HOW TO GROW A SMALL CHURCH

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HOW TO GROW A SMALL CHURCH

• 12 Questions to Ask

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Introduction

• Half of all churches in America are 50 people
• Other countries appear similar statistically.
• Many small churches ASSUME that outreach is the
  pastors responsibility.
• Distinctive strategies are necessary to grow the
  smaller church.

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The 12 Most Important Questions for the Small
Church

• As you build strategies for your church, these 12
  questions need to be addressed

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1. How do members of the congregation think of
themselves as a church?
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2. What is the time frame used for planning and
program development?
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3. What is the average tenure of the small church
pastor?

• Encourage longer pastorates. By
• Affirming the pastor's ministry,
• Providing adequately for the minister's needs,
• Affirming the pastor's spouse,
• A mutual commitment to a three to five-year
  ministry plan.

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4. What are the priorities placed on the
minister's time and energy?

• Time spent on church-related activities.
• Time spent in community outreach.

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5. What are the unique characteristics of your
church?

• Identify
• Strengths
• Talents
• Resources
• Assets

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6.Who are the people overlooked by other churches?

• How could your church respond?

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7. What new ministries, programs, or
opportunities must be considered to attract new
people?
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This question is important because

• It reaches unmet needs.
• It creates new groups.
• It challenges people's natural creativity.
• Small churches are perceived by outsiders as
  exclusionary.
• It creates new opportunities for newcomers.

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8. Who are the allies in implementing this
strategy?

• Volunteers who are naturally attracted to
  ministry in these new areas.

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9. How much of the churchs budget is allocated
to growing the church?

• In healthy, growing churches, at least 5 of the
  operating budget is allocated for outreach. More
  is better

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10. How restrictive are we on the use of our
building?

• Many congregations have developed a fortress
  mentality.
• The church that desires to use its fascilities
  24/7 will open opportunities for growth.
• The difference is perspective.

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11. What changes need to be made to implement a
church growth strategy?
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12. Are new volunteers allowed and encouraged to
lead?
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Concluding Questions
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If we are successful in attracting new members,
how will it affect established members?
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How do we help new and old members become better
acquainted?
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As the church grows, how do we maximize support
and minimize alienation?
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How do you change congregational expectations?