up in our society is changing. Young people are
prolonging their entry into life’s responsibilities and most are waiting longer to get
married. Consequently, the church has a new adult population that we have not been
accustomed to serving.
The importance of that group was driven home to me in January, when George
C. Creach, Jr. of Kennendale, Texas, wrote about priorities I had outlined in a Chronicle
article last November. Creach’s letter, which was carried in the January Chronicle,
made the important point that one of our fastest-growing groups within the church is our
singles, and he made an eloquent appeal that we recognize the significance of the
singles and do more to prepare those young adults for roles of responsibility within the
church.
About the same time that Creach voiced his concern, Todd Gentry, who ministers
to the singles at the South MacArthur Church of Christ in Irving, Texas, wrote Christian
college presidents about the 400 singles at that congregation. He observes that these
young adults are “more prepared for marriage than single life. They expect to marry at
college, prepare to marry, and then graduate as a single. You would think that single
life would be natural, but it isn’t. [They] struggle for a long time with their broken
dreams.”
All of these concerns are justified. Only a small percentage of American youth
marry when they finish high school. A larger number marry when they are in college or
at the time of graduation, but that percentage is smaller than it was one or two
generations earlier. Young adults are taking longer to make their career preparation: a
large number will take four-and-a-half or five years to complete a baccalaureate degree.
Many will go on to professional school or graduate education. Young adults often enter
their first job in their career after they are 25. Marriage typically occurs when they are
closer to 30 than to 20.
The reality of these facts will have a powerful effect on the church. Singles
ministries have become standard aspects of dynamic churches in larger cities.
What creates the problem is the general principle that churches seem to function
best at serving families. From the Bible school to programs of work and ministry,
churches have fashioned their activities to serve couples and families. Unmarried
young adults, widows, widowers, and those divorced Christians do not naturally fit into
every congregation. Singles must persist if they are determined to make a place for
themselves in the average church. And even in churches with elaborate singles
ministries, those believers often feel isolated and alone. Singles perceive that a
“barrier” exists between them and other church members.
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A good friend who recently celebrated his thirtieth birthday and has been part of
several churches since his graduation from college has shared his thoughtful insights
about his experiences as a single. His personal devotion to God and his commitment to
being an active part of the body have prompted him to give much of his energy and time
to church activities. He has worked hard to cultivate friendships among the singles and
among those who are married.
He observes, “All manner of excuses permit congregations to segregate single
people, at least in the minds of its married segment. Unwittingly, [singles] give them a
lot of reason to think as they do . . . For Christian singles, a major force is the
congregation around them at church. Consider that Paul’s apparent praise for
bachelorhood is ignored – I am single, so where are the requests for my abilities?
Where are the invitations to meetings and resource classes? Where is even a passing
mention in any public address that single people have any power to offer service? And
how about a little respect via real responsibility versus seeing me in an afterthought as a
good person to watch the kids while the couples go do the ‘real work of the church’?”
Clearly, singles have a lot of feelings about their place in the church, and it is
time churches made special efforts to break down the wall segregating the unmarried.
It is time to take stock of the talents of every person in the body so that we can make
the fullest use of those talents.
We must also help the singles address their singleness without apology and
without a sense of inadequacy, because, as my friend says, “Admittedly, we get no
better when we come to each other [singles] for support and fellowship. The tensions
that accompany seeking a companion make it difficult for any but the closer ones to be
genuine with each other, so we stifle what we most need from people, any people. We
also battle within ourselves the lifestyle of default – having no accountability, we exist
for the world to grab on and suck out our essence like a leech. We get weaker in heart,
and the distance between us and brethren who ‘don’t know what to do with us’ just
grows. Some of us will work at life and keep our perspective, and grow and give
regardless, because our status and worth is not based on our feelings or on the views of
our misguided pew companions, but rather in a strong sense of purpose defined by a
higher source. Some singles become a Landon Saunders or an Amy Carmichael, but
quietly.
“For most other singles, they must either marry or go someplace where marital
status counts nothing for most purposes. If they don’t, they will become the tonsils and
appendices in the body of Christ, comforting themselves in some illusion of true
membership, but never serving any useful purpose. If they become inflamed and cause
trouble, look for a cure – it can be treated. If not, be sure that you will lose them, and
the Devil is waiting with open arms and laughing over every chance to pierce into Christ
again.”
Todd Gentry makes a strong point that our training of young people in our
churches and in Christian colleges should help prepare for a longer period when people
-3-
will live a single life. In our anxiety over the problem of divorce and failing marriages,
we concentrate our teaching on those relationships while we fail to equip young adults
for a period of living single. We do not equip them as singles for relating to couples,
families and other singles.
Gentry is also concerned that our training of those who minister to the church
does not include preparation for assisting singles of the Kingdom to meld into congregational
life and service.
Perhaps the greatest challenge for the church is for every person to develop a
healthy respect for every other child of God. We need eyes to see only the souls and
potential of our brothers and sisters. Although we have made great strides in dealing
with differences of color and background, and although we are growing in our respect
for people without regard to sex, we have not really begun to deal with singles. A few
efforts have been directed toward healing those destroyed by divorce, and we have long
excelled at giving prompt but not sustained attention to those losing a spouse to death.
With a rapidly growing singles population in every metropolitan church, it is time to get
serious about utilizing the talents and the spiritual gifts of this important group. They
have much, indeed, to offer the Body of Christ.
BAILEY B. MCBRIDE
-4-
America Is Getting Grayer
-2-
Many More Adults and Fewer Youth
Many More Adults and Fewer Youth
It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see the future of the church coming over the
horizon. There will be many more adults and fewer youth! In fact, it’s already
happening.
Is your church ready?
Today in America . . .
● the number if persons over 55 years is growing three times faster than the
national population!
● there are more people over 65 years than under 18!
● those U.S. citizens 65 years and older out number the entire population of
Canada!
Tomorrow in America . . .
● in just 20 years one of every four senior citizens will have children who are
also senior citizens.
● by the year 2010, average life expectancy will be 91 years.
● by the year 2040, when the last of the “baby boomers” reach retirement,
25% of the population will be 65 years or older!
-1-
Drop Outs
Reclaiming ‘Lost Sheep’ Should Be A Major Area Of Evangelistic Thrust
Reclaiming ‘lost sheep’ should be a major area of evangelistic thrust
ne of the very best opportunities for winning souls is to reclaim those who have
been members of the congregation but have fallen away. Some of these may
have quit over some issue or conflict, but most will have just slipped away
through neglect. Whatever the reason why they no longer attend, many congregations
have found this a rich mine to work and report greater numerical results from bringing
people back than from converting new Christians. Every congregation, of course,
should have a plan for reaching those in both conditions.
One smaller congregation in Texas recently reported that it identified 40 persons
who had attended few or no services within the last 16 months and made a special
effort to reclaim as many as they could. They set a Friend’s Day on a particular
Sunday. For this day they scheduled a pot luck and all members tried to bring friends.
Among those who received a special letter of invitation were the 40 they sought to
reclaim. Some members also selected these as friends to invite. Of the 40, 10 came
on the special Sunday and another five came the following Sunday. How many
continue remains to be seen, but getting 15 out of 40 to attend even once within two
Sundays is an excellent start on getting these members back into the fold.
Another Texas congregation identified those who had fallen away over the past
few years. They then assembled a group of members who knew them. This team
reviewed each person’s situation, trying to determine what had been the cause for their
leaving, whether personal conflict, isolation from other members, insufficient
involvement, a doctrinal difference, dissatisfaction with the congregation, growing
apathy to religion or some other cause. Then a group of Christians who were willing to
make visits met and studied how to make such visits most profitable, approaching each
person to win not condemn. Each prospect for renewal was then assigned to a pair of
Christians who would make the visit. Through this careful plan, the congregation was
able to restore many.
Your congregation could develop a reclaiming plan such as this:
• Identify, with the help of two or three long-term members, those still nearby who
formerly attended your congregation and do not attend any neighboring congregation.
Past directories or membership lists could help in making this list.
• Assemble a group to review these cases to determine the reason for their
leaving and how and by whom each might best be approached about returning.
• Have continuing special prayers for these.
• Set a special day to bring friends to worship.
O
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• Carefully word a letter to those no longer coming to encourage them and
provide an “open door” for their return. If you have had any recent changes such as a
new preacher, new elders or some new program that might interest them, include that in
your letter.
• Assign each prospect to one or two who have been trained to make such visits
in a spirit of meekness.
• Those visiting can issue a special invitation to each person or family and deal
as necessary with the cause for having drifted away.
• If a “lost sheep” does attend, be prepared to give that person a warm welcome
and a good follow-up.
• Plan something regularly to reach dropouts. This effort should not be just a
one-time activity.
Every congregation, large and small, should have a Reclaiming Ministry as an
ongoing program. A deacon or member with a heart for this work should be given a
permanent assignment 1) to keep up with those who need to be sought and 2) to
develop and carry out an individual strategy for reclaiming them. A small group can
work together in regularly discussing those who need attention and planning how to
contact each. This group can assign to various members the type of contact they
believe will be best: a direct visit, casual contact, mail, working first with the children, or
some other approach.
Jesus speaks of “going after” a sheep who has gone astray. Surely he had in
mind our reaching out to church members who have strayed.
Try www.oc.edu/colleges/bible/ministry for articles on a wide variety of topics in
ministry.
– STAFFORD NORTH, Oklahoma City
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Drop Outs: Solving The Problem Before It Occurs
Drop Outs: Solving the Problem Before it Occurs
Research is showing that the process by which people arrive at their Christian decision
is a key factor in determining whether they become active members. In fact, one can
actually predict with surprising accuracy which decisions will grow into responsible
church members and which will drop out.
EVANGELISM THAT CREATES DROP-OUTS
1) An evangelistic process which uses a “manipulative” approach tends to create
dropouts.
Evangelism can be categorized into one of three approaches: The first view,
“Information Transmission,” sees evangelism as a one-way act of communicating
spiritual facts. The perceived relationship between the evangelizer and the prospect is
one characteristic of a teacher and student; the goal is to impart certain correct
information. The assumption is that a correct understanding by the hearer will bring a
logical, positive response.
Another approach to evangelism may be called the “Manipulative Monologue” view.
This approach sees evangelism as a process of manipulation. It might center around an
emotional appeal, or a set of carefully prepared questions. The relationship between the
believer and the non-believer approximates a salesperson and a customer; the goal is
to “close the sale.”
A third approach, “Non-manipulative Dialogue,” views evangelism as a two-way process
of honest interaction. The assumption is that not all people see things exactly the same
way, and one “canned approach” is not appropriate in every situation. Characterizing
the relationship between the Christian and non-Christian, in this case, would be friend to
friend; the goal being to share an honest concern for the other.
