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5 Ways to Fail Forward in 2023

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 28, 2022

As a church leader, you have essential responsibilities. Not only do you need to preach and guide your congregation, but you also ensure that the church runs smoothly.

Not everything you try in 2023 will succeed. That’s okay. In fact, it’s important to have some failures under your belt. Especially if it means that you jumped in and tried things, but still missed the mark.

Remember Newton’s first law of motion: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion whereas objects at rest tend to stay at rest. Once you get your congregation in motion, you’ll have a better chance of steering them in a positive direction, even if your first efforts don’t result in total success.

Because the truth is that without the freedom to fail, you are less likely to succeed. If failure is unacceptable, then you won’t risk much. Risk, as an act of faith, is required for success, especially for church leaders.

To get you started on that forward momentum, I offer these five ways to “fail forward”.

#1 Have a Clear Vision

Why is a clear vision important enough to risk failure? Because personal and organizational renewal begins with vision. In fact, this is one of the foundational principles we teach in Creating a Culture of Renewal®.

Churches flounder when they don’t have a strong sense of what they’re being called to do. Crafting a clear vision is important work for church leaders. Vision focuses your efforts and guides you and your congregation together into the future.

To get a clear vision of what your church is being called to do, tap into Jesus’ big dream: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” With Jesus’ dream in mind, ask God to show you and your people how you can make a difference in the community such that it would be a sign of the Kingdom. These steps can guide you in making sure your vision is focused outward instead of inward.

#2 Keep Up with Technology

Technology is here to stay. Using it well can help your church engage current members more effectively as well as reach new audiences. If you started to use technology during the pandemic to livestream services and offer online giving, keep it up. If you haven’t started yet, now is the time. It’s worth trying, even if you fail. I can’t tell you how many times I have goofed up doing a Facebook Live. I keep going because it’s worth failing at in order to eventually succeed. The truth is that people expect more tech options now, not less.

One way to keep up with technology is to surround yourself with those who know more than you do. Learn from them how to bridge the gap between religious traditions and digital innovation. Although you may not like the negative influences of technology—like incivility and sensationalism—it’s even worse to turn a blind eye to its influence. Better to try harnessing it for good, and failing, than not trying at all.

#3 Increase Your Leadership Skillset

As a leader, it’s crucial to keep on learning. One way to increase your skillset is by attending conferences or seminars on church leadership topics such as team building or conflict resolution. Another way to increase your skillset is by reading books and blogs related to church leadership topics. You’ll learn how others approach the problems you face and discover emerging best practices.

People and times change. How you interact with those you lead has to also change. What worked 10 or 20 years ago may not work today. If you are not keeping up with ever-evolving ideas and trends, then you are not intentionally growing as a leader.

Reverse mentoring is an excellent way to sharpen your skills. Reverse mentoring involves learning from younger generations. Find someone in your congregation who represents a younger age demographic and ask them if they will mentor you. Not only will you blow their mind, but chances are good you’ll learn new things you did not know before.

Can you know everything there is to know as a leader? No. But trying and failing forward is the right direction to head.

#4 Develop Financially Sound Strategies

Churches need to be financially sound to succeed in the long run. Effective church leaders work to develop strategies to help their churches remain economically stable. This could include developing pledge campaigns, setting aside funds for unexpected expenses, or investing in equipment or technology upgrades when necessary.

One of the trends that will be coming to mainline churches in the coming years is diversifying your income sources to make ends meet. There are many ways to do this. Look into grants, endowments, crowdfunding campaigns, innovative fundraising efforts, and creating community partnerships, which I write about in Forging a New Path. Think of 2023 as the year to feel more comfortable engaging in financial conversations, and to create an economically stable church.

While you might not meet all of your financial goals in 2023, paying attention now will sharpen your ability to meet those goals in the future. Put your best efforts forward here. Even if you fail.

#5 Focus on Member Engagement

Engaging members is critical when it comes to leading a thriving church. Focus on engaging your members more effectively through the basics: Bible studies, prayer initiatives, and community service projects. These basics provide the foundation upon which member engagement moves the church into transformational experiences.

Historically, the church’s educational process has been rooted in knowledge retention. Yet Biblical literacy is spotty among members. Think about ways to make education experiential in 2023.

For instance, there’s a growing trend of churches launching “lab” experiences to encourage members to explore their faith and to cultivate spiritual growth. Use your creativity to develop ways to engage church members in meaningful conversations and activities that foster spiritual growth and connection.

