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 they’ve been met with a mix of responses – some enthusiastic joiners, others who peek in but didn’t stay, and a fair share of polite declines.
This got me thinking. Back in 2018, I had an epiphany. If we wanted to truly mobilize our church members to fuel church growth, the same old “invite to church” tactic just wasn’t going to cut it. We needed something more… creative.
That’s when 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church was born. The book is a treasure trove of innovative ideas crafted for church laypeople. This guide is about equipping your congregation with a robust toolkit – not just to invite folks “to church” in the traditional sense, but to engage them in life-transforming ministries. We’re talking about the kind of ministries that don’t just fill pews but change lives, including the powerful messages delivered in weekly sermons.
In this blog, I’m excited to share a sneak peek into some of these transformative ideas. From leveraging the power of social media to mastering the art of both active and passive invitations, this book covers it all. And here’s the kicker – imagine the impact if every family in your church had this book in their hands. Think about the ripple effect of each member being empowered to make meaningful connections and extend effective invitations.
So, as we delve into these ideas, consider this: what if you could equip every family in your congregation with these tools? The potential for growth, both in numbers and in spiritual depth, is immense. Let’s explore how 101 Things can be the catalyst for this exciting journey of church growth and community transformation.
Your Church Cast of Characters
In every church congregation, there’s a vibrant tapestry of personalities, each bringing their unique flavor to the community. Let’s start by recognizing these diverse characters.
First up, the outgoing and gregarious parishioners. You know them – they’re the ones striking up conversations in grocery lines, always ready with an invitation to their church. But let’s face it, in our increasingly not-churched and often anti-church culture, the straightforward “Do you have a church home?” approach doesn’t quite resonate as it once did. 101 Things is designed to refine the inviting skills of these enthusiastic members. It transforms their well-intentioned invites from often receiving a polite “not interested” to a more engaging “Tell me more.”
Then, there are the introverts of the congregation. For them, the mere thought of initiating a church invitation can be as daunting as sucking on a ghost-pepper infused lime. They’ve already invited their inner circle, probably more than once. For these members, the book offers a lifeline. With over half of the tools tailored for a more passive approach, it provides ways to spread the word without stepping too far out of their comfort zone.
And let’s not forget the social media savvy in the church. These are the folks who understand the digital landscape, distinguishing between aimless scrolling and strategically building connections. For these digital natives, the book serves as a guide to becoming Social Media Influencers for their church, leveraging their online presence for a greater cause.
As we delve deeper into the book’s insights, we’ll soon share a couple of tips for each of these groups, starting with the extroverts. Whether it’s honing their inviting skills, utilizing passive tools, or mastering social media influence, 101 Things offers something for everyone in your congregation. Stay tuned as we reveal how each personality type can contribute to church growth in their unique way.
Fine Tuning Your Extroverts
In 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church, there’s a special focus on empowering the extroverted, outgoing members of your congregation. These are the folks who aren’t shy about sharing their faith but might need a nudge in the right direction to make their invitations more relevant and appealing in our current societal context.
One key practice highlighted in the book is about aligning church events and sermon series with the pressing concerns or aspirations of neighbors. It’s about moving beyond the generic “come to church” invitation to offering a connection to something that genuinely resonates with people’s lives. For instance, if your church is hosting a series on managing stress or finding balance in a hectic world, these are topics that speak to common challenges many face. Extroverted members can be encouraged to invite their neighbors to these specific events or series, framing the invitation as an opportunity to find practical solutions and support.
Another effective practice is the art of storytelling. Extroverts are often natural storytellers, and this skill can be harnessed to share personal experiences of how being part of the church community has impacted their own lives. Instead of a straightforward invitation, they can share a story of a time when the church provided them with support, guidance, or a sense of belonging. This approach makes the invitation more personal and relatable, showing the tangible benefits of being part of the church community.
These practices are about leveraging the natural strengths of extroverted church members – their ease in starting conversations and their enthusiasm for sharing – and channeling these traits into making meaningful connections. By focusing on relevant topics and personal storytelling, they can transform their invitations from a routine church ask to an enticing offer to join a supportive and responsive community.
The Introverts Guide to Connection Making
In every congregation, there are introverted members who genuinely wish to contribute to church growth but find the prospect of direct invitations daunting. They’ve been faithful in inviting their closest friends, but that’s a limited circle, and expanding their social network just for the sake of church invitations doesn’t align with their nature. For these individuals, 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church offers a veritable toolbox of ideas that allow them to “get the word out” without having to speak a word.
One of the book’s suggestions is the use of yard signs. Much like political or event signage, a tastefully designed sign in a church member’s yard can be an effective conversation starter or a silent invitation. It’s a passive yet visible way to show affiliation and interest in the church, potentially sparking curiosity among neighbors.
Another approach is through personal accessories or items that subtly reflect their faith or church involvement. This could be as simple as a keychain, a bumper sticker, or a notebook with the church’s logo. These items can naturally pique the interest of others, leading to questions and discussions about the church in a more organic, less intimidating way.