One study found that when a church member saw evangelism as “Information
Transmission,” 75% of those approached with the Gospel said “No.” Among members
who viewed evangelism as “Manipulative Monologue,” 81% of those approached said
“Yes,” but 85% of that group became inactive within a year. However, when church
members viewed evangelism as “Non-manipulative Dialogue,” 99% of those
approached said “Yes’ and 96% of those stayed.
Which view of evangelism does your training program encourage?
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2) An evangelistic process which sees the goal as a “decision” rather than “disciple”
tends to create drop-outs.
The fact is that not all who make decision become disciples; the two are not
synonymous. The biblical goal is a life transformed and a participating member of
Christ’s Body. A “decision-making” view of evangelism - which focuses on a critical
point in time - tends to create drop-outs because once that decision is made, it is
assumed the goal is accomplished. A “disciple-making” view of evangelism - which
focuses on a lifelong process - encourages a more accurate evaluation of “successful”
strategy.
Are the fruits of your evangelism program measured by decisions or disciples?
3) An evangelistic process which presents the Gospel one time then asks for a
response tends to create drop-outs.
Research shows that in comparing active and inactive members, those who continue as
responsible church members have been exposed to an average of 5.79 different
Christian influences prior to their commitment. Drop-outs, by comparison, had seen or
heard the Christian message only 2.16 times before their decision.
As an evangelistic strategy, the more times a person is exposed to the Gospel message
prior to his/her Christian commitment, the more likely he/she is to understand the
implications of that commitment, and stay. The fewer the Christian exposures prior to a
commitment, the greater likelihood of that person dropping out.
Does your evangelism strategy seek a response on the first contact?
4) An evangelistic process which does not create prior relationships between the
potential member and the church programs/people tends to create drop-outs.
When events leading up to a person’s profession of faith were not due to a relationship
with the people of a local church, there are no ties established with that person and the
church. Thus the perceived value of involvement in the church by the new convert is
low. However, when the new believer has established friendships with members in the
church . . . has become part of a group where he/she feels a sense of “belonging” . . .
when the person has been exposed to the church’s people, beliefs, expectations, then
that new convert’s potential assimilation into the church is increased dramatically.
How many friends do your potential new members have in the church, and how many
programs/ministries are they presently involved in?
-1-
Savage’s Dropout Tract
SAVAGE’S
“DROPOUT TRACT”
Anxiety-provoking event
Rooted in
Reality
Moral
Neurotic
Existential
Related to
Family member
Preacher
Church member
Overwork

Anger

Verbal messages

Change in behavior
(less worship, giving, faith)
 Dropout line 

Waiting period - 6 to 8 weeks

Reinvestment in other activities

50% not in church 
©1982 David C. Cook Publishing Co. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use only – not for resale.
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Sunday School Growth Ideas
20 Ways To Double Your Sunday School Class
Hundreds of teachers have used these principles
to double the size of their classes.
20 Ways to Double Your Sunday School Class
You can double the attendance of your Sunday School class. Sound
impossible? Well, it isn’t. Hundreds of teachers have used the principles I include here,
and have had fantastic results. Read all the points carefully – then discuss them with
the other teachers in your Sunday School. Think how much could be accomplished for
the Lord if every class in your school doubled in size this year.
1. Set an Overall Goal. If your class has been averaging 15, set a goal of 30.
Prepare a poster with a goal of 30. Write 30 on the chalkboard. Saturate your pupils
with the goal. Goal setting works. A junior class in Florence (SC) hung a large sheet of
paper from one wall to another, then had each of the 26 boys write his name on it and
sign “52" by his autograph. In that way, each student reinforced the class goal of 52.
The total Sunday School set a goal of 1,225. Posters were put on walls, bulletin boards
and doors. Every poster announced the goal of 1,225, but each differently – in German,
Spanish, Greek; upper and lower case letters; Gothic and Roman numbers.
2. Set a Goal for Finding New Prospects. In order for your class to double, attempt to
get twice as many prospects as your average attendance. This means that each
member should suggest 2 names. If there are 30 in the class, get 60 names on your
prospect list.
An adult class in Salem, Va., distributed blank cards to members and asked each
to submit names of friends he or she would like to see in the class. After two weeks of
listing names, the goal still was not reached. Therefore, three ladies were delegated to
phone members of the class and write down the names they suggested. They worked
until 100 new names were gathered.
To have a growing Sunday School class, put as much emphasis on finding
prospects as on recruiting them.
3. Assign Prospect Responsibility. Many growing classes type the names of all
prospects on sheets of paper, then distribute photocopies in the class, assigning
prospects to be contacted before the next week. One group in Ypsilanti, Mich., printed a
motto over its visitation board, “People Expect What You Inspect.” Many members work
in the automobile assembly plants in Detroit where they are taught by GM that people
work according to how closely the foreman supervises them. The same rule applies to
Sunday School. Therefore, give each of your class members a prospect to contact,
then check up on them the following Sunday to see if they have made the contact.
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4. Phone Every Prospect. During the campaign, phone every prospect on your list ...
every week. Extend to each a friendly welcome, giving the time, place and lesson topic.
5. Send Mail to Every Prospect. During your campaign, mail every prospect a
postcard or letter, inviting him to Sunday School. A housewife can write a personal note
to 30 prospective students in 2 hours. A first-class letter to 30 prospects costs less than
$12 – eternal benefits will result.
6. Visit Every Prospect. Visitation puts the GO in Gospel, carrying the message to
every person. After you have phoned every prospect, a visit to his home will convince
him of your love. In fact, visit every prospect every week during your attendance
campaign.
7. Start a Class Newspaper. During your campaign, start a one-page (or larger) class
newspaper. The junior class at one church in Guelph, Ontario, distributes an eight-page
paper, The Roadrunner, to every junior. Since it is a large class, the teachers spend
time writing articles about juniors who recently have committed their lives to Jesus
Christ. The paper also includes crossword puzzles, homework, stories, and news about
the attendance campaign. The attendance motto and logo also are printed there,
reminding the kids of their attendance goals.
The average Sunday School teacher with less than 10 pupils cannot publish a
newspaper every week, but he can do it at least twice during each attendance
campaign. A newspaper is not hard to prepare. If you’ve never issued one, simply write
a one-page letter giving the news of the class. Then type the letter in two columns to
make it look like a newspaper, and put a headline across the top. Fill the newspaper
with the names of students, their accomplishments, and what you expect to do for God.
8. Name Your Class. One teacher called his fourth grade boys class “The Treehouse
Gang.” A massive cardboard tree, with a door, was used at the entrance of the room.
Two more large trees, reaching from ceiling to floor, covered the inside walls. Later, a
stockade was put in the hall surrounding the doors. He started his class in September.
His goal was to average 54 before the year was out. With enthusiasm, ingenuity, and
determination, he pushed the average attendance to 94.
9. Post Attendance. A junior boys class at one place in Hammond, Ind., called their
campaign “Spring Training.” A massive box score chart marked hits, runs and errors so
that students could follow their progress each week. The class was divided into two
sides, and at the beginning of each class they “batted around,” adding up visitors,
attendance and Bibles.
Since pupils tend to value those things that are important to teachers, make sure
to call the roll carefully. This tells each student it’s his duty to be in class every Sunday.
The extra pressure of some kind of a wall chart gives added motivation.
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10. Get a Motto. One high school class in Savannah, Ga., had a “Fat is Beautiful”
campaign. Instead of awarding stars or rockets, or putting names on the wall, they
weighed in each week. The teams began with an equal total weight. Visitors tipped the
scales for the winners, while absentees dragged the losers down.
11. Get a Logo. A church that celebrated its 25th anniversary hung a huge silver seal
all year in the auditorium with the motto, “The 25th Year of Redemption.” Under the
motto was their goal. The entire seal was their logo. They had it fashioned into small
silver seals which they affixed to envelopes and letterheads. It was also printed on all
the literature of the church.
12. Give Out Buttons. Each person is to be given a button ahead of time with the
wording “I Am One of **” to remind him to be faithful in attendance. (** the number
chosen as the goal.)
13. Stretch Their Faith. One large group in West Hollywood, Fla., planned to beat
the state record and have the largest Sunday School in the history of Florida. To do so,
attendance had to double from 2,700 to 6,400. In a three-day workers conference, their
faith was stretched.
On the first night of the conference, everyone was pinned with a “5,000+” button
and asked to pray for 5,000+ every time he ate a meal during the next week. Since
most eat three meals a day, every person would pray 21 times for 5,000+. It was called,
“Fast or Pray,” reminding the people that if they didn’t pray for 5,000, they should not
eat.
The second night, each worker signed a card to pledge, “I will work for 5,000+.”
On the third night every teacher made a numerical commitment of a goal for his class
on 5,000+ Sunday.
When the tally was in, they had pledged to reach 5,400. Later they reached
5,427, the largest Sunday School in the history of Florida.
14. Choose a Good Day. Don’t plan a Sunday School campaign for Labor Day
weekend, or during the Fourth of July holiday when there is a natural dip in the
attendance. The minister who tried to have his largest attendance on Labor Day
weekend and the Sunday after Easter, claiming, “Anybody can get a crowd on Easter, I
want to build an attendance to show our people love God,” has missed the whole
purpose of an attendance campaign. A high attendance should do more than
demonstrate the loyalty of the faithful. It should bring visitors, electrify everyone when
the attendance is doubled, and bring men, women and children to a saving faith in
Jesus Christ. So plan for Sunday School growth when the best results are possible.
Then you will be a good steward of your time, energy and money. Therefore, plan to
grow on those days when attendance can be largest.
-4-
15. Remember the Clenched Fist. A man can keep his fist taut only so long. Then
the muscles give out. Likewise, a Sunday School class can pressure itself for
expansion for only a short time. Therefore, growing Sunday Schools plan two
attendance campaigns for six or seven weeks each spring and fall. They work as hard
as they can during a campaign to find prospects, excite students, phone, write and visit.
The attendance drive is relaxed during holidays, the snows of January, and again during
the summer.
16. Get a Running Start. Before jumping a creek, a boy runs faster if he has to jump
farther. In Sunday School, the larger the goal, the longer it takes to double your class
attendance. Plan a six or seven week fall campaign with the high Sunday as the last
day. Don’t read this chapter and plan to double your class next week. Pray to double,
plan to double, and promote to double. But remember this: A teacher can’t lead if his
class won’t follow, and pupils won’t work to double their class unless their teacher takes
the time to convince them it can be done.
17. Plan a High Day. Plan a high attendance Sunday on the last Sunday of your
campaign. Some criticize this, saying that it only gets a crowd and makes small-class
teaching impossible. However, the “high day” really is only a return to the old-fashioned
rally day, where all pupils assembled in the auditorium to “rally” enthusiasm for Vacation
Bible School. Most teachers need to break lethargy and infuse the pupils with
expectation. A “double day” convinces the pupils it can be done again and again, until
the class is permanently doubled.