Again, you may not fully succeed. But moving in this direction will ensure that if you fail, you are failing forward.

Your Next Step

Next, choose one of the above five ways to fail forward in 2023, and get going! This is going to be a pivotal year for the church. Your willingness to risk, whether you succeed or fail, will bring needed energy and faith to your congregation.

No matter which path you choose, though, you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, joining a community of learners is one of the best ways to ensure that failures can morph into successes. Grow in skill and confidence as together we learn 3 Steps to Engage Conflict Productively. I’ll be with you on the journey.

When The Holidays Bring Out the Worst in You

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 14, 2022

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, peace, and family.

But what about when the holidays bring out the worst in you?

When you get frustrated, stressed, anxious? Even angry.

Then what?

It’s important to find new ways to manage your emotions more effectively.

And to help your people do the same.

In this blog, I’ll explore why the holidays can be so stressful and give you tips for managing the stress, all so that you can reclaim the spirit of the season.

Stress, Trauma & The Season

We all have experiences of the past that impact our lives in the present.

Loss, unresolved grief, broken relationships, financial strain, and loneliness can bring on overwhelm.

These feelings are heightened during the holiday season.

The thought of buying gifts when the budget is tight or loved ones are missing from the dinner table can create extra stress.

Being a church leader adds a whole new dimension to the equation.

There are two seasons of exceptional busyness for church leaders: Easter and Christmas /Advent.

In my conversation with pastors, it seems that the Christmas season is more conflictual in the local church.

Why?

Expectations go up dramatically starting at Thanksgiving and continue all the way through New Year’s.

Several special services, holiday get-togethers, family traditions, and more get added to the calendar in just a few short weeks.

Not only that, but the holidays can bring out unresolved issues from past relationships with family members.

Even if a relationship is generally healthy and robust, the holiday season can bring to light existing tensions and memories of past conflicts.

These familial traumas may be challenging to recognize, as they are often deeply woven throughout family history.

Here’s the point. Whatever the source of your stress, it is essential to be gentle with yourself.

Identify Your Triggers

The first step in managing holiday stress is to identify your triggers. Notice what situations cause you to become overwhelmed or anxious.

Once you have identified your triggers, you can develop strategies for dealing with them effectively. For example, if large gatherings stress you out, find a smaller group to chat with.

You can also try scheduling smaller events, such as one-on-one conversations or group activities that involve fewer people.

If too much shopping brings out the worst in you, make a list, create a budget and stick to it.

Knowing what sets off your stress can help you anticipate potential issues and develop coping mechanisms before they arise.

Make Time for Self-Care

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays without leaving any time for yourself.

Taking care of yourself is essential to managing holiday stress.

Carve out some “me” time each day, whether it’s enjoying a relaxing bath, reading a book before bedtime, or taking a long walk with the dog.

Self-care is different for each of us, but one thing is true for all of us – if you are not making time for yourself during the season, you won’t be able to create space for others.

Nor will you experience the joy of the season.

Reach Out When You Need Help

Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help dealing with holiday stress.

Talking about your feelings openly can be difficult and provide a sense of relief and insight into potential solutions.

If this isn’t an option right now, consider writing down how you feel. Expressing yourself in writing can be just as therapeutic as talking one-on-one with another person.

Practical Wisdom

It is easy to get caught up in the high-tension moments.

Don’t say things that you won’t be able to take back after the holidays.

If you find yourself in conflict, objectively assess the situation by asking yourself what is at stake here. Try to diffuse the tension with understanding and grace.

It may help to remember the adage from Alcoholics Anonymous, “Think. Think. Think.” Before you act. Or even this one: “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.”

It is possible to mend the most broken of relationships during the holiday season, but it is also possible to break them in ways that will take years to heal.

Reclaim The Heart of The Holiday

Remember that the holidays are about spending quality time with family and friends, celebrating cherished traditions, giving back to those in need, and celebrating the idea that God became one of us.

Don’t forget to make time for the things that bring you joy and peace.

Go to worship, get lost in God’s love, and spread love and happiness to others.

Make time for gratitude, even in the hardest of moments. Celebrate what makes you and your family unique and special.

Holiday stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

By recognizing your triggers, making time for self-care, and reaching out when you need help, you can manage your stress levels and enjoy the holidays.

