By Deborah Bruce
In the latest edition of Leading Ideas, the newsletter of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Eugene Blair (district superintendent in the United Methodist Church) presents Ten Misconceptions about Church Vitality and Growth. Findings from the U.S. Congregational Life Survey support many of the truths Blair offers to counter these misconceptions. Let's look at a couple:
Importance of follow-up with visitors. Blair notes that "the number of different methods used to connect with visitors and newcomers is associated with attendance growth." Our survey of fast-growing congregations, shows that, compared to other congregations, they use more ways to attract visitors, more ways to follow-up with visitors, and more ways to integrate new worshipers. In short, they take advantage of every opportunity to connect with new people.
Importance of lay people. Blair tells us that having "the ideal pastor" is not the key to vitality or growth. Rather committed lay people are essential. Our research supports this. For example, when we asked people new to their congregation in the past five years what made them want to return after the first visit, three reasons stood out: the quality of the sermon, the friendliness of the people, and the overall worship experience. Members and pastors together ensure first-time visitors return a second time.
Is your congregation operating based on misconceptions? Let these truths set you on the right path.
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