18. Pray. A junior boys class in Decatur, Ga., set a goal of 26 in Sunday School.
They wanted to double their average attendance of 13. The teacher asked each boy to
pray. Several boys promised to bring their buddies. Next Sunday morning they began
to fill up the little room ... 22 ... 23 ... 24 ... 25 ... 26. All the boys cheered. But, the
visitors kept coming. Soon they were sitting two to a chair and standing in each row.
When the teacher finally counted all the heads, there were 50.
“I can’t teach. There are too many in this room,” the teacher said apologetically.
A hand went up. “It’s my fault,” said a tow-headed boy, “I prayed for 50.”
God answers the prayer of those who ask for their ministry to be enlarged, but
prayer alone cannot build a Sunday School. God will not do what He has commanded
us to do. We are to go and reach people. Classes grow when teachers are busy visiting,
phoning, mailing and praying all week.
19. Feed Them the Word. People go to restaurants where they get good food, then
they tell their friends. Books are sold by word of mouth. The satisfied customer is still
the best salesman for any product. The basis for growing Sunday School classes is still
good Bible teaching which causes students to bring their friends. The Bible must be
made interesting, captivating and relevant.
-5-
20. Try Super Saturation. The disciples went everywhere preaching the Word,
reaching all men by all means. A Sunday School teacher should use every technique to
excite pupils about coming to Sunday School. Extra promotion, contests, and rewarding
the pupils to show that a teacher cares. Extra preparation, visitation and prayer will get
results. The work of God is still spelled W-0-R-K. Any class will grow in direct
proportion to the energies expended by the teacher.
-6-
Rules For Making Every Visitor Feel Welcome
With our meeting coming up, it’s a good
time to remember . . .
ules for Making Every
visitor Feel Welcome
he Thirty Second Rule
Most guests will make a judgment about us
during the first thirty seconds after they enter the
building. Greet others with a handshake and a
friendly smile as soon as you see them.
he Front-Door-Rule
Help people find their classes or a seat
in the auditorium. If they have
trouble, they may not return.
he Ten-Foot Rule
Greet anyone with whom you are not
familiar who comes within ten feet of
you. Make eye contact. Be friendly.
he Five-Minute Rule
Take the first five minutes after services to seek
out guests and greet them. Encourage them to
return and thank them for being here. After you
have greeted our guests, you will still have
opportunity to talk to your friends.
Our attitude will often determine if visitors
return. Do your part to make sure they really feel
welcome
appreciated
R
T
TTT &
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To Get New Visitors
TO GET NEW VISITORS
Invite all police to a free fellowship dinner. Note for them it is not a religious meeting,
but the church is doing this in their honor.
Then do the same for judges, city officials.
Then Chamber of Commerce, etc., etc.
The church in one town had a bad name from the past and did this program. These
actions totally eliminated the problem.
We Know Who’s
Moving In!!
Get the “jump” on your competition! Be the FIRST
to welcome New Families moving in your area
each month!
The FREE COST ESTIMATE!!!
For free cost estimate, send us a list
of zip codes you desire.
The New Family Bureau, 2072 Northgate Dr., Columbus, IN 47201
Your Source to Reach New Families
Moving In Your Areal (812) 372-1663
-1-
What Are First-Time Visitors Looking For?
What Are First-Time Visitors Looking For?
After the first visit, a decision to return is a result of six factors, in this order:
1. The Friendliness and Warmth of the Church
A study found: “When both unchurched and churched people are asked what they look
for in a church, all agree on one factor – the climate of the congregation. They are looking for a
church in which they feel at home, where the people are friendly, and where there is a warm
and comfortable atmosphere.” This attitude is primarily conveyed 1) when visitors first enter the
building, and 2) when the formal service is over and people begin to leave. Help your members
understand the need to approach and welcome anyone they do not recognize, or who appears
to be alone.
2. The Character of the Worship Service
The issues reflecting on the character of the worship are:
Is it authentic? People want to experience the presence of God. They are looking for clarity
and guidance to know what is right, and power to do it.
Does it echo with the notes of grace? People already know they are sinners. They don’t need
to be convinced of that. What they need is affirmation of the reality and depth of God’s love for
them.
Is the worship edifying? Worship is meant to be an uplifting experience that enables people to
leave the service strengthened and equipped for life.
3. A Place for Children
Recent studies show that visitors perceive the needs of their children as a major factor in
a decision to find a church. Baby-boomers (born between 1946-1964) include one-third of all
Americans. Churches that provide opportunities for children will be effective in attracting these
people.
4. The Adult Program
One way to involve unchurched adults is to offer involvement opportunities in which they
can participate. Athletic events, classes, musical or fitness groups, social gatherings can be
designed to include unchurched people.
5. The Church Building
Your location and structure are fixed and, thus, not a factor you can change in your
visitor attraction strategy. True? Only partially. It’s important to know what it is about your
facility that attracts or deters visitors. Four key questions are: Is your church visible? Is your
church accessible? What is the condition of your property? Do you have adequate space?
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Why Visitors Return
Churches that do well in seeing newcomers return have certain common qualities:
1. A Positive Identity and Self Image
A positive self-image means that members have good feelings about their
congregation. A positive identity means that members believe their church is special
and they have something unique to offer. These characteristics have much to do with
desire and ability to reach out.
2. Congregational Harmony
Churches equipped for growth are unified. There are no major conflicts in the
church, there is an essential agreement about the style and ministry of the
congregation, and the people love and care for one another.
3. Minister Enthusiasm
Congregations equipped for growth have enthusiastic ministers who believe in
the potential of the church. These men are full of hope and inspire confidence in the
members. A key part of this is energetic and enthusiastic worship leadership.
4. Ministry in the Community
Congregations attracting visitors nearly always have specific ministry in the
community. This community ministry authenticates and affirms the church’s message of
love. The ministry helps people believe the word proclaimed and makes invitations from
the congregation more readily accepted.
5. Small Group Opportunities
Congregations keeping visitors have various small group opportunities which
serve as entry points. These small groups allow people to become friends, and to
deepen relationships. They represent a variety of interests and activities to which
people can be invited.
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How To Attract First-Time Visitors
How to Attract First-Time Visitors
(People select a church only after first visiting. Thus, an effective growth strategy must
include 1) attracting, and 2) retaining visitors. Much of this issue is taken from the new
book – Attracting New Members – by Robert Bast. The book is a helpful resource in
developing an effective visitor strategy.)
Here are three suggestions for seeing your first-time visitor rate increase,
presented in the way they might be experienced by a non-churched person, but in the
reverse order of importance and effectiveness.
Step One: Advertising
A congregation serious about growth will spend a minimum of five percent of its
budget on advertising. Here are areas that might be included:
1. The Yellow Pages
This will be effective in reaching new residents looking for a church. Market
research indicates people under age 40 use the Yellow Pages frequently. Take as
large an ad as possible, and include both your advertising theme and a brief reference
to several specific ministries in your congregation.
2. Mailings
Mailing effectiveness grows with a) the frequency of your mailings (plan a
minimum of six); b) the focus of your mailings (the more specific your target group, the
better the results). Try this:
• January – An introductory letter of greeting with a well-designed brochure introducing
the church.
• March – Send an invitation to a special seminar or workshop beneficial to members
and non-members.
• April – A letter of invitation to a “Inquirer’s Class” mailed the week before a quarter of
study begins.
• July – An invitation to a church social event. Perhaps ice cream sundaes on the
church lawn. Information about Bible Study groups is included.
• Early September – An invitation to church following summer vacation, with a brochure
on educational opportunities, classes, and other events in the fall.
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• October or November – A mailing inviting people to the fall seminar, plus a new
brochure on the church.
3. Newspaper Advertising
Advertising designed to reach the unchurched should run in the section of the
paper most likely to be read by the people to whom the message is addressed, but not
in the religious section.
4. Radio and Television Advertising
Churches should be particularly conscious of the opportunity to communicate
their message, and should develop a planned advertising program to take advantage of
the openness of people to a spiritual message in these difficult times.
Step Two: Programming
If the question is, ‘What do we advertise?” the answer is, “our church’s program.”
A church program is most attractive when:
a) it provides for all age groups; b) it is broadly based; c) it is of high quality; d) it is
specifically and intentionally designed to reach the unchurched; e) it is specifically
directed to your target audience.
Programs are developed as people-needs are identified. In a church I formerly
served, we became aware that four members of the congregation were all battling
cancer. Out of the experience of those cancer patients and their families came a
decision to form a cancer support group as a ministry to the community.
Step Three: Inviting
By far the most important aspect of a congregation’s ability to attract new
members is the degree to which members invite others. Between 75-90% of all adults
who choose a congregation are first brought by a friend or relative. There is no more
effective method of church growth than the personal invitations extended by church
members.
Lyle Schaller notes: “The congregations in which members invite others to come
to church with them usually display these characteristics: a) the members are
enthusiastic about their faith as Christians, b) the members are enthusiastic about this
congregation, c) the members are enthusiastic about the current preacher, d) the
congregation as a whole conveys the expectation that members will invite others to
come to church with them, e) most of the members actively and enthusiastically greet
and welcome visitors, and f) that particular program or, if it is on Sunday morning, that
worship experience is planned on the assumption that first-time visitors will be present.
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This means minimizing references to last week, to congregational problems, to
administrative concerns or to ‘in house’ jokes that leave the stranger mystified.”
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Seeing Your Visitors Return
Seeing Your Visitors Return
The welcome you extend to visitors will greatly influence whether they come
back. You don’t have a second chance for a first impression. Here are some
suggestions to improve your visitor welcome and follow-up strategy:
1. Change the name. Drop the word “greeters;” begin using the word “hosts.”
The implications of the term will help those who welcome newcomers realize that their
responsibility does not begin and end with a smile and a handshake. A “host” is
responsible for seeing that “guests” are taken care of from the time they arrive until the
time they leave. This doesn’t mean hosts must be with the visitor constantly. But like
any good host, they are concerned that guests are welcome, meet others and enjoy the
experience.
2. Increase the number of people who say “welcome.” Consider positioning
“hosts” in the following places:
• Parking lot. Responsibilities include helping persons find the main entrance,
distributing a well-marked floor plan of the church/educational facilities, assisting
parents with children, distributing umbrellas on rainy days, etc.
• Portico. If your church has a place for unloading people in inclement weather, or
where attenders regularly unload before parking, several “hosts” should be stationed
there.
• Doors. Every door that people may enter should be “hosted.” The primary
responsibility of these hosts is to identify persons who are new or visiting. The host
should escort the guests to the welcome center, and introduce them to the “welcome
center hosts.” (Therefore, you will need more than one host at each door.)