As long as you remain mindful of the practical wisdom available during this particular season, you will make the most of the holidays and usher in a new year with a peaceful heart.

To learn more about navigating conflictual situations during the holidays, check out my upcoming workshop, 3 Steps to Engage Conflict Productively. It will be a great way to start the new year.

Happy Holidays!

The Secret Connection between Hanukkah, Advent, and Christmas

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 5, 2022

Everywhere you turn, lights shine in the darkness, proclaiming that God’s eternal presence is with us. Homes, trees, and buildings are draped with colorful Christmas lights. Pink and purple advent candles beautify Christian sanctuaries. And for eight nights during this season, Jewish homes and spaces are also adorned with Hanukkah menorahs. (Toward the end of the month, persons of African descent will honor the principles of Kwanzaa with seven candles, too.)

While Hanukkah is a distinctly Jewish holiday, and Christmas is a distinctly Christian holiday, the two are actually more connected than you might think. In fact, in some ways, Hanukkah is actually the original Advent.

Let me explain.

The History of Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its utter desecration at the brutal hands of a tyrant named Antiochus Epiphanes. All this took place about 165 years before the birth of Christ. Although Hanukkah only gets a line or two in the New Testament, it plays a massive role in the birth of Jesus.

To explain that, we have to go back in history over three hundred years before the birth of Christ to Alexander the Great. At that time, he ruled the ancient world around the Eastern Mediterranean. After conquering the Persian Empire, Greek Culture or Hellenism spread like wildfire. The Jews living in Israel quickly found themselves surrounded and almost swallowed up by it.

Hellenism was to the ancient world what Western culture is to the modern world. Just as you can find a McDonald’s in just about every corner of the world, not to mention American pop music, blue jeans, TV re-runs, Western-style Christianity, and the English language, so in that day, you could find Greek culture, religion, and language permeating every other culture of the world. It wasn’t all good. Especially for those in the minority, like the Jews, it put their unique way of life at risk.

After Alexander died, his empire eventually fell into the hands of one Antiochus IV Epiphanes. While Epiphanes means “face of God,” the Jews called him “Epimanes,” which means “crazy man.” That’s precisely what he was. Gregory Rommon calls him “the Adolf Hitler of the inter-testament period.” Like Hitler, he was obsessed with wiping out the Jewish people. He began with the slaughter of Jerusalem’s inhabitants and the Temple’s desecration.

Alfred Edersheim explains what happened in his book, “The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah:” “All sacrifices, the service of the Temple, and the observance of the Sabbath and feast days were prohibited; the Temple at Jerusalem was dedicated to Jupiter Olympus (a Greek god); the Torah was searched for and destroyed; the Jews forced to take part in heathen rites; in short, every insult was heaped on the religion of the Jews, and it’s every trace to be swept away.” Antiochus was bent on genocide.

The final straw was the slaughter of a pig on the sacrificial altar in the Temple. Definitely not kosher. This occurred on the 25th of Kislev, the month that generally corresponds to December.

Well, this atrocity cut the Jewish people to the core. The Temple was the center of Jewish life. It was the icon of all that was holy and meaningful. It was the place where God dwelled! The Jewish people weren’t going to take this lying down.

And so a deliverer rose up whose name was Mattathias. Outnumbered and overpowered, under his leadership, the Jewish people began a campaign of guerilla warfare against Antiochus and his Syrian armies to reclaim the Temple.

Mattathias died fighting, but his five sons carried on, one of whose name you might know: Judah Maccabee (which means hammer). He led the fighting till the Temple could finally be purified and its services restored. Exactly three years after its desecration, the Temple was rededicated with the lighting of the Ner Tamid, the eternal light that burned to signify the presence of God. It was on the 25th of Kislev, about 165 years before the birth of Christ.

Hanukkah is an Advent Story

While Hanukkah has its own meaning, in some ways, it is actually an Advent story. Without Hanukkah, there would be no Christmas. If Antiochus had carried out his plan, there would have been no Mary, Joseph, or Jesus. There would have been no Messiah of Israel, no Savior of the World. And you and I would not be Christians today.

Jesus owed his life to Hanukkah. In a sense, Christians owe their faith to it. As the rhyme goes, “Roses are reddish; Violets are bluish; if it weren’t for Christmas, we’d all be Jewish!” But if it weren’t for Hanukkah, there’d be no Jews or Christians!

