Summary of 3 Reasons Engagement (Not Attraction) Will Grow Your Church
Key Lifestyle Tips and Strategies:
- Shift Focus from Attendance to Engagement:
- Pastors should prioritize engaging people rather than just attracting them to attend church services.
- The traditional obsession with attendance is deemed counterproductive in today's culture.
- Understanding Historical Context:
- Attendance at church is a relatively modern concept; early Christians were fully engaged in the church's mission rather than passive attendees.
- Jesus called people to "follow me," highlighting the importance of engagement over mere attendance.
- Engagement Leads to Attendance:
- The future of church growth relies on fostering engagement, which will naturally lead to increased attendance.
- The previous funnel strategy of attracting many to eventually engage is becoming less effective as the number of unchurched individuals rises.
- Community and Resources for Leaders:
- Leaders are encouraged to join resources like The Art of Leadership Academy, which offers courses, coaching, and community support to help engage people effectively in ministry.
- Cultural Relevance:
- There is a growing desire in culture for alternatives to consumerism and casual Christianity. Engaged, selfless Christians can meet this need and attract interest from non-Christians.
- Christians who actively participate in their faith and mission will have a stronger witness than those who are self-focused.
Final Insights:
- The attraction-based model of church growth is diminishing, presenting an opportunity for a more authentic expression of faith.
- Engagement is key; passionate involvement leads to sharing faith and attracting others.
- The culture is looking for engaged individuals who contribute positively to society.
Notable Concepts:
- The Art of Leadership Academy: A resource for church leaders to learn about engagement strategies.
- Historical Context of Church: Emphasizes the early church's model of being active participants rather than passive attendees.
In conclusion, the video advocates for a significant shift in church growth strategy from attendance to meaningful engagement, aligning with cultural shifts and the needs of modern society.
Notable Quotes
— 00:56 — « If you really want to see your church grow stop trying to attract people and start trying to engage people. »
— 06:14 — « The attraction-based model of church growth is becoming less effective every year. This isn't bad news; it's an opportunity to return to a more authentic genuine expression of Faith. »
— 06:25 — « After all, Jesus never said attend me; he said follow me. »
— 06:39 — « In the future, church attendance won't drive engagement; engagement will drive attendance. »
— 07:02 — « Culture is longing for this; they're looking for an alternative to consumption. »
Category
Lifestyle