• Welcome Center. Most churches would do well to designate a centrally located area
of the church as a “welcome center.” Put up an attractive sign and decorate the center
appropriately. Welcome center hosts should mingle nearby. When anyone (host or
member) brings a visitor to the center, welcome center hosts should be available to
“adopt” the person/s for the rest of their visit. The host/s should offer to sit with the
guests in the service, escort them and/or their children to an appropriate class, and
introduce them to other members in the church before and after the service.
• Classes. Every adult and children’s class should have several hosts. Class hosts
should watch for visitors, “adopt” them for the remainder of the class, introduce them to
others, sit with them. If the visitor has not been to the welcome center he/she should be
escorted there.
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• After Church. Newcomers’ opinions about the “friendliness” of the church will be most
influenced by what occurs after the service. “After Church Hosts” are primarily
concerned with looking for persons following the service who seem to be alone and/or
new. The guests should be engaged in conversation, introduced to others with similar
interests or ages, and “adopted” until they are either introduced to someone else, or
leave for the parking lot.
A helpful guide every church host should read is How to Help Your Greeters
Extend a Warm & Caring Welcome.
3. Follow-up the visit within 48 hours. Several studies have documented that
visitor-return rate is influenced by the length of time between the church visit and the
follow-up contact from the church. Ideally, the contact is Sunday afternoon; Monday is
next best, Tuesday next. After the first 48 hours, return rates drop drastically.
4. The goal of the follow-up contact is to see the visitor return. The average
“affiliation rate” of a first-time visitor in American churches is 12-15%. (That is, 12-15%
of all first-time visitors typically join that church in the following year.) Even growing
churches average only 25% affiliation of first time visitors. But the average affiliation
rate for second time visitors jumps to 40-45%. And third-time visitors is 60-75%!
Follow-up contacts should have only one goal: get the person back the following
week. Many visitor follow-up programs see the follow-up call as evangelistic. (More
often, this “hidden agenda” works against the visitor ever returning!) Ideally the followup
contact involves the welcome center host who spent the most time with the guest the
previous Sunday. The host should offer to meet the person or family at church at a predetermined
time and place.
5. Seek to move the visitor from an “entry point” to an “entry path.” Most
people eventually decide to join a church because of friends and relationships
established. It is important, therefore, to help these persons find a group in which they
can begin to build such relationships. A social group, class, home Bible study, sports
team, etc. is the best way to see this happen. The original welcome center host should
be familiar with the opportunities for involvement in the church, and seek to find an
appropriate place for the newcomer to fit in.
Increase Your “Visitor Staying Power”
You don’t have a second chance for a first impression. When it comes to visitors, do it
right the first time. Here are some suggestions . . .
1. Do away with the greeter at the door impersonally shaking hands with everyone who
enters. In most cases it’s ineffective and could be the worst first impression your church
could make.
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2. Enlarge your visitor reception group to 10, 20, 30 greeters in the foyer. When a
visiting young couple arrives, a young greeter couple will meet them, welcome them,
accompany them to the auditorium, sit with them, assist them as needed with the
worship service and at the benediction, take them to the coffee table and introduce
them to others, especially of the same general age and interest. The greeters should
note information on the visitors and send it to the office for later reference. This
friendship-building initiative will be a major factor in seeing visitors return in greater
numbers. A similar procedure should be applied to youth greeters, older adults, etc.
3. Why don’t you and the preacher welcome visitors for 15 minutes before the morning
service? You will begin the communication process person-to-person, you will be able
to introduce visitors by name and tell something of interest about each. Your visitors
will be very impressed... as will your members, by your example.
4. Build your visitor flow by recognizing members who bring visitors. Try this. During
the announcements: “If you brought a guest, would you stand and introduce them?”
What impact does this have on members? Sunday after Sunday it reinforces and
rewards those who bring visitors. The result? More and more guests/visitors.
Seeing Visitors Return
The sooner a personal call is made on visitors, the better the results. Sunday afternoon
is better than Wednesday. Monday better than Thursday. A first call made by members
produces better results than a first call by a preacher.
Why? Because calls made by members are viewed as being “personal”: calls by a
minister are often viewed as “institutional,” he’s paid to do It.”) When you do make an
“institutional” response, preacher. make it as personal as possible. Send a follow-up
letter after your visit. And, make it personal. (Use your new word processor!)
Why not send with your personal letter an enclosed. self-addressed card, asking for
their response to the service (like the cards you often see in restaurants and hotels that
care about their patrons’ opinions). This could start the involvement process, as well as
providing you with valuable information.
The purpose of your first visit – a return visit by the prospects. The first call (by
members or minister) is to build friendships, to listen, to assess needs, interests,
Christian commitment (if any), family, and other significant facts. It’s an informal
entrance inter-view. With this information, additional support and resources should be
focused to see visitors move from the “outside” to the “inside.” See that the name gets
to 4-5 appropriate people in the church for subsequent invitations to various
church/social events.
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Who Are Your Best Visitor Prospects?
Many churches go out of their way to make the first-time visitor feel welcome and at
home. Often they are given a special information packet, visitor ribbon, and may be
asked to stand in the service.
However do you know who your second-time visitors are? Third-time? The fact is that
those who return to your church a second time are much more receptive to uniting with
your church than first-timers. And third-time visitors more open than second-timers.
What an you doing with your return visitors? They should receive as much or more
attention, follow-up, and concern as the first-time attender. Your strategy should include
such things as personal visits during the week from one or more person(s) with areas in
common; a second, different letter from the church thanking the person for coming back
again and perhaps explaining how a person can become more involved in the life of the
church.
Third-time visitors are indicating by their presence that they are seriously interested in
your church. Again, a unique system of responding to these people is called for.
If your congregation is making a good first impression, be sure to follow up that second
visit with an equally good impression.
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Predicting Your Church Growth Or Decline By Visitors
Predicting Your Church Growth or Decline by Visitors
You can predict your church’s future growth pattern through your visitors. Few visitors -
little growth; many visitors - much growth. Here’s why:
You can expect to lose between 5-11% of your members each year; I-2% through
death, 2-3% through transfer-out, 2-6% through reversion. (Variables include age of
congregation, location, size of church, effectiveness of incorporation, etc.) Analyze your
own records for your average yearly losses in each category. Growth takes place only
after losses are recovered. Example: a church with a membership of 750 could average
a yearly loss of 75 members. They need 75 new members just to remain even. How
many visitors would such a church need to grow?
The data from our computers – we are monitoring several hundred churches – indicate
that the typical church sees 12%-15% of its visitors saved. This church must attract
approximately 550 visitors in one year just to begin to grow; or approximately 11 visitors
per Sunday who live in the church’s ministry area. (We are helping churches improve
this number dramatically through the application of appropriate growth strategies.)
To project your next year’s growth/decline first, identify your expected loss from death,
transfer-out, and reversion (based on your previous five years), second, determine the
percentage of first-time visitors that actually are converted within 2-10 months; third,
calculate the number of visitors you need to a) make up for expected losses, and b)
grow beyond that point; fourth, determine the number of visitors you are presently
attracting and compare this figure to step three. If it is less, expect a loss at the end of
the year; if greater – growth.
To realize new growth through visitors a church has two options . . . first, increase the
number of visitors per Sunday, second, increase the percentage of visitors who are
converted. Both require a specific strategy, the second requires an “incorporation”
strategy, the first calls for an “outreach” strategy.
You Don’t Have a Second Chance . . . for a First Impression
A “visitor strategy” for your church will address two basic issues: 1) how to attract
visitors, and 2) how to make them feel welcome. The first impressions you give in both
areas are very important in seeing visitors eventually become members.
ATTRACTING VISITORS
Most people will have some mental images of your church even before they attend.
This will come through a) acquaintances and word of mouth, b) drive-by appearance,
and/or c) church advertising. Hopefully “a” will occur, and be positive; “b” is also
important; but “c” is the area most churches overlook.
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A creative advertising strategy is so easy . . . yet so seldom done. This, in spite of the
fact that within a year an effective advertising strategy will substantially increase your
“visitor flow.” Gather four to five creative, “unemployed” ones to serve on a community
relations committee this Fall. Their areas of responsibility should be:
Mailings sent once every three months to areas in your community populated by
persons who closely reflect the characteristics of your present members, since these
people will feel most “at home” when they visit. In each mailing highlight an upcoming
church event of interest to non-members. (Worship services usually aren’t.) Early
September, mid-December, mid-spring, and early summer are the best times to mail.
Provide a way for persons to take a small, non-threatening step to express interest such
as requesting an appropriate free gift (such as a tract on the family), returning an
interest reply card, calling for more information, receiving the church newsletter, etc.
Newspaper ads that are creatively written and visualized will place your church a step
above the ordinary in the eyes of prospective visitors. An effective ad will a) get the
attention of the reader, b) turn their attention to interest with a transition to a felt need, c)
move from interest to stimulating desire, by showing how participating in church
activities responds to their particular felt need, d) encourage the reader to take specific
action, e) and communicate in a language familiar to the unchurched.
Unfortunately, advertising won’t grow your church. It will increase the number of
visitors; it will raise the self-esteem of members, but it won’t cause people to be
converted in record numbers. That’s where the second strategy comes in . . .
MAKING VISITORS FEEL WELCOME
Research indicates that the #1 reason people select a certain church is “they felt a
sense of belonging.” They felt important, wanted, loved. What first impressions do the
new visitors have of your church – once they arrive?
Realize that visitors, even old time church-goers, feel anxiety about going to a strange
church the first few times. You can help them got over this anxiety in two ways:
Formal Welcome. Growing numbers of churches are realizing the value of placing their
“first line” greeters in the church parking lot! It’s a good idea. For the visitor even
knowing where to go once he/she gets out of the car can be a question. Develop a
visitor “visitor package” to be given to visitors while they’re still in the parking lot,
including an easy-to-follow map of the facilities. Parking lot greeters should escort the
visitors to the entrance of the church where they are personally introduced to the
“second line” of greeters. Your greeter system should respond to all first, second, and
third-time visitors.
Informal Welcome. While your formal welcome strategy is important, the informal
welcome ultimately has the greatest influence on a person’s eventual decision to be
saved even come back. It is when members go out of their way to express genuine
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interest in the newcomer ... when members are inviting them to a get-together of friends
from the church . . . when they are remembered the next time they visit. According to
our recent “love quotient” research, growing churches measured significantly higher on
the “love expressed to visitors” than did declining churches. This “informal welcome” is
more difficult to plan for, but it can be done, and your informal welcome can be
improved!
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How To Have A Church Attendance Drive
HOW TO HAVE A CHURCH ATTENDANCE DRIVE
1. Ask each one in the congregation to attend for 8 weeks before the “attendance day.”
2. Have cards with places to check as follows: I will attend every time; I will ask people to
come. Then see who doesn’t sign a card; pray for them and go talk to them and ask if they will
be there. “Do you promise? Are you sure? O.K., sign here” (on the card).