And so, amid this Advent Season, let us remember the minor Jewish holiday that makes the major Christian one possible. Even though Hanukkah is mentioned once in the New Testament, it’s an important backdrop to one of his most profound statements. It was on the Feast of Dedication that Jesus said: “The Father and I are one.” That statement of unity changed the world.

Unity for Today

Today, we’re still seeking to create a world of unity. In the chaos and division that we see all around us, God calls us to stand up for one another in love and grace so that the light of Christ might be seen. A love that binds together what is divided; a hope that can move mountains of despair, a faith that can overcome any obstacle. This is the miracle of Hanukkah and the promise of Christmas.

In a time when anti-Semitism and many other -isms are on the rise, Hanukkah reminds us that we must stand together against all forms of injustice, violence, and hate. It tells us that no matter what, we must allow others the freedom and dignity to worship God in their own way, too.

And so this Advent, as Christmas approaches and Hanukkah comes, may we remember the message of unity it brings us. May we take every opportunity to honor one another’s differences and celebrate our common humanity. And may God grant us the ability to be light in a world of darkness.

Differences aren’t bad or evil. And they needn’t lead to chaos or division. Instead, differences can bring joy and strength. Join me for 3 Steps to Engage Conflict Productively to learn how you can be part of the solution.

5 Top Tips for Welcoming Once-a-Year Christmas Worshipers

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Nov 29, 2022

This is the time of year when you prepare, once again, for the Christmas crowd. Specifically for the once-a-year Christmas crowd. You know you may not see them again for another year. But it’s still important to create a high-quality worship experience that engages them fully. While you can’t pre-determine if any of these guests will join you for worship before the following Christmas, you can make sure you have created an environment that makes it more likely. These are the 5 top tips for welcoming once-a-year Christmas worshipers.

#1 Be Hospitable

Consider that the people who are entering your doors are guests. Whether this is their first or their fiftieth time at Christmas services. These guests are coming because you and your congregation have issued an invitation—either explicit or implicit. Treat these beloved guests with extra care.

The best way to be hospitable is to put yourself in their shoes. What might your guests need to feel safe, secure and expected?

Is extra signage needed to get into or around the building? Are detailed explanations or advance notice necessary to navigate parts of the service? Will people know when to sit, stand, sing, give, and pray?

Be hospitable by providing everything a newcomer would need to get to the exact place of worship, and once there, to participate fully in it.

Both greeters and a staffed information booth can be quite helpful.

Most important of all, greet guests with a smile. Call them by name whenever possible.

#2 Remember and Nurture Your Online Guests

Not only will you have guests show up in your sanctuaries, fellowship halls, and live nativities, you will have guests showing up online. Be sure to remember and prepare for your online guests as well.

The best way to do this is to have virtual greeters and guides to accompany worshipers through the online experience whether it’s Zoom, Facebook or YouTube.

These virtual greeters and guides can post words of welcome, respond to questions, and create a warm environment for each person that joins your congregation online.

Every time you give live worshipers the ability to respond, share, or engage during the service, create an equal opportunity for the online community as well.

For instance, have your virtual greeters and guides put bulletin information in an easily accessible format that can be accessed online.

Include PowerPoints and videos. Be sure to include a link for giving in the chat and respond to prayer requests in the comments.

Remember that part of the beauty of being online is that people don’t have to be “quiet.” They can ask questions and post comments in the chat window as the service unfolds. Depending on the format, they can even unmute to sing or pray when appropriate. Your virtual greeters and guides should encourage that engagement.

Worshiping online needn’t be a lesser experience. Especially when you give the same respect and attention to those worshiping with you online as you do those in person.

#3 Retell the Story of Christmas

Christmas is a magical time. Christmas services provide a “thin place” where the presence of God is felt in powerful ways.

Don’t be afraid to simply retell the story of Christmas. Remind the people of Joseph and Mary’s journey, of their struggle to find a place in Bethlehem, and how they found comfort through God’s grace. Remind them of the shepherds watching their flocks by night, the star that shone brightly, and the good news of great joy brought to them by an angel.

Understand that even your once-a-year Christmas guests want to be reminded of what they may already know.

The purpose of the service is not to chart new territory. But to retrace the lines of connection between the ordinary and the miraculous.

Your job is to invite people to experience once again the mystery of God entering the world in human form. All because of God’s great love for humanity.

Save deep theological and existential questions for January. This Christmas, stick with the most captivating mystery of all: God became one of us!

