4 Reasons Churches Stop Growing
"I just don't understand why we are not growing." That is a phrase I have heard for years around church circles. On the occasion, it might be true. A church might be doing everything right but for some reason they stop growing. Sometimes that happens and there is nothing you can do about it for a time...for instance, the economic climate changes in a town. the demographics change, etc.
However, many times there are glaring reasons as to why churches stop growing. Below are four of the most common reasons I see as to why churches stop growing and lose impact.
1. Unresolved Conflict
This is probably the deadliest reason churches stop growing. If this disease isn't dealt with in a Godly and timely fashion it becomes contagious. How we love one another is suppose to be a defining mark of the Church and Christians. If we give all our energy to fighting, bickering, and holding a grudge we have no room for anything else.
2. Terrible Attendance Tracking
Honestly, very few churches do this well. The churches that do it well are usually the ones growing. Two things typically are the culprit. Not getting guest information...if you don't get a guest information, how can you follow-up with them? Secondly, if you don't know who is there or not there, how can you possibly do effective member care? Every person has a story and that story matters to God. If it matters to God, it should matter to us. Find ways to track your people.
3. No warmth
This really is the lack of hospitality. Most churches do a pitiful job at creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. And this goes way beyond a few friendly people out front shaking hands. A church's hospitality is seen in everything a church does - from the appearance of the nursery, quality of the bathrooms, campus signage, to publicly recognizing guests. I could go on, but I think you are probably getting the idea. Consider inviting someone from the outside to attend a weekend service to act as a "secret shopper" - and then listen to what they have to say.
4. Boring Worship Services
You might be doing great in all the other areas of church health and the church is still not growing. The likely culprit is probably the worship services lack inspiration, focus, and don't move people. Here is the deal. If your worship services aren't moving your regular attendees to invite friends, relatives, and their neighbors...your worship experience isn't worth telling others about. In that case...it is time to change things up and figure out where you might be missing it.
Here are some ideas on where to start when it comes to revamping your worship experience:
- Is there a consistent flow to the worship experience or is it choppy?
- Each week you are telling a story...is every element of the service telling the same story?
- Do people like the preaching? Really??
- Consider seeking some professional help when it comes to the entire worship experience.
However, many times there are glaring reasons as to why churches stop growing. Below are four of the most common reasons I see as to why churches stop growing and lose impact.
1. Unresolved Conflict
This is probably the deadliest reason churches stop growing. If this disease isn't dealt with in a Godly and timely fashion it becomes contagious. How we love one another is suppose to be a defining mark of the Church and Christians. If we give all our energy to fighting, bickering, and holding a grudge we have no room for anything else.
2. Terrible Attendance Tracking
Honestly, very few churches do this well. The churches that do it well are usually the ones growing. Two things typically are the culprit. Not getting guest information...if you don't get a guest information, how can you follow-up with them? Secondly, if you don't know who is there or not there, how can you possibly do effective member care? Every person has a story and that story matters to God. If it matters to God, it should matter to us. Find ways to track your people.
3. No warmth
This really is the lack of hospitality. Most churches do a pitiful job at creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. And this goes way beyond a few friendly people out front shaking hands. A church's hospitality is seen in everything a church does - from the appearance of the nursery, quality of the bathrooms, campus signage, to publicly recognizing guests. I could go on, but I think you are probably getting the idea. Consider inviting someone from the outside to attend a weekend service to act as a "secret shopper" - and then listen to what they have to say.
4. Boring Worship Services
You might be doing great in all the other areas of church health and the church is still not growing. The likely culprit is probably the worship services lack inspiration, focus, and don't move people. Here is the deal. If your worship services aren't moving your regular attendees to invite friends, relatives, and their neighbors...your worship experience isn't worth telling others about. In that case...it is time to change things up and figure out where you might be missing it.
Here are some ideas on where to start when it comes to revamping your worship experience:
- Is there a consistent flow to the worship experience or is it choppy?
- Each week you are telling a story...is every element of the service telling the same story?
- Do people like the preaching? Really??
- Consider seeking some professional help when it comes to the entire worship experience.