3. Timing is important, especially if the church is tired. Find an excellent time for that church.
4. Provoke (motivate) to love and good works. The next verse (in Heb.) is about attendance.
5. Build up the importance of attendance. Get those attending to exhort the ones not attending.
6. Get all of God’s people there; then you can conscientiously ask everyone else.
7. Plan every detail of your drive; don’t fail to plan.
8. Have various ones in charge of the various activities, especially if the organizer is trying to do it
“all.”
9. Use everything
10. Go all the way; stick your neck out; put it in the paper; tell everyone; burn your bridges; pulpit
promotion, radio, tv, printing, mail, newsletter, bulletin boards, bumper stickers. Make every
member a messenger. Use whatever way you can to get the word out.
you have in the church to promote it.
11. The more advertising you do, the easier it is for people to talk to others about it.
12. Teach lessons on the campaign before you have it: Why have it? What each can do. What it
will result in. What we do afterwards. Promote it.
13. Teachers receive a note in every class every time that they meet to promote it for all 8 weeks.
14. Use the organized visitation groups to visit everyone who has ever visited services (you should
have kept records), or in any other way has a connection with the congregation (must be
organized).
15. (If applicable) use the bus and have bus riders bring their parents and friends.
16. The preacher(s) (elders) must visit “part-timers” to get everyone to come.
17. Set goals for yourself (the coordinator of the drive). Invite 50-100. Don’t
18. Don’t just visit; go soul seeking.
set goals for others.
19. Get 40% more promises than you actually want to have there. Many will not keep their word,
even when they signed a card.
20. Have every age class and every sermon (a.m. and p.m.) all on a theme that’s in harmony with the
idea chosen for the attendance day (don’t be repetitious).
21. Have the theme of the campaign taught in every Bible class for most, if not all of a quarter
(example: “Jesus Cares” or “The Church in the World”).
22. When the day arrives, make it really valuable
23. Many times it is good to have a “pot luck” or some other kind of meal after the worship.
; have something really special for them. Think
“non-member.” Many times this would probably involve an “outside” speaker.
24. If possible, organize a way that every visitor is invited back the next week by someone who will
also take them to lunch afterward.
25. The program needs to be organized so that everyone is given a job and is able to do it. Follow up
on the first card filled out (#2 above) with another on “what do you want to do?”
26. This program must be coordinated with a planned follow-up program ready to go immediately the
following day.
Incorporate / Assimilate
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Incorporating And Assimilating Your Newcomers
Incorporating and Assimilating Your Newcomers
Dr. Bill Sullivan
In my experiences of church growth, I have found it helpful to distinguish between two
events relating to a new person’s integration into the fellowship of a local church –
incorporation and assimilation. Traditionally these words have been used
interchangeably. Actually, they are two very different aspects of the new person’s
integration process, both of which need careful attention.
“Incorporation:” “the process of helping newcomers feel socially comfortable with the
church – its people, programs, and facilities. “Incorporation” is very critical to making
disciples. Contrary to what many church leaders believe, “incorporation” actually takes
place at the front end of the evangelism process. When newcomers feel socially
comfortable with church members they will listen to the message of the church and its
people. If social comfort is low or non-existent, participation in church related activities
is also low or non-existent. A first-time visitor who attends your worship or small group
is unfamiliar with the context and unacquainted with your members. Such a situation
naturally creates social discomfort. If that discomfort remains at the conclusion of the
first contact, the likelihood of your newcomer returning drops markedly. If, however, the
social discomfort is gone by the end of the meeting, the chances of this person returning
go up dramatically. Remember, you never have a second chance for a first impression!
A church that recognizes this and organizes to overcome the tendency toward social
discomfort of newcomers will be much more effective in seeing them eventually
involved.
“Assimilation:” the process of helping newcomers feel cognitively assured that they are
an accepted, trusted member of the fellowship. While social involvement comes early in
evangelism, assimilation follows later. The final test of inclusion into the fellowship is
trust. Many have dropped out, not because they weren’t socially incorporated, but
because psychologically they felt rebuffed. Church leaders did not trust them to chair a
committee, or to give an opinion on intensely internal matters of the church. No amount
of social involvement can overcome the rejection felt by one who believes he or she is
not trusted. Conversely, the new church member who feels genuinely trusted and
sought-after feels a sense of oneness and integration with the church.
Examine your church’s effectiveness in welcoming newcomers. And look at both your
incorporation strategy and your assimilation strategy.
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Improving Your Member Incorporation Strategy
Improving Your Member Incorporation Strategy
Here are some thought-starters for how to see new members become active members:
● Develop a special new members’ course for your church. Have recent new members
help, since they know better than anyone the unique needs of the newcomer.
● Monitor the critical involvement indicators of your new members – worship, Sunday
School, small groups, giving – for the first six months. 85% of those who become
inactive do so in the first six months of their membership.
● Plan special events designed to build relationships between new members. (Roller
skating, a baseball game, pizza, a theatrical play, etc.)
● If you have a “sponsor program” that matches new and old members, plan with
sponsors to discuss ways to improve the strategy.
● Develop a “job description” for each role in your church. Include a review of these
ministry opportunities in every New Members Class.
● Invite one person per week (representing a particular ministry area in the church) to
speak to the New Members Class and describe what they do and how a new person
could become involved.
● Give each new member 3-5 names of members in the church (unknown by the new
member) with the assignment of finding those persons and completing a “personal
profile” on each for the next meeting.
● Have a new member video presentation on the church’s various ministries. Update
the presentation each quarter with the next class of new members.
● Have a “one-year old” birthday recognition each quarter during worship to honor
members who have been in the church for one year. Make sure they are aware of it
ahead of time.
● If your church uses plastic name tags, print the name tag in different colors
representing the longevity of the member (red: less than one year; blue: 1-4 years;
white: 5-10 years; green: 10-25 years; silver: 25-40 years; gold: 40 + years). Have a
special ceremony to present “graduates” in each category with their new colored pins.
● Personally interview every new member baptized in the last two years. Ask how the
church could improve their new member orientation from these people who are best
equipped to tell you.
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The Characteristics Of An Incorporated Member
The Characteristics of an “Incorporated Member”
Here are eight characteristics every new member should have by the conclusion of your
new members class:
1) Each new member should be able to list at least seven new friends they have
made in the church. (These friendships could be, and often are, with fellow new
members.)
2) Each new member should be able to identify their spiritual talents.
3) Each new member should be involved in at least one (preferably several) roles/
tasks/ministries in the church, appropriate to his/her spiritual talents.
4) Each new member should be actively involved in a small fellowship (face-to-face)
group. Many churches keep their new members groups together.
5) Each new member should be demonstrating a regular financial commitment to
the church.
6) Each new member should personally understand and identify with the goals of
the church.
7) Each new member should be exhibiting a regular pattern of worship attendance.
8) Each new member should have identified his/her unchurched friends and
relatives and be taking specific steps to help them toward responsible church
membership.
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The New Member Class
The New Member Class
Look at the orientation process of your new members. Are you addressing the issues
that will result in their becoming active, responsible members? Most churches aren’t!
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE NEW MEMBER’S CLASS . . .
MISCONCEPTION: New member orientation should focus on grounding members in
the faith, on Bible study, on spiritual growth, the meaning of baptism and the Lord’s
supper, and church doctrine.
Comment: The most important goals for your new member program should be 1)
building strong relationships with other members, and 2) involvement in a meaningful
role or ministry in the church.
Don’t confuse the purpose of a new believer’s class with a new member’s class. One
class cannot accomplish both aims. A new believer who is also a new member should
be in both groups.
MISCONCEPTION: Once a person leaves the new member’s class he/she should
become part of a Sunday School class or other group.
Comment: If your strategy for integrating new members into groups and classes means
integrating them into existing groups and classes, it may fail. If a group or class has
been together for over two years, new members will generally not find a home there.
Regularly start new groups and classes for new members. If you don’t believe it, try a
new group for new members sometime and watch what happens.
MISCONCEPTION: One new member’s class per year is adequate.
Comment: The first six months of a new member’s life in the church are critical. If the
person is not “incorporated” by the end of six months, they probably never will be. One
class a year overlooks 75% of the new members at the very point they need help the
most. Plan on a new members class at least four times per year. Some “superchurches”
are so aware of this necessity, they start a new member’s class each week!
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Visitation Program
Barnabas Program
(The Barnabas Program Developed By Larry Pasley. Use It To The Glory Of God.)
BARNABAS PROGRAM
Barnabas Means “Son Of Encouragement” And This Program Is Designed To Build-Up
Anyone In The Congregation Who Might Need Encouragement.
THOSE INCLUDED MIGHT BE:
I. Those Not Attending At All.
A. Send a copy of the bulletin each week.
B. Send them a note or card each month saying we miss them.
C. Call or visit them occasionally just to see how they are doing and ask if
they need any help.
II. Those Not Attending Regularly.
A. Send a copy of the bulletin each week they are not here.
B. Let them know they are missed by calling or sending a card when they are
not here.
C. Drop by and visit them occasionally.
Ill. New People Moving Into The Community Who Visit The Congregation.
A. Invite them home with you after the assembly.
B. Offer to help them locate housing.
C. See that they have access to a local paper and map or anything else
which might be useful to them.
IV. Local Visitors To Our Assemblies.
A. Be sure you speak to them and welcome them.
B. Send them a note saying you appreciate their visit and invite them back.
C. Visit them the week of their visit.
V. College Students, Singles.
A. Adopt-a-student.
B. Involve them in working with the teens.
C. Make them feel like they are a part of the body.
VI. Those Who Are Facing Peculiar Problems In Their Life.
A. The sick.
1. Visit the sick (hospital and home).
2. Take food to the sick (at home).
B. The bereaved at the death of a loved one. Be sure they receive cards,
calls and visits occasionally for at least six months after the death.
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C. Shut-ins or those in nursing homes.
1. Be sure they receive regular cards, visits, phone calls, small gifts,
etc.
2. Offer to bring them tapes of the sermons if they would like.
D. Anyone with an obvious problem with children, mate, job, money, etc.
1. Be observant and seek out those who may have problems.
2. Share books, videos and other help available in our library or
elsewhere. Be a friend to them.
VII. New Members.
A. New Christian class - First Steps In Faith
1. Have different couples teach each lesson. (One couple would
teach the same lesson each time.)
by Clayton Pepper.
2. The new converts go to a different home each week (or month,
etc.) and are taught a first principle lesson and get to know a family
in the congregation.
B. Get them involved as soon as possible.
1. Have them fill out a form indicating what programs in which they
would like to work.
2. Encourage them to attend social functions
3. Have Bible school teachers encourage each family member to
attend.
