5 Surprising Ways Churches Are Increasing Attendance

While most churches have seen declines since the pandemic, a few outlier congregations are bucking the trend with surprising practices that are increasing attendance. Find five unorthodox methods these churches are using to grow against the current.

From strategically subtracting and adding ministries, to consistent invitation campaigns, to starting new groups, the highlighted approaches are outliers that don’t match current trends. But they provide examples of innovation and Great Commission focus that is leading to fruitful growth. Though not silver bullets, these outlier stories offer sparks of inspiration for congregations seeking new ways to reach people.

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Streaming Christmas Programs and Worship Services

Explore the best streaming license options for churches this Christmas season. Streaming your holiday events and services can help maximize your reach and impact at this special time of year.

The article looks at a variety of factors to help you share your message as broadly as possible. With the right coverage, your Christmas programs can shine for both in-person and online audiences!

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10 Ways To Improve Your Worship Team (2/4)

Worship bands rely heavily on great charts to aid their musicians and singers during rehearsals and services. This article explores the importance of high-quality charts and arranging for worship music.

Find pros and cons of different charting formats, from basic lyric and chord sheets to fully notated arrangements. Excellent charts and arrangements are vital for worship bands to excel. Though it requires time and effort, creating detailed, well-crafted charts elevates the musicianship and sound of any praise team. Go on: lead worshippers into deeper engagement with God through music!

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Worship Leader’s Guide to Christmas Planning

The Christmas season will be here before we know it, which means it’s time for worship leaders to start planning meaningful Advent and Christmas worship sets. Getting a head start on song selection, special musical elements, team schedules, and Christmas Eve services is a wise way to go.

This article equips worship leaders with practical wisdom that leads to Christmas worship services that are spiritually enriching. Whether it’s selecting impactful songs, planning logistics, or anchoring Christmas Eve, the author gives valuable advice for worship leaders. Naturally, he encourages bathing it all in prayer and seeking God’s purposes first.

The more time you take to prayerfully prepare for Christmas, the more memorable your Christmas service will be. So what are you waiting for?

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Church Announcement Rules for Greater Effectiveness

Many churches work hard to offer great programs and events, yet often hear “I didn’t even know that was happening!” Brady Shearer shares three simple church announcement rules to increase involvement.

The 50% Rule

Don’t promote events church-wide unless at least 50% of attendees can potentially benefit. Many announcements share things irrelevant to most people, causing them to tune out announcements overall. This rule significantly cuts down on time spent on announcements, keeping them short and focused.

The rule isn’t about actual event attendance, but potential attendance. For example, a kids program announcement applies to kids plus parents and volunteers involved. An all-church service project counts even if only some attend. Trimming announcements this way makes each one more relevant and impactful.

Inspiration Over Information

Share why an event matters, not just what, when and where details. Storytelling grabs attention in a way plain facts don’t. Shearer shares how even his phone-focused brother paid attention when a pastor told a story.

He suggests this simple announcement formula: one story plus one clear next step. Don’t just list baptism details – share your meaningful baptism story, then give a clear way to learn more if interested.

Also, have one clear place for all next steps, like your church website. Avoid confusing, scattered calls to action across platforms. A free website tool Shearer created, the Launcher, enables compiling key next steps in one place.

Sprint and Smuggle

Sometimes bend the rules using “sprints” and “smuggles.” Sprints are short, all-out promo pushes a few times a year for big events. Smuggles briefly mention other events within stories and content.

For example, Shearer demonstrated smuggling announcements into his video naturally within story examples. Sprints sacrifice engagement short-term but gain interest if used sparingly.

Following these tips will make announcements more compelling and effective. People will know what’s happening and take next steps to participate. Church events serve their purpose best when well promoted to those most likely to benefit.

The 4 Boxes Your Christmas Service Must Check Off

Planning Christmas services requires intentionally considering all who will attend. People come from different places spiritually – seasoned believers, new believers, nonbelievers, and struggling believers. Catering only to one group can alienate others.

It’s important to remind seasoned believers of the wonder of Christ through stories of God’s past faithfulness. Celebrate and give gratitude for the access to Jesus. For new believers, introduce the richness of the Christmas story. Explain carols and traditions to reshape their understanding.

Also make it welcoming for nonbelievers unfamiliar with church customs. Provide explanations to make them comfortable. Share the meaning behind actions so they don’t feel out of place. Struggling believers need space to process hardship amidst the joy. Acknowledge their pain and isolation. Let them know the Messiah came for them too, even when God feels far away.

Considering everyone allows crafting moments to resonate with all. Though challenging, this reflects Jesus’ heart to meet people where they are. Worship leaders change lives by breathing fresh revelation of the Messiah into weary souls. Despite busyness, let purpose strengthen you as you lead people to adore the King this Christmas.

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Ways Churches Can Use ChatGPT and AI

ChatGPT and AI are revolutionizing how churches interact and engage with congregations. Immense possibilities are being opened by these technologies – from streamlining communication to providing spiritual guidance! Church leaders can learn how to leverage ChatGPT’s natural language capabilities to create more personalized, convenient experiences for members. Learn:

  • An overview of ChatGPT’s AI technology and how it works
  • Examples of enhancing community engagement through AI
  • Ideas for administrative task automation like scheduling and note-taking
  • More!

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Why Nobody Wants to Work at a Church Anymore

A crisis is brewing as fewer young people want to work at churches anymore. Between ministry pressures, church hurt, hypocrisy, and abundant new job options, interest is waning. Toxic culture and low pay are also big, yet overlooked factors driving next-gen leaders away. This article explores why these issues are dealbreakers for many and what churches can do to attract and retain young talent. Learn:

  • Why fewer young people are signing up for church roles now
  • Why Gen Z has far less tolerance for unhealthy workplaces than older generations
  • Why underpaying church staff isn’t acceptable anymore
  • More!

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Essential reading for worship leaders since 2002.

 

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