Over the past 17 years God has allowed me to serve in ministries that have grown. Some have moved quickly and others have taken a little more time. Though most of my experience has been in the American mega-church over the past few months I have started to learn a little more about ministry growth in smaller congregations and church plants. Here are some thoughts from a audio lesson entitled: Breaking the 65 Barrier by Nelson Searcy. You can find more from Nelson here: http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/index.php/
If you are leading a smaller church, ministry or multi-site campus I would strongly encourage you to check out these 10 thoughts and move ahead!
1. Define Reality
- Look over the past monthly attendance
- Children and Adults
- Focus on Adult attendance
- Look for trends
- This could let you know you know where you are.
- “The first role of a leader is to define reality.” The Art of Leadership Max Dupree
2. Grow Yourself
- Maybe you put the lid on the church.
- “No organization rises higher than its leader.” John Maxwell
- If your heart for God and leadership are not growing than you are holding the church back.
- You must always be growing!
- Make Space for your church to grow
- Do you have enough good seats for your church to grow?
- 70% rule
- If you fill more than 70% of your seats you will struggle to grow.
- It could also be a children’s issue or parking lot issue.
4. Cast a Vision for Growth.
- When was the last time you spent a day away with God and asked God for a vision for your church?
- Are you sharing this vision with others or the benefits of this vision?
- Why should this church grow?
- Develop a list of a 100 reasons why your church should grow.
- When you know the why almost any what is possible.
- Transitioning: by Dan Southerling
5. Tough Conversations
- Boarder Bullies
- Some people will stand in the way of change.
- You may need to have some hard conversations.
- It hurts but some people will leave.
6. Personally Mentor New Leaders
- Pick 5 people that will help lead the church.
- Invest in them and help people grow.
7. Focus on Sunday Service
- When are you finished with your sermon?
- Make Sunday a priority.
- Grow in your preaching.
- Plan a preaching calendar.
- Re-evaluate your worship services.
- Work on transitions in your service.
8. Break the 65 barrier with a special sermon series.
- Do this with and intentional series.
- Use this to break other barriers.
- Example: “40 Days of Purpose”
9. Go Full-Time
- Pastor
- Full-Time worship leader is the next hire.
- You will never have enough staff.
- Staff yourself for the next level!
- Staff yourself like a church of 125
10. Think 125
- Think like a church that is twice your size!
- Look at churches that are just one or two steps ahead of us.
- Put some resources in growth learning.
- Set a goal to break the barrier!