Even More Reasons Our Church Isn't Growing Part 2 (A New Perspective)

This is my response to a blog I wrote back in 2009 about why your ministry may not be growing.

16) You Aren’t Paying Attention to Who’s Coming, Returning, and Leaving for Good

[These days it’s easier than ever. When they come and visit you ask them a few simple questions. Within days you can be friends on MySpace and Facebook and following them on twitter. If you haven’t seen them in awhile, start up a chat on the internet. It’s non-invasive, but it shows you care.]

I used to be over-zealous about adding guests on Facebook and inviting them to return. For a brief window when we had an usually large amount of momentum this worked.  However, in reality a Facebook connection isn't what what will keep someone around.  In fact, this method has left me with a whole lot of Facebook friends I don't actually know.

They need a person in their life to connect with.

You don't want to use your self as the single person watching the ministry. This is where student ministry small groups become very powerful.  When a guest comes, it provides an easy and obvious connection point. It provides a personal leader to follow up with them, and when someone stop coming, there's  someone to notice.

17) You’re Doing Lots of Things Really Crappy Instead of a Few Things Really Well

[If you’re preparing 3 lessons, leading 2 small groups, discipling 3 guys, attending 5 meetings, and planning 4 large events every single week, why would you be surprised if the quality of each of these things is lacking?]

This point is actually kind of funny to me now.  I frequently preparing multiple lesson plans. Many semesters I've lead multiple small groups.  Five meetings per week sounds like a small number. I'm usually planning multiple big events.

You need to learn where your line is.  In ministry you will have to juggle many responsibilities.  There's always more ministry to be done.  You won't discover your line until you cross it.  I recently discovered some of my emotional and work-load limits.

Certainly you need to do what you can do to keep your ministry simple, but the reality of ministry is that it will keep you busy.  Instead of simply cutting things, you need to find people to work with you. Find people who are good at things you struggle with.