#4 Sing Traditional Christmas Carols

People love to sing traditional Christmas carols. They have been doing so for centuries, and it is a cherished part of the holiday season.

Resist the temptation to get caught up in wanting the well-worn season to be different and more spectacular.

For many of our guests, participating in the hallowed traditions of the season IS spectacular. Especially the traditional Christmas carols. Be mindful and intentional of the moment.

Refrain from introducing new or little-known songs on Christmas. Instead, give people the joyous opportunity to be moved by singing songs they know and love.

This is the time to celebrate Jesus entering the world through traditional Christmas carols, made all the more sacred with the passage of time.

#5 Include the Entire Family

Christmas is THE intergenerational holiday. The more you can involve the entire family, including children, in worship, the better. It lets families know that each member is welcome.

Here are some ways to do that:

Host a special intergenerational family service.

Set up interactive stations around the sanctuary. The hands-on approach allows those who worship best through activity to participate comfortably in worship. Without necessarily disturbing others.

Have a section near the front just for kids.

Create a “parent corner” where parents can bring their kids and stay together while still participating in the service. Include books, toys, and activities for the children to enjoy while parents listen.

If your church uses candles with open flames at Christmas, give out LED lights to children so they can pass on the light as well.

Have a few rocking chairs set up for young mothers, or, alternatively, for those with aching bones.

Age-appropriate foods after worship also send the message that all are welcome. When serving food, be sensitive to peanut allergies.

Be sure to arrange for rides in a church van, for those who don’t or can’t drive. Including younger and older generations is equally important.

The Benefit of the 5 Top Tips

Together, these 5 top tips for welcoming your once-a-year Christmas worshipers can create an environment of deep spiritual connection. That’s a tremendous benefit for you and your guests. But even if you can implement just two or three of these 5 top tips, you’ll find that you create an atmosphere that invites return.

Merry Christmas!

How Many Christmas Eve Services Should Your Church Have This Year?

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Nov 15, 2022

How many Christmas Eve services should your church have this year? In many places, worship attendance numbers are down. Volunteerism is down. And things haven’t really bounced back up to pre-pandemic levels.

So you may be feeling disappointed as you consider Christmas. Before you go too far down that road, though, remember that the need for faith, for belonging, and for tradition is still high. And the people who worship with you this year may just discover something they didn’t know they needed: tradition, community, and a larger purpose.

Let’s take a closer look at the question of how many Christmas Eve services your church should have this year. Here are four different factors to consider.

#1 Who are you trying to reach?

Who do you hope will attend your Christmas Eve services? Perhaps families with young children, older adults, people of different cultural backgrounds, teens, young adults, people who live in another part of town, or people who work on Christmas Eve. Catering to each of these groups might require special consideration like the time of the service, the location, or special components to include.

For instance, if you’re trying to reach people who work on Christmas Eve, you may want to have a service on the morning of Christmas Eve or even the day before. If you’re trying to reach people who live in a specific part of town, move your service to that location. Read on to learn more.

#2 What is the size of your congregation?

Large congregations will need more than one service to accommodate everyone. Small congregations can probably do with just one service. But there are factors beyond size to consider.

#3 What is the age demographic of your congregation?

If your congregation is mainly made up of young families with small children, plan a service that is specifically geared toward them. Late afternoon or early evening may work best. Incorporate child-friendly components by having an outdoor Nativity scene, a children’s choir, or a special message just for kids. As an added bonus, earlier services with kid-friendly components may feel less intimidating and require less commitment for visitors.

On the other hand, if your congregation is made up mostly of older adults, consider the classic 7 pm Christmas Eve service. Or even midnight services if that is traditional in your setting. Even if you think an earlier service might solve problems for older adults—like driving at night or getting around in the dark—don’t be surprised when older adults choose tradition over convenience.

A good rule of thumb is to ask your congregation members which service(s) they would prefer and would invite others to.

#4 How many staff and volunteers do you have?

If you have limited staff and volunteers, you may need to limit the number of services you hold. Alternatively, if you have plenty of staff and volunteers, you can accommodate more services. However, remember that Christmas is a busy time for everyone, so your staff and volunteers may already have commitments outside the church with family and friends. Ask them if you need to figure out how many people you can count on to help. But don’t wait until the last minute!