For those who enjoy reading in public spaces, carrying a book related to a church’s teaching or a current sermon series can also be a subtle invitation. It’s not just about displaying the book, but choosing titles that might intrigue passersby, inviting them to inquire about the book and, by extension, the church.
These passive tools are designed to fit comfortably within the lifestyle of introverted church members, allowing them to contribute to church growth in a meaningful way without the stress of direct invitations. By employing these subtle yet effective methods, they can play a crucial role in spreading the word about their church community.
In the digital age, social media mavens in your congregation are invaluable assets. These individuals are not just comfortable with social media; they thrive in it. 101 Things recognizes this potential and offers strategies to transform these digital natives into powerful influencers for the church. The key lies in creating content that is not just shareable, but engaging and thought-provoking.
One of the most effective ways for these social media enthusiasts to influence is through the creation of original content that resonates with both church members and the wider community. This could be anything from a blog post reflecting on a recent sermon, to a beautifully designed infographic that shares a powerful message or statistic from the church’s outreach programs. The goal is to produce content that invites likes, shares, comments, and discussions, thereby extending the church’s reach far beyond its physical walls.
Another impactful practice is storytelling through social media. Sharing personal stories of faith, transformation, and community can be profoundly moving. These stories, whether in the form of a short video, a series of photos, or a well-crafted post, can create a ripple effect, touching hearts and prompting conversations about faith and church life.
Live streaming is another powerful tool. Encouraging social media mavens to live stream parts of the church service, especially segments that are likely to resonate with a broader audience, can give outsiders a glimpse into the warmth and inclusivity of the church community. It’s about showcasing the church as a place of welcome, learning, and growth.
Lastly, engaging with and responding to comments and messages is crucial. It’s not enough to just post content; interaction is key. Prompt and thoughtful responses to comments, questions, and messages can foster a sense of community and belonging, even in the digital space.
By harnessing the power of social media, these church members can become influential voices, spreading the church’s message and inviting others into a journey of faith and community. 101 Things provides the blueprint for turning social media skills into a potent tool for church growth.
Turn Members Into Social Media Influencers
In the digital age, the social media mavens in your congregation are invaluable assets. Don’t think you have any? The reality is, the majority of your congregation is probably on Facebook and most of them probably know a few things about it. Some of these individuals are probably not just comfortable with social media; they thrive in it. 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church recognizes this potential and offers strategies to transform these digital natives into powerful influencers for the church. (And there’s a good bit in there for beginners as well.) The key lies in creating content that is not just shareable, but engaging and thought-provoking.
One of the most effective ways for these social media enthusiasts to influence is through the creation of original content that resonates with both church members and the wider community. This could be anything from a blog post reflecting on a recent sermon, to a beautifully designed infographic that shares a powerful message or statistic from the church’s outreach programs. The goal is to produce content that invites likes, shares, comments, and discussions, thereby extending the church’s reach far beyond its physical walls.
Another impactful practice is storytelling through social media. Sharing personal stories of faith, transformation, and community can be profoundly moving. These stories, whether in the form of a short video, a series of photos, or a well-crafted post, can create a ripple effect, touching hearts and prompting conversations about faith and church life.
Live streaming is another powerful tool. Encouraging social media mavens to live stream parts of the church service, especially segments that are likely to resonate with a broader audience, can give outsiders a glimpse into the warmth and inclusivity of the church community. It’s about showcasing the church as a place of welcome, learning, and growth.
Lastly, engaging with and responding to comments and messages is crucial. It’s not enough to just post content; interaction is key. Prompt and thoughtful responses to comments, questions, and messages can foster a sense of community and belonging, even in the digital space.
By harnessing the power of social media, these church members can become influential voices, spreading the church’s message and inviting others into a journey of faith and community. 101 Things provides the blueprint for turning social media skills into a potent tool for church growth.
It’s My Turn to Invite …
I hope you’ve seen that my newest book, 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church is more than just a book; it’s a catalyst for transformation within your church community. Whether your congregation members are extroverts, introverts, or social media mavens, this book offers tailored strategies for everyone to contribute effectively to church growth.
The beauty of this resource lies in its diversity – it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach but a multifaceted toolkit. Every chapter provides practical, actionable steps that align with different personalities and comfort levels, ensuring that every church member can find their unique way to participate in the church’s mission.
Now, imagine the impact if every family in your church had access to this treasure trove of ideas. Picture a congregation equipped with the tools to not only invite but genuinely engage their community, transforming invitations into meaningful connections and spiritual growth.
I encourage you to take a step towards empowering your church. Invest in a copy of 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church for each family in your congregation. By doing so, you’re not just buying a book; you’re investing in the growth and vitality of your church community. Let’s embark on this journey of transformation together, one family, one invitation, one impactful action at a time.
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