I have long been an advocate for churches to develop a comprehensive New Convert Care (NCC) ministry. One key component to NCC success is the Altar Card. Every individual that receives the Holy Ghost or is baptized should, if possible, have an Altar Card completed that same night or the very next service. Getting basic…
Revival Church Traits
The difference between a soul-conscious church and one that lacks this vision is easily seen. Revival-oriented churches usually have the following traits: A revival spirit in every service. Sometimes called “seeker-sensitive,” these churches have an end goal of reaching visitors with salvation. This includes strong worship, insightful preaching, meaningful altar calls, and trained altar workers….
Your New Convert Retention Rate
A lot has been written lately about the definition of church growth. Granted, there is much more to the church growth equation than numbers. Growth can be spiritual as well. Growth can also be measured in the physical church property and finances. So, new convert births is but one area that must be evaluated….
The Real “Secret” to Growth
After 40-plus years of working with pastors in church growth, I have come to the firm conclusion that church growth has more to do with attitude than process. Oftentimes pastors will press me for the “secret program” or “process” that will make their church grow. They are then somewhat taken aback with my emphasis on…
The Need For Sunday School
Sunday school has made an amazing comeback. After dropping over 24% in 1980 to around 40 million enrollment for U.S. evangelical churches, it has since made a resurgence to over 70 million today (Barna Research). Pastors have rediscovered the tremendous value that this Sunday morning program brings to both discipleship and evangelism. If you…
Our Divine Contract
Our Divine Contract I have stressed this repeatedly: 100% of your new converts come from your visitors. Also, very few visitors receive the Holy Ghost the first time they come. So getting visitors to return must be your top priority. The most effective and successful way to do this is by a comprehensive visitor follow-up…
Altar Workers
Altar Workers Over the years, I have emphasized that 100% of your new converts will come from your guests. But now allow me to state another obvious point: individuals that come forward at altar call time are much more likely to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost than those that don’t. And just like…
Ways to Increase Door Traffic
“100% of your new converts come from your visitors.” This is a point that I stress in every church growth seminar I teach. If you want your church to grow, you must increase your door traffic. You must also get these visitors to return, because only about 5% receive the Holy Ghost the first time…
Growing Strong in 2017
After 30-plus years of working with churches in church growth, I am convinced that most Apostolic churches can double in attendance within 3-5 years. But to do so requires a church to focus strongly in three areas: Organization, Evangelization, and Assimilation. So here’s a checklist to see if you are doing what needs to…
Healthy Church Characteristics
Church growth has sometimes been criticized for placing an undue emphasis upon numerical over spiritual growth. While this may have been true in the past, today the term “healthy church” is commonly used with an equal emphasis upon both. So at the risk of hearing, “I can’t believe you didn’t include <insert word> in your…
Deaf Ministry Evangelism
Within any town or city in the USA you will find a unique culture that hungers for recognition and acceptance. Thankfully, many churches across America have answered the call of God to reach into this distinctive community with the message of new birth salvation. Every church should sincerely ask God if a deaf evangelism ministry…
Holy Boldness
The late Kenneth Haney believed strongly in evangelism. I remember him expounding upon the need for “holy boldness,” which he defined as “the strength and courage to witness (i.e. to share your personal testimony with an acquaintance, co-worker or stranger) and invite them to church or ask them for a home Bible study.” Elder Haney…
Is it harder for a small church to grow?
A pastor must make a concerted effort to resist the “small-church syndrome” which tends to include a defeatist attitude. Small church pastors often look at larger churches and sing the “if I only had” song: “If I only had a building like that, the leaders he has, all those saints to organize, the money coming…
Know Your Numbers
Know Your Numbers Some say numbers are boring. However, without numbers we would never have known critical information in the Bible: 120 in the Upper Room, 3,000 new converts. Suffice it to say, God thinks numbers are important. There are some key numbers you need to know if you desire to grow. Over time, they…
‘Attitude’ in Church Growth
Attitude in Church Growth starts with a ‘team ministry’ approach. Having an organized outreach with a relationship approach. Starting with family, friends, coworkers and neighbors and assimilating them into the church.
Summertime Evangelistic Efforts
Summer weather will soon be upon us. It’s time to plan various evangelism events to bring in visitors. Remember that visitors are your absolute best prospects – 100% of your new converts come from your church guests. Therefore, the importance of guest follow-up must be stressed: only about 5% receive the Holy Ghost the first…
Evangelism On A Budget
What kind of evangelism program can we have on a very limited budget? Evangelism need not be expensive. In fact, the best and most effective methods cost little or nothing. Consider the following: 1. Powerful, Spirit-filled services. Without question, the most effective outreach program you can have are your church services. Preaching is still the…
The Role Prayer Plays
The Role Prayer Plays is a vital part of a Church’s Growth. You need a strong prayer ministry that is powerful and successful. Part of any prayer ministry starts with early morning prayer, scheduled prayer times, pre-service prayer that is also encouraging and uplifting.
Doctrine Is Important for Church Growth
Doctrine Is Important for Church Growth Among successful Apostolic churches, doctrine is important. These pastors will tell you that preaching and teaching doctrine regularly played an important role in their growth and success. It should be no surprise that current church growth research bears this out. A recent survey found that 91% of the unchurched…