Ideas to Revive a Church
I missed yesterdays Daily Nudge, but want to say Amen to all of those that responded. I have no ideas, because if I had I would be putting them into practice. Our congregation has dropped from a one time 200 + to an average of 55-60. Some of the highs had to do with some preachers that had charismatic personalities. We do not even have enough young people of any age to have anything but adult Bible classes on Sunday night and Wed. night. On Sunday mornings there will be around ten 18-25 year olds. But the majority of the congregation ranges from mid-forties on up. What I am trying to say is that we are an old peoples congregation. I’mafraid that some day it won’t be but a small handful.
jimnewy and 
Joe Palmer are discussing. 
Joe Palmer 8:26 pm on February 25, 2010 Permalink |
If you have ten 18 to 25 year old out of 60 attending then that is an excellent percentage. I have asked this question sadly few people seem to have ideas. If you church wants a shot in the arm of ideas and motivational message I’d be glad to come stir them up a little. Let me share with you some things we have done. are doing in the last few years.
1. friend day. Yes it is simple we had an increase in attendance of about 50 that is about a 20 percent increase. We have followed up and have continued Bible studies going from this.
2. Marriage class. – i teach these from time to time to the community. I just started one and I have one couple outside the church attending. I have others who may be in the class starting next week.
3. Newsletter Evangelism. Pass out newsletter for 8 weeks and then knock doors. We had 5 obey the gospel and made a lot of good friendly contacts.
4. If you have no other idea just invite everyone who wants to see the church grow and is willing to help to join a special class, small group, sunday lunch meeting etc to pray and talk about how to grow.
jimnewy 2:20 pm on February 26, 2010 Permalink |
I appreciate your reply and suggestions. Suggestions 1 – 3 has been done over and over with results, but they have not lasted. Suggestion 4 is viable and would be a good place to start. We need to go find those that have left and bring them back first.
God Bless, Jim Newsted Shamrock, Texas View my Blog at: http://jimsbiblestudies.blogspot.com/ Join my Bible Study Group at: internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join Even though you can’t see the air, It doesn’t stop you from breathing Even though you can’t see God, It doesn’t stop you from believing
Joe Palmer 4:50 pm on February 26, 2010 Permalink
Jesus said that people would recognize us as his disciples because we love one another. I think the biggest obstacle in keeping people is them seeing love in the church. Just read a great post about the reason some small groups grow and others do not. The result of the research showed the leaders own personal prayer life was the biggest determining factor. The implication is people are only attracted to Jesus by people who are attached to Jesus. You need to work on attaching people to Jesus.
jimnewy 9:16 pm on February 26, 2010 Permalink
Joe, do you have a source where I can get a copy of the research. I would hate to go to the elders with this info all by itself. I agree we need to work on attaching people to Jesus. It’s like Randal commented not to long ago, It comes down to making Jesus Lord in and of our lives.
God Bless, Jim Newsted Shamrock, Texas View my Blog at: http://jimsbiblestudies.blogspot.com/ Join my Bible Study Group at: internet-bible-studies-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internet-bible-studies/join Even though you can’t see the air, It doesn’t stop you from breathing Even though you can’t see God, It doesn’t stop you from believing