Easter Church Growth: Solving 3 Key Dilemmas

Easter Sunday rolls around with a kind of predictability that’s both comforting and challenging for pastors across the board. Let’s check out the scene: the church is brimming more than usual, the air is thick with the scent of fresh flowers – mostly lilies, and the folks sitting on the pews create a colorful […]

Getting Church Members to Invite

The other day, I found myself in a heart-to-heart with a pastor, and his frustration was palpable. He complained, “My members just aren’t inviting their friends and neighbors to church.” It’s a common refrain, isn’t it? But here’s the twist: your members have already invited pretty much everyone they know over the years and […]

Church Planning for 2024: Connecting with the Unchurched in the New Year

As we stand at the cusp of a new year, it’s time to face a hard truth: what used to work in church growth and engagement simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether it’s a ripple effect of the post-COVID era or a broader shift in cultural tides, the old playbook of church invitations is […]

Build a Christmas Eve Your Neighbors Won’t Forget

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, our thoughts inevitably drift towards the festive season. Christmas, a time of joy, reflection, and community, holds a unique place in our hearts and calendars. For churches, this season presents a golden opportunity to connect with the community, both the faithful and those on the […]

Why Your Church Needs an Outreach Avatar

In a world where attention spans are shrinking and competition for time is fierce, churches face the monumental task of staying relevant and impactful. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in understanding your target audience—your Outreach Avatar. Contrary to popular belief, having a specific Outreach Avatar doesn’t limit your reach; it actually expands […]

The 15% Mistake

Stuck at a 15% return rate for first-time guests? Let’s turn that around.

Meet Pastor Doug. He implemented a guest engagement plan and saw his guest return rate skyrocket from 15% to 75%. Real change, real results. Time to take action, folks. Success in church growth isn’t accidental; it’s the result of intentional actions and […]

No Visitor Left Behind: The Ultimate Guide to Guest Engagement

Introduction: The Invisible Visitor Dilemma

We’ve all heard the stories—people walk into a church, hopeful and a little nervous, only to walk out feeling like they were completely invisible. They might have received a polite “Good morning,” but what they didn’t get was a meaningful connection. And that’s a problem. Why? Because a church isn’t […]

One Reason Why Your Church May Be Stuck

Ever wonder why some churches grow like wildfire while yours is stuck? The secret is simpler than you think.

Community isn’t just a feel-good term; it’s the backbone of any thriving church. I’ve consulted with churches across North America, and the ones that grow have a strong sense of community. It starts with the first […]

Stop Inviting People to Church… and Grow Your Church Anyway

Recently, I was working with a church that desperately wants to grow… well, the pastor wants it to grow. He asked his core leaders about their inviting experiences and they all said shades of the same thing: “I’ve invited all my friends to church and they’re not interested.”

Well, duh!!

Unless you happen to be inviting […]