So many churches attract new people but still can’t seem to grow. Why? What does it take for churches to break through the 200, 400 and 600 attendance growth barriers?
Carl George and Warren Bird literally wrote the book on it and share some of the surprising obstacles church leaders face. They also outline how to overcome those obstacles to reach more people.
This interview is the most downloaded episode in the history of the podcast. So we’re making it our very first rebroadcast, because clearly it’s worth a second (or third or fourth) listen. And if you’re new to the podcast, we want to make sure don’t miss this one. I hope it helps you and that you’ll share it with other leaders you know who could benefit from the conversation.
Welcome to Episode 223 of the podcast. Listen and access the show notes below or search for the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and listen for free.
Guest Links
@CarlGeorge_sc | ConsultingForGrowth.org
Episode Links
Breaking 200 enrollment is open! Don’t miss out on the absolutely best pricing of the season and exclusive bonus material at breaking200course.com.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Bringing Out the Best in Any Size Church by Gary McIntosh
3 Insights from Carl George & Warren Bird
1. Be a rancher, not a shepherd
One of the biggest barriers for churches to break the 200 attendance mark is pastoral care. When you first started the church, you were everything to every one… but that doesn’t scale.
Pastors tend to always think of themselves as shepherds guiding the sheep. But Carl and Warren challenge you to think of it this way: be a rancher, not a shepherd. Shepherds guide the sheep, but ranchers guide the shepherds who guide the sheep. Pastors need to have vision for the sheep and to train, empower and inspire the shepherds to do their jobs well.
2. Embrace your people
When you’re experiencing seasons of growth, you’ll have members who resist the change. As George and Warren pointed out… most people perceive more growth to mean less care. When you come across these matriarchs and patriarchs of the church, don’t resent them. Empathize with them, be their ally, lead them differently and with sensitivity.
For the people in your church who are excited about growth and change, create opportunities for them to feel like they are part of the heartbeat of the church. Managing the coffee bar might seem minor to you, but to the first-time volunteer… it’s their sense of purpose in the church.
When you give people opportunities for service in a team setting, you also see leaders arise.
3. Look where you normally don’t
For example, take the nursery. When was the last time you spent time in the nursery and preschool areas? It’s probably been a long time, if ever. But think of it this way: Parents whose kids have great experiences in the nursery will be more likely to raise their kids in your church and be members for the next 20 years.
When Pastors think facility improvements they think first of the sanctuary. But what about the lobby? How easy (or not) is it to navigate? What about parking? All of these things matter.
If you find this topic interesting, listen to episode 132 where I spoke with a secret church shopper.
Quotes from Episode 223
Success isn't in who you lead. It's who your leaders lead. @warrenbird Click To Tweet
We're no longer limited by technology, but by imagination. @warrenbird Click To Tweet
Until a pastor has some notion that all members are not equal and that each one of them has a unique history and contribution to make, he will not have the cooperation of the people to carry the agenda forward. @carlgeorge_sc Click To Tweet
The small group has to be a multiplier small group, one that will intimately care for its people with the awareness that if they're properly cared for, they will develop into group leading capable people. @carlgeorge_sc Click To Tweet
Scripture is very clear about shepherds, so I have no problem with a person wanting to love on people. But when you love being loved by the people to the point that you no longer attend to issues of scale, that is an issue. @carlgeorge_sc Click To Tweet
Read or Download the Transcript for Episode 223
Looking for a key quote? More of a reader?
Read or download a free PDF transcript of this episode here.
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Next Episode: Levi Lusko
12 years ago, Levi Lusko left Southern California to plant a church in Montana. Today, Fresh Life Church has 12 locations, most of them in very small towns where few people would plant churches. Levi talks about why and how they did it, how he handled the cultural gap, and about how he’s met some of the personal challenges he’s faced as a leader along the way.
Subscribe for free now and you won’t miss Episode 224.
