Last week in my ponderings I discussed the question, “Why would we want church growth?”  If you want to review that article go to Why Church Growth.

So, have you come up with an answer?  Do you want church growth?  If your answer is yes, the next question is, “What is my part in helping our church to grow?”

The first step goes back to my first ponderings on church growth.  If you desire church growth then you should commit yourself to praying for church growth.  If your would like to see our average worship attendance be at 150 in three years then pray to God for that.  At Gethsemane, the Trappist monastery in Kentucky where I go each fall for spiritual retreat, there is a sign near one of the statures in the woods that says, “Pray, Pray, Pray”  That is our first step towards church growth – praying.

The second step may seem obvious.  Be at worship yourself.  To begin growing we first must maintain our own worship attendance.  There are Sundays in everyone’s life when they are unable to be at church.  However, when ever possible it is good for us to come and worship God and share in the fellowship of the people of God.

A third step is to invite people to come  to worship.  This may involve friends who don’t have a church home, or friends who are members here but you haven’t seen them in worship lately.  Let them know how much you enjoy your church and would love to have them visit, or come again to worship God with you.

A fourth step would be to participate in, and invite friends to attend, the special events of our church.  Many times people can be welcomed into our church through various fellowship events.  These events may be special meals, outings (such as sleigh rides, softball games, etc.) and studies or discussion groups.  While some people may not initially respond to an invitation to Sunday morning worship they may come to a special outing.  While there they will get to know our members and recognize that we like to have fun together.  This then may lead them to respond to an invitation to worship.

A fifth step would be to get involved in the “work” of our church.  Join a ministry Team and help come up with and plan events and ministries of our church.

A sixth step is to be enthusiastic about our church.  Let people know that you enjoy the things that are going on at our church. 

 

As is the case with many organizations and events – word of mouth is very important.  Advertising is good.  But people sharing with people about an event or an organization is what makes it grow. 

The Personnel & Membership Team will be thinking more about goals for church growth.  If you have any input as to church growth and how we might all work together to make it happen feel free to reply to this pondering.

 

Blessing and Peace,