These series of blogs will help you keep the people you reach. One of the challenges churches face today is not only getting new people to attend but getting people to stick after they join and not slide off. Would you say your church is more like Velcro (people stick)…
Religion News Service reports that a new Gallup Poll found that Americans’ self-reported church attendance has increased slightly since 2008. When asked “How often do you attend church, synagogue, or mosque?” 43.1 percent of Americans in 2010 said they attended church “at least once a week” or “almost every week.”…
Many of us have been impacted by an old book written by a young brilliant German theologian named Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the book, The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer could have left Germany to teach in America and avoid what was happening in Germany in the 1930’s. He struggled with the decision. Ultimately…
In a recent conference, Reggie McNeal described three shifts needed for churches to move from program-driven to missional-driven. These are very insightful for all church leaders and for a strategy of disciple making. 1. Changing from internal ministry to an external focus: This isn’t an “either-or” situation, but a movement…
What are some key words about New Testament discipleship? Consider these: EVERYONE… Discipleship is a process that involves all Christians. We mistakenly think it is just for super Christians or those in ministry, but it is for all who follow Christ. We are all disciples who are at different stages…
Assimilation is all about the process of helping people find your church, join your church, and get involved using their gifts and talents for the kingdom. Of course, experiencing salvation in Christ would be the number one goal as you reach out to people with the Gospel. In a recent…
The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a PECULIAR people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I think this was a prophetic word concerning…
Last week we shared a blog entitled “What does a Healthy Church Look Like.” There are foundational steps that leaders must take in order to create healthy church environments that promote growth. The growth of your church depends on members who are biblical healthy in their relationship with the Lord.…
Recently, Leadership Journal printed again the eight criteria for church health from Natural Church Development. Each of these eight components can serve as an MRI to look underneath the surface of your church and evaluate the true health. Look at these and see if you have balance. Where are you…
Over the last few years the term “church growth” has fallen by the way side and now the buzz is church health or vitality or church revitalization? Does the Lord of the church expect His church to grow? 1 Corinthians 3:6, says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing…
Two encounters are critical. First, the leader encounters God in His Word and is changed. Second, the leader guides the group to have a life-changing encounter.