VIII. Membership Involvement - Getting To Know One Another.
A. Look over the member list and make a decision to get to know someone
who you do not recognize or know very well.
B. Begin A “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” Program.
1. Everyone who signs up for the program alternate going to
someone’s house for dinner or having someone over for dinner.
2. The host is only told how many will be coming to dinner not who it
will be.
C. Begin a monthly men’s supper (at the building) or men’s night out (at a
restaurant).
D. Begin a monthly ladies’ night out.
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A BARNABAS PROGRAM
I want to be involved in the Barnabas Program. I will help in the following way(s).
NAME
I. THOSE NOT ATTENDING AT ALL.
Mail Bulletins To Those Not In Attendance At All.
Send Monthly Notes Or Cards To Those Not Attending At All.
Call Or Visit Those Not Attending At All.
II. THOSE NOT ATTENDING REGULARLY.
Mail Bulletins To Those Not Attending Regularly.
Send Monthly Notes Or Cards To Those Not Attending Regularly.
Call Or Visit Those Not Attending At All.
Ill. NEW PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY WHO VISIT THE CONGREGATION.
Invite Visitors Moving To Our Community For A Meal After The Assembly.
Provide Local Paper, Map, And Help Locate Housing For Newcommers.
Take Newcomers Packets To Those Visitors Who Have Moved Here.
Make A Point To Seek Out And Speak To All Visitors At The Assemblies.
IV. LOCAL VISITORS TO OUR ASSEMBLIES.
Send Notes Or Cards To Local Visitors.
Visit Local Visitors The Week Of Their Visit.
V. ADOPT A STUDENT OR SINGLE PERSON.
Adopt A Student Or Single Person.
VI. THOSE FACING PECULIAR PROBLEMS IN LIFE.
A. Sick.
Visit The Sick (Hospital And Home).
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Take Food To The Sick (At Home).
B. Bereaved.
Visit Those Who Have Lost A Loved One. Weekly For Six Months.
C. Shut-ins and Nursing Homes.
Visit Shut-ins And Nursing Home Residents Regularly.
Send Cards Or Notes To Shut-Ins And Nursing Home Residents.
Take Tapes Of Sermons To Shut-Ins And Nursing Home Residents.
D. Counseling Needs.
Be Available For Counseling Those With Child Rearing Difficulties.
Be Available For Counseling Those With Marital Difficulties.
Be Available For Counseling Those With Job Related Problems.
Be Available For Counseling Those With Money Related Problems.
VII. NEW MEMBERS.
Teach A First Steps In Faith Lesson, In My Home, To New Christians.
See That All Newcomers And New Christians Fill Out Involvement Form.
VIII. MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT - GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER.
Make A Point To Get To Know Someone New Each Month.
Join The “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” Program.
Cook For The Men’s Supper.
Participate In The Men’s Supper.
Participate In The Ladies’ Night Out Program.
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A Fellowship Group Approach To The Accomplishment Of The Lord’s Work
A FELLOWSHIP GROUP APPROACH
TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE LORD’S WORK
I. Goals:
A. To PROVIDE PLEASANT FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL MEMBERS. There is
a great need to provide meaningful fellowship for each new member, all
weak members, and anyone else, who because of temporary
circumstances might be discouraged. Even those who are strong
spiritually need to have fellowship with brethren in order to love their
brother and be ready to assist him.
B. TO EXPEDITE AN EFFECTIVE VISITATION PROGRAM WHICH WILL
BE PLEASANT, PRODUCTIVE, AND EFFICIENT. There is a constant
need for visitation for a variety of reasons. Newcomers to town are often
“looking for a church.” Visitors to our services are favorably impressed by
someone showing special interest in them by paying a short visit to them
to invite them back. Out of duty members need to be checked on
occasionally to see if something might be done to reclaim them. Home
Bible Study Prospects need to be checked out. Others, currently studying
in a Home Bible Study series, need to be visited to increase the chance of
their obeying the gospel.
C. TO INVOLVE EVERY MEMBER IN SOME IMPORTANT TASK FOR THE
LORD’S WORK. Everyone needs to be important to someone or
something. Every member has at least one talent that is important. Much
talent is hidden because shy members think “someone else in this large
group can do a better job, so I will just sit back and let do it.”
Working through smaller groups this member is more likely to do his part
in order to help his group accomplish meaningful goals. It will be up to
group leaders to make sure every member of his group KNOWS
something that needs to be done that HE CAN DO.
D. TO ACCOMPLISH NEEDED PROJECTS: There are constantly
reoccurring tasks that go unattended to and thus hold back progress
simply because there is a shortage of willing workers. Most of these
projects could be quickly taken care of if assigned to small groups, or if a
group would discuss the need and then pledge itself to the solving of a
problem. Some of these needs fall under the following categories:
1. Youth projects - parties, devotionals, etc.
2. Building repairs - construction.
3. Elderly needs - widows’ needs, widowers’ needs.
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4. Sickness needs.
5. Distribution of tracts or other forms of evangelization.
A GROUP OF 8-10 FAMILIES CAN ACCOMPLISH JUST ABOUT ANY
PROJECT THEY THINK NEEDS TO BE DONE! The deacon in charge of
any given area could turn to the group meeting on a particular week and
ask for their help. Or, if a group thinks a certain project needs to be taken
care of, they could contact the deacon in charge and get his help or O.K.
E. TO HELP NEW MEMBERS GET ACQUAINTED AND QUICKLY
BECOME A PART OF THE WORKING FORCE. New members are often
eager to make new friends in the church and to be a part of the work
force. Often though, it is several months before they get to know more
than a handful of members and even longer before they are involved in
any work. They establish a pattern of being a spectator rather than a
doer. We who are older in the faith are not usually aware of their needs or
interests or talents. Old friends try to drag them back into their company
which is unhealthy for the new convert. Move-in members form poor
impressions of the congregation because they do not know what is being
done and often complain, “They are not as friendly here as where I was.”
This is tragic whenever the newcomer is a weak member.
F. TO CREATE A MEANS FOR QUICKLY RESPONDING TO PEOPLE’S
NEEDS IN TIMES OF SICKNESS, DEATH OR OTHER EMERGENCIES.
G. TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, TRUST AND GREATER CONCERN
FOR OUR BROTHERS. We are our brother’s keeper! We cannot trust
nor love one whom we do not know. Misunderstandings, suspicion, and
unfair surmisings run rampart in a church where members do not know
one another well.
II. A PLAN OF ACTION TO ACCOMPLISH THE ABOVE STATED GOALS:
A. SET UP # FELLOWSHIP GROUPS WITH AN ELDER AND HIS WIFE
OR A DEACON AND HIS WIFE AS THE GROUP LEADERS, THEN:
1. Each Group Leader will choose 3 couples as his helpers. (You will
choose couples upon whom you can depend for help! Group
leaders will explain to these 3 couples only the details of this
program and why it is important that they assist.)
2. After choosing the 3 couples to help, the Group Leaders will select
3 families that need to be worked on. Leaders should select
persons who have something in common with the “worker families”.
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(The ones being worked on are not to find out that they are the
“weak members” of the group.)
3. The rest of the members will then be equally divided among the
groups. Care must be given that no group is a segregated group
either racially, financially, or according to age.
4. Have the fellowship group lists typed up and available to all.
B. EXPLAIN TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION SOME OF THE AIMS OR
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM AND URGE STRONGLY THAT ALL
PARTICIPATE. (Goal #2 will not be stressed from the pulpit.)
C. ONLY TWO FELLOWSHIP GROUPS WILL MEET EACH WEEK IN
GROUP LEADERS’ HOMES OR HELPERS’ HOMES. (This will make
each group meet only once every 5-6 weeks.)
1. Pulpit announcements and bulletin announcements will be made
that “Group 1 will meet at the house,
evening at 7:00;” etc.
2. Group Leader or Hostess will personally invite or remind any of the
“weak” members to come for the fellowship. (One of the helper
couples might offer to go by and pick them up.)
3. Group Leaders should check with the office for names of visitors,
new converts not yet assigned to a group, prospects, or others to
be specially invited to attend the meeting.
III. WHAT IS TO BE DONE AT THESE FELLOWSHIP GROUP MEETINGS:
A. THE EMPHASIS IS UPON FELLOWSHIP! Plan games, get-acquainted
sessions, Bar-B-Q or chili supper, ice cream freeze, etc. Plan something
that everyone will look forward to and will want to attend. (The success of
this program will depend upon these meetings being something people will
want to attend rather than attending out of duty.)
B. AFTER THE FUN-TIME, it will be necessary to have a “serious time,” to
make the meeting one that accomplishes important functions. During the
“serious time”:
1. Have a short devotional (10-15 minutes of singing and prayers).
2. Decide upon a group project to be accomplished before the next
meeting (5 weeks away). The Group Leader can have a prepared
list of tasks needing to be performed. Others in the group will
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doubtlessly have ideas as to important chores. Decide upon a
project and a plan of action which includes a date and who is to be
in charge of what. (Group Leaders should try to guide the group to
QUICKLY make their plans for action and not get bogged down in
details or dissension. Group Leaders should encourage projects
that involve every member of the group, especially the weaker
members that need to be important.)
3. Mention the names of those of the group that are absent and urge
all to encourage those missing to be present for the next meeting.
(Stress the fun they missed.)
C. SOMETIME AT THE FIRST MEETING AND THEN AGAIN AS OFTEN AS
NECESSARY, LAY DOWN THE RULE THAT COMPLAINING,
CRITICIZING, AND CONDEMNING IS NOT TO BE ENGAGED IN! These
meetings must not become “gripe sessions,” “gossip sessions,” or
“business meetings.” The only justification for mentioning anything that is
wrong or lacking in the church is to point out a problem that this group can
solve! If it is a problem that cannot be solved by this group, DON’T
BRING IT UP! Also do not let these meetings be used to discuss points
of controversy. Controversial problems will destroy the purpose of these
meetings. In other words, Group Leaders must prevent these meetings
from being seed-beds of any kind of division!!!
IV. FOLLOWING THE MEETING:
A. A written report is to be filed with the office. A short form will be provided.
It will look something like the following:
REPORT FORM
Group #
No. in Attendance
Absentees:
Project Selected:
Visitation Assignment Details
(signed)
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B. As projects are accomplished, pass this on to the office so that each group
can receive its due praise. This will cause each group to take healthy
pride in accomplishment.
C. It is up to the Group Leader to see that projects are accomplished by the
group. (It is better to pick up a small project and accomplish it than a large
one and never get it done.)
D. Group Leaders should get “helper couples” to assist with visitation needs
or other problems involving weaker members of the group. Helpers can
be called upon to get materials projects, work out details surrounding the
current project, or perform any needed task.
