For those of us who have given every waking hour to the kingdom it was such a refreshing lunch. It gives me a little more hope. I don't need a lot but I do need some. Thanks brothers and sisters.
Iron Sharpening Iron
Today I went to a fellowship lunch with many fellow preachers and ministers. I don't think it was the location (The pope room of Buca De Beppo at Santa Monica) but it sure was encouraging. Great fellowship and great discussion of what God can do. There was no lack of talking. Wasn't just talk. It was a conversation. It was and extension of our dreams and frustrations, our hopes and our disappointments. God surely is always moving. I just felt we let His movement move us a little today.
LAKERS NUMBER ONE
I am so glad I am living in Los Angeles in the year the Lakers come good again. What a game on Sunday afternoon. Utterly decimating the Spurs who are a great team. Sure Ginobli was out but it was still a great display of powerful basketball. The whole team is playing well together and looking like they enjoy it.
Now if Andrew Bynum can get back for some of the playoffs that will be a plus. However we pretty much got here without him He would certainly give us even more punch.
Go Lakers
Why do visitors return?
I have been challenged by this question for 30 years know. People have wide an varied reasons to visit our churches but I want to know why they come back. Maybe if we could get a bit of an idea about this we might be able to get more to return. Anyhow, here are some thoughts on the question. I would really like to hear comments. Even though there are some good statistical studies on this I am more interested in anecdotal feedback.
Which do you think is the most dominant reason?
1. They love the friendly atmosphere.
More Detail: They really enjoyed being greeted and the way many people engaged them in conversation. They perceive this friendliness as genuine and not manipulative.
Factors that influence this: Fellowship time with refreshments, Every member’s willingness to welcome those they do not know, Our friendliness to them no matter their race, creed or appearance, Being genuine in this.
2. They connect very strongly with the preacher – his style, ability to communicate.
More Detail: If people do not like the preacher or if he doesn’t really connect with them, most people will not return. He can connect with them on many different levels but he must connect somewhere for them to return.
Factors that influence this: the preacher’s ability to connect with visitors as well as church members in his preaching, Humor, 21st century cultural relevance (talks about things that people deal with today),
3. They really like the strong teach of definite answers to the questions of life.
More Detail: After listening to a sermon or Bible class the visitor feels that they have be given a definite solution or answer. There is right and wrong and God has to be listened to. There are clear paths for your life from God
Factors that influence this: Preaching and teaching style, Literature
4. They have a background in the Church of Christ and we satisfy their need to be in a church like that (acappella music, weekly communion etc.)
More Detail: These visitors are looking for a place to go on Sunday, and usually only Sunday, that is their brand. Even thought that is the reason they return they can be taught to see the deeper spiritual truths of a relationship with God in His church
Factors that influence this: Similarity to what they are used to.
5. They connect with the level of excitement and energy in the group.
More Detail: This is a lot more influential than many think. It needs to be in combination with one of the other reasons to return but most people, especially of the Boomer and later generations, are looking for this.
Factors that influence this: The energy level of our singing and praying, the enthusiasm of the leaders, the smiles on people’s faces
6. They have children and want them in a Bible Class or Youth Group.
7. They identify with one particular group of adults.
8. The church building is close to them.
9. The church’s ability to help with a particular need they have.
10. Engagement in a relevant personal bible study.
11. Personal relationship with an existing member.
Which do you think is the most dominant reason?
1. They love the friendly atmosphere.
More Detail: They really enjoyed being greeted and the way many people engaged them in conversation. They perceive this friendliness as genuine and not manipulative.
Factors that influence this: Fellowship time with refreshments, Every member’s willingness to welcome those they do not know, Our friendliness to them no matter their race, creed or appearance, Being genuine in this.
2. They connect very strongly with the preacher – his style, ability to communicate.
More Detail: If people do not like the preacher or if he doesn’t really connect with them, most people will not return. He can connect with them on many different levels but he must connect somewhere for them to return.
Factors that influence this: the preacher’s ability to connect with visitors as well as church members in his preaching, Humor, 21st century cultural relevance (talks about things that people deal with today),
3. They really like the strong teach of definite answers to the questions of life.
More Detail: After listening to a sermon or Bible class the visitor feels that they have be given a definite solution or answer. There is right and wrong and God has to be listened to. There are clear paths for your life from God
Factors that influence this: Preaching and teaching style, Literature
4. They have a background in the Church of Christ and we satisfy their need to be in a church like that (acappella music, weekly communion etc.)
More Detail: These visitors are looking for a place to go on Sunday, and usually only Sunday, that is their brand. Even thought that is the reason they return they can be taught to see the deeper spiritual truths of a relationship with God in His church
Factors that influence this: Similarity to what they are used to.
5. They connect with the level of excitement and energy in the group.
More Detail: This is a lot more influential than many think. It needs to be in combination with one of the other reasons to return but most people, especially of the Boomer and later generations, are looking for this.
Factors that influence this: The energy level of our singing and praying, the enthusiasm of the leaders, the smiles on people’s faces
6. They have children and want them in a Bible Class or Youth Group.
7. They identify with one particular group of adults.
8. The church building is close to them.
9. The church’s ability to help with a particular need they have.
10. Engagement in a relevant personal bible study.
11. Personal relationship with an existing member.
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