How to Grow a Small Church

Bill Easum writes a great article entitled How to Grow a Small Church.

It’s geared towards pastors looking for the formula.

It’s no formula, but their research shows

“It’s a pastor who has one-on-one conversations with
non-Christians that leads to their conversion to Christ.”

List for the small church pastor

He also gives a good list of ways to connect with the unchurched. The list is not exhaustive, but certainly long. If you are looking for some ideas, that’s a good list.

Here is a sample:

1. Racquetball has worked for me. Relationships build in the downtimes between games. The intensity automatically provides openings for sharing about life.
2. If you anticipate that you’ll see the people again (neighbors, community leaders, school teachers, mail carriers, waiters and waitresses, grocery store checkers), pick out one or two each day, and pray for them for a week or so. Then begin a conversation. I’ve been amazed at how God opens doors that seemingly would have remained closed.
3. Serve on the School Advisory Council of the school. This allows me to meet parents and administrators and is a way of giving back to the school. Of course they will also get a check from us each week for rent.
4. Our church is a member of our two local Chambers of Commerce. I attend a majority of the events and always get to meet at least a few new people.
5. My best way at this time in my life is through my kids who range in elementary to high school age. Through them I meet their parents and eventually get to know one another well enough to share.

When I was an installed pastor, getting out of the church office was the hardest thing to do.

So much of my time was spent in the office, taking care of administrative business.

I left an installed position as a pastor so that I could spend more time with the unchurched.

Connect with the unchurched.

Coaching Corner

Who in your circle of influence do you need to connect with today?

Listen to these two podcasts:

• Pastors, Get out of the office
• The Pastor’s Faith and Personal Evangelism