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Heads Up: Many (most) pastors remain trapped in a “Christian ghetto,” surrounded only by believers—a strategy that stifles growth.
So What: If you’re serious about making disciples, you’ve got to escape the holy huddle and build relationships with those outside the faith. A growing church is one whose pastor is connected to its community.
The Points:
The Christian Ghetto Trap: Many pastors and church members are stuck socializing exclusively with fellow Christians. This isolation limits our ability to fulfill the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations starts with meeting people outside the pews.
- Meet Them Where They Are: From coffee shops to local bars, auction barns to social media, meaningful relationships start where people gather. Be present in your community in ways that matter.
It Takes More Than Ads: Digital tools can create awareness, but discipleship happens in relationships. Social media posts won’t replace the power of a heartfelt conversation.
And … ?
In one of my early pastorates, there wasn’t a coffee shop or trendy eatery in town. So, I hung out where people already gathered to build relationships—the drugstore lunch counter, the grain elevator, and even the local bar. Was it comfortable? Not always. But it worked. Those spaces became fertile ground for relationships, conversations, and invitations. The lesson? Go to them; don’t wait for them to come to you (because they’re not coming!).
Today, it’s easier than ever to connect with those outside the faith, yet we still struggle. Why? Because authentic relationships take effort, and that effort starts offline and off-site. Social media is a tool, not a solution. It can amplify your presence, but it can’t replace a handshake, a shared laugh, or a listening ear. The early church didn’t grow because of their Instagram game—it grew because relationships were the foundation. If we’re serious about growth, we need to embrace that same principle.
Action! Set a weekly goal to meet five new people outside your church and take the first step in building a meaningful relationship.
