I have people ask me all the time, "What's the one thing I can do to make my church grow fast! (to save souls and win the harvest of course...if you're trying to look good on a report or resume...give up on growing a church...God WILL NOT bless it)?" I tell them, "Find the best youth pastor you can and give them the most money in the budget!" Most pastors look at me like I'm crazy, but it's true. Look up stats on how many people go to college and never come back to church after the age of 18. Now THAT will shock you. 77% of Americans get saved before the age of 21. We have to find ways to get these kids early, get the Word instilled in them so they CAN'T leave it, even if they want to! You will always have some that will leave, and we will spend hours and hours praying them back in, but I have seen time and time again with my own eyes, kids that grow up in church stay in church.
This is also the fastest way to grow your youth group. Think about it: every year around August, youth groups lose a significant number of kids going to college, BUT they are getting new kids coming up from children's church.
Want to win young families and young couples? Have events for kids...they can't drive themselves! Parents have to come. You may even win neighbors and grandparents when they come to watch plays and musicals.
We could learn something from McDonalds. They put playplaces at the FRONT of their buildings, but they sell hamburgers...makes no sense! What happens when kids drive by... "Mom, let's eat there!"
Just a thought...wonder what would happen if we put OUR playgrounds in a place that everyone who drove by could see them? Get them in the building, then teach them the way to heaven...
I prophesy that you will "Rise & Walk"
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