E. Group Leaders should discuss with other Group Leaders what they are
planning to do, Fellowship ideas, project ideas, things that worked well in
their last meeting, that did not work well, etc. In other words, help each
other plan more effective fellowship meetings.
F. After 3 meetings of each group (approx. 4 months) an evaluation meeting
will be held of all Group Leaders. They will seek at that time to improve
upon the program through changing the members of each group or
through planning a different type fellowship for the group system.
V. APPARENT ADVANTAGE OF THIS APPROACH.
A. No one person meets more than once every 5 weeks unless he chooses
to attend additional fellowship meetings (new converts, newcomers,
visitors, and guests may wish to use these meetings to get better
acquainted).
B. Work is being accomplished every week (by 2 groups). Thus visitors to
our services can be visited immediately. Any special visits can be made
every week during that week. Any special need can be taken care of by a
group that is meeting that week.
C. It provides a means to equally share the work load among all members.
D. With small groups no one is likely to be forgotten, neglected, or left out,
E. Any one who sees a need for anything can see a way to do something
about it. This program should encourage more good works being thought
up and carried out.
F. Each group should become a force for good and each individual should
become aware of important work that he can do for his Lord’s cause.
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Worship
Editor Warns To Be Careful With The Worship Assembly
Editor warns to be careful with the worship assembly
piritual men and women to the right and left of center in churches of Christ are
concerned about our future. They have never before experienced the amount
and/or kind of turmoil that afflicts so many of our congregations today, and they
are scared as they contemplate what might happen to the Lord’s church.
Some people say that we have already experienced a split in the fellowship and
just need to acknowledge the fact. One person said that he was not as worried about a
split as he was about a shattering of the brotherhood.
While we appreciate the genuine concern so evident in these expressions, we do
not believe that the church has already divided, that it will divide, or that it is going to
shatter. This optimism presumes, of course, that key people on every side of current
controversial issues will demonstrate a high degree of integrity, love and patience as
they work through the differences within a framework of sound biblical teaching.
It appears to us that our unity in the years ahead will depend to a great extent on
whether we are committed to the idea of being careful about what we do in the public
assembly. A consensus concerning what should and should not happen in the public
worship assembly has been a strong unifying factor in churches of Christ throughout the
twentieth century.
Without doubt, the public assembly has unified us as a brotherhood. In spite of
the autonomy of local congregations, the odds have always been strong that on a
vacation or business trip, we could stop at a building designated “Church of Christ” and
find a group of people worshiping in the same way we did back home. We have also
felt secure as we moved from city to city, or nation to nation, that we would find a place
to worship that had a public assembly like the one we had attended ever since we
became Christians. This predictability concerning the public assembly allowed us to
have a sense of brotherhood that transcended social, economic, racial, regional and
national barriers.
Although the flavor of the public assembly might differ from place to place, we
knew that males would lead the worship and that the content of the assembly would
predictably include a capella music, prayers, the Lord’s Supper, a biblical study and the
giving of a financial gift to further the work of the kingdom. Sometimes the singing was
not very good, and sometimes it was beautiful; some studies were better than others,
not to mention the prayers. Regardless of the aesthetic quality of the assembly,
however, the public worship assembly had the effect of unifying the worshipers as they
praised God and remembered the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Because of the strong commitment to a public worship assembly that was
biblical, brothers and sisters who differed on many other ideas found the public
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assembly to be a source of unity in the midst of diversity. Although members disagreed
on a host of other issues, they could praise God in unity with brothers and sisters
determined to maintain the pattern of first-century worship.
We have usually been longsuffering about differences outside the assembly. We
have disagreed about the war question, the marriage-divorce-remarriage issue, politics,
the use of tobacco and alcohol, celebration of Christmas, the rightness or wrongness of
certain forms of entertainment and numerous other outside-the-assembly issues. In the
vast majority of cases, however, these differences involving activities outside the
assembly have not divided the church nor provoked a breaking of fellowship. There
have been heated arguments, and rightfully so, but people still have been willing to lay
differences aside and worship together in the public assembly as brothers and sisters in
Christ.
We have never, to our knowledge, had unanimity concerning whether it was right
or wrong to use instrumental music with religious singing outside the assembly. Some
families permitted this in their home, and others did not; but I never knew of any breakdown
of fellowship because of what happened in the home. Some brides wanted an
organ in their wedding, and others refused even to contemplate such an idea. Some
permitted instrumental music at funeral services, and others absolutely refused it.
Church members evaluated these choices and reached their own conclusions, but
never did these difference cause a breach of fellowship. Why? Because what
happened in the home, at a wedding, or at a funeral was outside the public assembly.
Many of us grew up listening to the Chuck Wagon Gang and the Stamps-Baxter
Quartet. Our people took pride in the fact that some of our own members sang with the
Stamps-Baxter Quartet, even though a piano accompanied that singing. But their
singing was outside the church’s public assembly, so even those who disagreed with
what was happening did not make it a point of fellowship.
In summary, the public worship assembly is critical to our unity as a brotherhood.
It always has been. Because of this. we must be exceedingly careful when we tamper
with it in any way. We are very resilient in churches of Christ when the issues on which
we disagree fall outside the public assembly of the saints. When controversial practices
enter the public assembly, however, everyone is affected; and the possibility for division
and shattering is scary.
Howard Norton
CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE / JANUARY 1993
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Relevant Thoughts On Making Corporate Worship The Time Of Our Lives
Relevant thoughts on making corporate worship the time of our lives
xperiments in corporate worship are widespread today among Protestants,
Catholics and Jews. Present unrest about worship comes, in the first instance,
from misunderstanding the nature of biblical worship. If we misunderstand or
disagree on what worship is, our views will differ on what we ought to be doing in
worship and what steps should be taken to “improve” worship.
Worship stands at the center of the church’s existence. Whatever else the
church does, it worships. Whatever else it is, the church is a worshiping community.
Worship is adoration of God. It remembers and proclaims God’s great acts of
deliverance in the history of his people. At the heart of Christian worship is the Lord’s
Supper, which unites the church in remembering the sacrificial death and resurrection of
Jesus. In partaking of the supper, the church acknowledges and submits to the
presence and rule of the resurrected Lord in the church.
Christian worship is thus God-centered. It is not human-centered, much less
self-centered. True worship subordinates our hearts and minds, our feelings and
concerns, to the reality of God and his claims upon our lives. The fact that worship is
God-centered delivers us from being locked into our own limited thoughts, abilities and
emotions. Further, it delivers us from society’s illusions about reality.
Worship evokes the realization that our trust and confidence cannot be placed in
ourselves or in things we can measure and manage. As Paul says, “Our hope is in God
who raises the dead.” This enables us to see that neither our own intellects, nor our
own efforts, nor our own experiences is of ultimate importance. God-centered worship
delivers us from self-preoccupation.
We must remind ourselves that idolatry is not just the worship of false gods;
idolatry is also the false worship of the true God. Historically, biblical worship has
mutated into false worship in two ways. First, we distort worship when we attempt to
use worship for our own ends. When our worship attempts to manipulate divine power
for personal benefits (e.g., financial, political, etc.), we are worshiping God because he
is useful, not because he is God.
The second way worship may become distorted into idolatry occurs when we
confuse seeking God with seeking the experience of God. Although God is still named,
seeking the experience of God inevitably draws our attention back to ourselves - our
own hearts, our own emotions, our own feelings. This subtle shift of focus happens not
only in our private devotions but also in our corporate worship.
More than 40 years ago, in The Nature and Mission of the Church, Donald Miller
warned:
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“... to evaluate worship by what happens in the experience of the worshiper is to
make men, not God, the center of worship. Worship then becomes a device to use God
for human ends, a tool for manipulating divine power and making God a slave to man.”
Miller continues:
“In modern worship services, too much attention is directed toward what happens
to the worshiper. Devices of sound, lighting and pageantry are frequently utilized to
produce emotional feelings in the worshiper. Those who participate tend to evaluate the
worship service in terms of how it ... gave them a “good feeling,” or “inspired” them. ...
Religious entertainment is often confused with religious worship.
The purpose of worship – the focus of worship – is to give honor and glory to
God. This does not mean that worship does not affect our attitudes, dispositions and
emotions. Certainly worship may evoke a wide range of emotions, including gratitude,
awe, humility, sorrow and joy. But we do not use worship in order to arouse or
manipulate these emotions. Biblical worship does not aim at producing such
experiences.
Everything that evokes these emotions is not worship, nor does the presence of
such emotions validate worship. Again, it is crucial to distinguish between seeking God
and seeking the experience of God.
Pardoxically (sic), it is only when we take our attention off ourselves and when
we are not asking, “What does this do for me? How does this make me feel? Am I
enjoying this?” that we receive the benefits of worship. True worship frees us from our
self-preoccupation by centering our hearts and minds on God. As our worship is
directed toward our Creator, our selfish preoccupations are exposed and our true needs
made clear. In this manner, worship frees us from the gods of the age – from the
modern idols of comfort, success and fun. It frees us from the tyranny of the popular
and fits us for service to the Truth.
Popular attempts to make worship “relevant” should be approached cautiously.
To make worship “relevant” is to adapt it to our own culture, variously described as
media-dominated, entertainment-saturated, pleasure-oriented, self-indulgent and
sensate. To make worship relevant to this culture would require a “worship technology”
– expensive sound and lighting equipment, trained “worship technicians” and special
performers.
Ultimately, it would make “worship” took like a rock concert or a halftime show.
Do we really want worship to provide maximum sensory pleasure, or to be exciting,
entertaining, emotionally intense and personally fulfilling according to contemporary
cultural tastes?
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While it is understandable that, in a self-centered, fun-seeking, media-dominated
society, Christians are confusing religious entertainment with Christian worship, this
hardly makes it less damaging. Christian leaders, under enormous pressure to appear
“open” and “progressive,” need courage to resist the relentless pull of the cultural
undertow. Worship fads and trends reflecting our entertainment-saturated culture and
driven by a growing worship industry may make “praise time” more fun, but they also
trivialize the faith and impoverish the life of discipleship.
MICHAEL R. WEED, Institute for Christian Studies,
CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE /.NOVEMBER 1998
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Six Ways To Increase Your Worship Attendance
Six Ways to Increase Your Worship Attendance
Because the worship service is the most visible activity in the church, and has
the greatest influence on morale and congregational self-esteem, church leaders do
well to focus on positively influencing attendance patterns. Growing worship attendance
says to members, “our faith has answers for today’s world ... and people are coming to
our church to find it!” Growing worship attendance creates a ripple effect that positively
affects other areas of church life, as well.
Assuming your services are well planned and conducted, the following six
suggestions can increase your attendance in the next year ...
1. Monitor attendance and respond to signs of inactivity. One of the easiest
ways to increase worship attendance is to decrease the number who become inactive.
