Church staff members want to know, how do we get congregants engaged and connected into the life of our church? Here are a few ideas.
The gospel doesn't need a makeover
Jesus + Nothing = Everything
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! -Galatians 1:6-9
Discipleship happens in friendships
The absolute best talk I have heard on the nature of discipleship was by Jack Deere called The Power of Discipleship, a man who experienced much trauma and suffering in life, yet has beautiful wisdom to share about the story of discipleship in his own life.
Give voice to fringe groups that may feel left out
It's hard going to a new place for the first time, and it can feel like everyone is already connected except you. When I was a new believer, I was in my late twenties and not married. I wanted to get plugged in but felt stuck since I was neither college-age or married, which seemed like where the action was happening. Now I am married with no children, and again find it difficult to get plugged in. Acknowledging the less frequent demographics and encouraging diverse groups may help those who are struggling to feel a sense of belonging.
Keep it simple: Simple Church by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger
Simple Church was a paradigm-shifter for me. It took me from a mindset of "this church has 250 ministries, now tell me the magical path of engagement" to "have a well-defined, simple process for moving people through the steps and have all ministries centered around the well-defined simple process." Communicate well with the congregation, let newcomers know what the next step is, give one or two choices, otherwise it's too overwhelming, especially at a mega-church.
Importance of personal touch
Again, discipleship happens in relationships. Christianity is contagious, to quote a pastor I once worked with. Have tons of friendly greeters, encourage congregants to connect with the prayer team or staff members after the service, make phone calls. Give lots of opportunities for people to meet people.
How are you getting people involved at your church?
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