Four Steps Your Church Should Consider This Fall
by: Rev. Gregg Carlson of Convergence
It feels like we are getting back to “normal.” Kids are back, or almost back, in school. Churches have launched their fall programming. And as much as it feels like we should return to live “before Covid,” we need to be realistic. The world has changed. The church has changed with it. Now is the perfect time for church leaders to consider how to build on the church’s mission and accelerate momentum in the congregation. I’d like to offer you four steps to help.
1. Build on investments to keep your digital ministry effective!
One of the great outcomes of the pandemic is how churches increased their connections to the community through digital ministry. You may feel the tendency to back off from your digital offerings while anticipating that people will return to in-person worship. “Yield not to that temptation.” Many churches are finding that the return to in-person worship has been slow at best. People value the opportunities that a hybrid model provides, and some may find that a shift to only online worship is the best option for them. I encourage you to continue to have a robust plan to meet the needs of congregants who will join you digitally.
2. Evaluate and provide a variety of small group experiences.
During the pandemic, many congregations rediscovered the beauty of small groups through online gatherings.
These small, intimate gatherings, be they book studies, craft enthusiasts, Bible Study, prayer groups, are an ideal way to grow current connections and encourage new connections to engage further. Small groups can be arranged in-person, hybrid and completely online – it depends on the topic and the needs of the group. A reminder: small groups do not have to be long term. A 4–6-week small group commitment can build connections that extend to other opportunities down the road. Think about staggering the start of your small groups so that both existing and new connections are inclined to connect when the time is best for them.
3. Let go of programs that no longer make a difference.
Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your programming. During these days when churches are losing volunteers, this season offers you the ability to do fewer things, and to do each of them well. We watched the pandemic cause cancellation to rummage sales, dinners and gatherings that focused your congregations inward. Ask yourself if these programs are still necessary. Now is the perfect time to focus your energy on things that will not only make a difference in the life of your church but also to extend your ministry into the community. Take a critical look at your congregation’s outdated & oversized governance models. Is now the time to downsize/rightsize your ruling councils, sessions, & committees? I encourage you to engage in this important discernment.
4. Define your dance partners.
Who are your collaboration and strategic partnerships? Your church’s outreach, evangelism, and mission programs likely need a makeover. We know we can no longer give small amounts of money to a multitude of projects and consider our work done. We need to consider having primary, long-term partnership with one or two organizations with compatible values and mission. The hard part is normally not identifying who these partnerships are but being willing to let go of the many other small projects that your church has given to in the past.
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Source: Convergence eblast
Speaking of strategy and collaboration, Convergence would love to partner with you. Tell us about your church and we will schedule a free call to chat. Help us understand what the needs of your church and leadership are and how we could work together to achieve these important fall goals.