People like to be noticed when they’re absent. A note from the church saying,
“we missed you last Sunday...” will greatly improve attendance patterns. Studies
indicate that when a person misses three Sundays in a row, he/she may be on a drop
out track. When you see a 3-week inactive pattern . . . RESPOND! A phone call or
visit from the preacher or elders is most effective.
For such a system to work you need a method of: 1) identifying who is in
worship, 2) monitoring attendance levels, and 3) responding to signs of inactivity.
2. Ask members to set goals for worship attendance. This idea works! Ask
members to include a “worship pledge” this fall with their “financial pledge.” Each
person estimates the number of Sundays they plan to be in church the coming year
(considering illness, vacations, etc.). Then, each quarter, send members an update on
how they are doing relative to their goal. Lyle Schaller (44 Ways to Increase Worship
Attendance) contends that worship numbers should increase 5%-10% with this
approach!
3. Have regular celebrations to highlight benefits. Everyone loves a party. We
know that big events throughout the church year draw larger crowds. In addition to
such traditional highlights, plan 6-8 more special days this year. The actual purpose is
not as important as the fact that it’s a highlight.
Promote it well, and you’ll find attendance grows. And, as you have these more
often, you’ll find attendance on other Sundays will begin to rise.
4. Involve more people in worship roles and ministries. Involve more people in
your music, communion, ushering, greeting and you will see an increase in the number
of family members attending.
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5. Obtain feedback from members on important issues in their lives. Twice a
year include a 3x5 card in each bulletin. Ask members to list three issues they struggle
with in applying the Christian faith, or questions to which they would like a Biblical
answer. Explain that you will use these responses to prepare the services and
messages in the coming months. You’ll see an increase in people who are looking
forward to a relevant worship and learning experience (or, at least, who want to find out
what problems other people have).
6. Expand the number and variety of services. If you are typical of 80% of the
churches in America, an additional worship service will increase the total number of
people you serve. This is true regardless of 1) the number of people in your present
service, 2) the capacity of your auditorium or 3) the growth rate of your present service.
In fact, for most plateaued or declining churches, this is one of the single most important
strategies to see new growth occur. The service should be geared toward a different
“people group” than now attend, and reflect good research on the kind of service that
will reach the targeted people. The service need not even be in the auditorium.
Why not appoint a special “worship task force’ and assign them the task of
implementing these six strategies during the coming year? Keep a careful record of
attendance patterns, and watch for trends. Unless there are some extenuating
circumstances, you will see growth as a result.
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Advertising
Can Advertising Help Your Church?
Can Advertising Help Your Church?
First, let’s look at what advertising cannot do . . .
Advertising cannot win people. Research found long ago that mass media
campaigns are ineffective for “conversion growth.” People become Christians through
the influence of trusted others, and because the Christian lifestyle and community
responds to a felt need.
Advertising cannot stop decline. If a church has been plateaued or in decline for
some time, the most effective advertising strategy will not turn it around. The decline is
most likely due to other factors. (The Church Growth Ratio Book by Win Arn is helpful
for initial diagnosis.)
Advertising cannot change reality. People ultimately respond to the experience
they have in your church – not the experience that is promised. Be sure first-time
visitors leave with a positive memory and desire to return for more.
So what can advertising do for your church?
Advertising can help attract first-time visitors. Growing churches average 4-5%
of their morning worship attendance as first or second time visitors. Some churches are
not growing simply because they don’t have enough people coming in the “top end of
the funnel.”
Advertising can communicate what you want people to know about your church.
A good advertising strategy informs the community of your desire to reach out in love,
and of your desire to meet their needs. Advertising can also inform your community of
Christ’s love for them, and of the opportunity for a personal and rewarding relationship
with the living God.
Advertising can raise congregational self-esteem. Advertising that is a cut above
the norm over most church promotion will give members a sense of pride about “my
church.” And they’ll be more conscious of living up to the promises made.
Characteristics of a Good Newspaper Ad
Money spent on newspaper advertising by most churches is bad stewardship.
(Although it is a good source for preachers looking for future sermon titles.) But
newspaper advertising, when done effectively, can increase your visitor flow. Here are
eleven characteristics your newspaper ad should include:
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1. It is based on target audience research. Identify a narrowly defined “people
group” you want to reach, then find out the three most important areas of
concern they typically have. Write the ad to focus on one of those themes.
2. It is written in language the unchurched can understand. If you tell readers that
your church speaks a relevant language to average people, your ad should
model that promise. Once you’ve written the copy, show it to some non-Christian
friends and ask for their impressions . . . does it communicate?
3. It highlights relationships and people rather than programs and institutions. You
may have excellent programs, but programs are a “means” to an “end.” Identify
and promote the benefit to people; focus on individuals, not institutions.
4. It catches the attention of the desired audience. Research indicates we take
between 1-3 seconds to determine whether we want to spend additional time
reading the rest of an ad.
5. It uses the 60-40 rule. At least 60% of the space in your ad should be head line,
picture, or white space. At most 40% of the ad should be “body copy.”
6. It is specific . . . focusing on one issue or topic. A good ad is a rifle shot, not a
shotgun. Highlight one activity/event, focus on one “people group,” and make it
the only theme of the ad.
7. It has a standardized form. If you run regular ads, they should be different in
content but similar in style. At some point your readers should begin to associate
an ad with your church, even before they read the copy.
8. It is regularly repeated. Not everyone will have the same need at the same time.
One ad can be run 5-6 times and continue to generate a response. (Think how
many times you see the same ad on TV.)
9. It encourages the reader to take specific action. Whatever response you are
asking the reader to take should be easy; several “baby steps” rather than one
“giant step.” Be sure you have a preconceived plan for following up the contacts
that are generated.
10. It highlight the benefits. A man doesn’t go to the hardware store to buy a ½" drill
bit. He is buying a ½" hole. A mother doesn’t go to the store to buy baby food,
she is buying a healthy child. Take the same approach to promoting your church
– identify and highlight the desired outcome.
11. It is placed where it will be seen by your target audience. The church page is OK
if you’re looking to attract other preachers (or disgruntled members of other
churches). If you’re trying to reach unchurched people, put the ad in the section
of the paper they read, which is not the church page.
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If you have a group of creative people in your church, give them this list and the
task of developing four sample ads. If the experience is good, give them a green light to
create an entire series.
(HeIpful Resources 12 Church Ads, Marketing for Congregations, Church Marketing,
Promotion Strategies for the Local Church.)
Try a “Video Brochure”
In these days when few read but everyone watches, a “video brochure” can help
your church take a step into the 21st century, and give your people an effective way to
introduce their friends to church and their church to friends.
What exactly is a “video brochure?”
It is a high-quality 5-12 minute introduction for viewers of the positive benefits
that involvement in your church brings to people’s lives. The primary purpose is to
encourage viewers to visit your church and discover for themselves the warmth and
love to be found there.
This goal is best accomplished through enthusiastic, personal testimonies from
your members. The video should focus primarily on people and benefits. A short,
personal word from the preacher is appropriate. Emphasis on facilities, programs, and
“institutional” topics will generally not enhance your video.
Some churches have lay persons skilled in video production, and can produce a
video brochure own their own. (It requires more than just a home camcorder, however.)
Professional and semi-professional production companies are available in most cities,
and a well-produced video brochure can usually be done for $1,500 - $2,000.
(I have become acquainted with two young Christians whose love is video production.
They have developed a fine production and editing facility and have produced
commercial video brochures at an economical price. If you would like to talk with them
about developing a video brochure for your congregation call them at 512+754-4625.)
Can Advertising Help Your Church?
Here are some basic themes that should be included in your advertising:
● The sincere desire to be helpful in meeting the needs of the people in your
community. (Be as specific as possible.)
● The assurance that those who come will experience love and acceptance.
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● The promise that people will find the love of God, and the Word of God relevant to
their needs, hurts, and concerns.
● The sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment that faith brings to life.
The people in your community will be motivated to visit your church when they
feel there may be a solution to their personal needs and wants. The need may be good
biblical preaching. It may be for love and acceptance. It may be a place where their
children can receive religious training. It may be a class on how to adjust to being a
single parent, how to communicate with teenagers, how to cope with drug abuse, or
how to become a Christian. It may be simply to meet new friends. But it will almost
always be the expectation of filling an existing need that will encourage a visitor to risk
entering the strange new environment called “church.” For them to try it, the benefit
must be worth the cost.
[Helpful reference books: Welcoming the Stranger, Finding a Church You Can Call
Home.]
What Makes an Effective Mailing?
Direct mail is one of the most cost-effective mass media tools available to your
church. A good goal is to mail to every home in your ministry area four times each year.
Churches with a smaller budget should send at least twice a year. An annual mailing
schedule might look like this:
Early Spring: a mailing sent to arrive a week before Easter, taking advantage of
the opportunity to appeal to those who go to church only on Easter or Christmas. Early
June: a letter highlighting summer interests and activities available to the community.
Early September: A mailing outlining back-to-school activities, new classes, and special
programs. Early Fall: Emphasize a special seminar, lectureship or workshop.
Of course, special programs throughout the year, particularly those designed for
unchurched people, are another good reason for a mailing.
Below is an example of a good direct mail letter. Notice how the letter illustrates
the warmth and non-threatening tone that is an important ingredient.
LETTER:
Dear Friend,
If you are like most of us you probably don’t mind
making a new friend once in a while. Those of us who are
neighbors in this area get pretty shut away from each other.
Maybe you like it that way. But sometimes you may feel like
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sending out a test signal to see if anyone would even notice!
I know I get that way a occasionally.
Life is pretty much a sending out and receiving of
signals I guess. And when there isn’t anybody around to
listen – nobody “to tell it to” – a funny thing happens.
Maybe you know the “ghosts” that haunt your mind
when it seems like nobody cares. Maybe you wrestle with
anxieties – about your health, about your job, about your
family, or some special friend. Maybe you wish there was
somebody around to laugh with you, or to cry with you.
You’ll have to overlook this kind of introduction by
mail. What I would really like is to come and sit down in your
living room. I’m just an ordinary man who happens to be the
preacher over at the church building. Don’t let that scare
you. I just thought you might like to know that I am here and
that I am available.
If you would like to make a new friend, here is one
neighbor who would like to, too! You can let me know just
by sending me back the card I have enclosed. I’ll be glad to
stop by at your convenience.
Cordially yours,
Mailings should always give the reader an opportunity to respond. If you’re
mailing a letter, enclose a card with the response information on one side and the
church address on the other side so all the person needs to do is fill in his/her name,
address, phone and drop it in the mail.
Be sure you reply to responses within the week. Keep track of the responses you
receive so you can compare the effectiveness of the various approaches.
[Helpful Resources: Direct Mail Ministry and The Church Publicity Book.]
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How We Serve Your Neighborhood
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