Don’t count out volunteers from the community to help with things like parking, greeting, and ushering. This can be a great way to reach out beyond the church. Often people will attend if they have a role to play. Having a specific task decreases social awkwardness and gives people a purpose. Sometimes people with little to no connection to Sunday morning church will jump at the chance to help during the holiday season. Last week, a pastor in my clergy leadership program, Creating a Culture of Renewal, shared that they received an email from someone they had never met asking if their daughter could join the choir for their upcoming Christmas season.

Are there any other factors to consider?

The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong answer regarding how many Christmas Eve services your church should have. It depends on various factors. What is best for your church may not be what is best for another church. The important thing is to prayerfully consider all of the factors involved and make the best decision for your church.

However, there are three bonus reasons to consider hosting more than one Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Eve is a built-in outreach opportunity, so even if your community is small, you consider having more than one service to reach people who don’t usually attend your church. People love choices.
Christmas Eve is when many people search for meaning and hope, so don’t miss the opportunity to reach out to them.
This year, even more than last, feels like a return to normal after the pandemic. As such, some people who haven’t been attending throughout the pandemic will be returning to in-person worship services.

Most of all, have fun!

Remember that Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to reach new and unchurched people. Don’t be afraid to stretch for a new goal this year. Just be clear about your mission and purpose and be sensitive to the needs of your congregation and community. Be creative and encourage the church and your leadership to think about what could work, rather than what could fail. And most importantly, have fun! Christmas is a joyous time of year, and your services should reflect that.

What factors do you consider when deciding how many Christmas Eve services to have? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Three Ways Church Leaders Can Offer More During Advent

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Nov 8, 2022

Advent is coming! During this four-week season that directly precedes Christmas, Christians remember Jesus’s first coming and look toward his second coming. It is a time of anticipation and hope. It also marks a change in pace from the rest of the year. In our fast-paced, impatient culture, Advent can be a welcome respite. In fact, people often attend church during this time to seek out the love and spiritual connection they may not find elsewhere. Regardless of the state of the world or their personal circumstances, people are hungry for something more during Advent. Be prepared, as a leader, to offer more.

You can do it! And I have a few suggestions. In fact, here are three ways church leaders can offer more during Advent.

#1 Create Rituals of Waiting

In our society, we are used to getting what we want when we want it. We have become accustomed to a world of instant gratification. Uber Eats, Amazon Prime, and video on demand are examples of this. However, Advent teaches us that sometimes the most valuable things in life take time. Both to prepare for, and to receive. Yet, they are worth waiting for.

This is not to say that waiting is easy. In fact, it can often be quite difficult. Invite your congregation to embrace the idea of waiting during this Advent season. Design rituals that mark the progression of time and bring a sacred sense of anticipation. Hold a craft evening to create Advent calendars. Invite people to walk a labyrinth in individual and group settings. Make and put gifts aside for future gift-giving.

#2 Tap into Spiritual Longings

It’s easy to focus on how the church in North America is in decline. While this is true it is not the full story. Lifeway research finds that 6 in 10 people are willing to attend a Christmastime service if invited. While this research was done before the pandemic, it still holds true that some people are simply awaiting the invitation. People are still interested in spiritual community. They are looking for a way to connect with something larger than themselves. The church is designed for this! Tap into people’s spiritual longings by creating messages and experiences that encourage people to go deeper. Then ask your congregation to invite people to join them in church.

#3 Expect a Crowd

This is the time of year when even people who do not usually attend church services try to come. As a leader, take advantage of this by making sure that your church is ready to welcome them. In fact, expect a crowd. With that in mind, make sure that your church is clean and inviting. Spruce up the bathrooms and the nursery. Make sure that there are enough chairs for everyone. Get out the good coffee. Fill the fellowship hall with extra treats. Most importantly, ensure your congregation is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Invite your congregation to see every guest as a gift from God. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know. Call familiar faces by name. Others around you will follow suit.

Offer More this Advent

As we come out of the pandemic, people long for human connections, spiritual depth, and the joy of being together at a special time of year. Offer more in whatever way you can. This is a time when people are often more receptive to thoughts and ideas that they might normally deflect. Use this opportunity to encourage people to grow in their faith and rekindle their relationship with God.

Over the next several weeks, I will be talking about Advent and how we can make the most of this sacred season. Be sure to check my blogs for new posts every week that will help you make this Christmas season the best one yet! I hope you will join me as we prepare for Christmas.

If you’re already thinking ahead to Lent, you are not alone. Please check out a unique opportunity to experience the 40 Days of Apostleship as a congregation.

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