Welcome to the first episode of season 4 of the Hello Church! podcast hosted by yours truly, David Crowson! In this episode, we unravel the complexities and wonders of church growth, aiming to provide you with a comprehensive guide to overcoming barriers and evaluating your church's progress effectively.
David Crowson and co-host Pastor Mike Hernandez delve deep into the concept of personal growth for church leaders and the potential repercussions of neglecting it. We stress the importance of trust-building within your team, nurturing leaders from within your congregation, and recognizing the possible hindrances to your church's growth.
One of the key highlights in this episode is the significance of measuring progress to comprehend growth. Metrics matter! Mike and David discuss pivotal indicators such as new givers, return guests, and new volunteers. We believe in the power of self-awareness, honesty, and acknowledging where your church stands in its growth journey.
As we navigate the journey of church growth, we encourage church leaders and pastors to make tough decisions necessary for the church's health, even if it means short-term discomfort. Let's walk through some key sections of this first episode:
Church Growth Myths and Realities:
We begin by discussing church growth's myths and realities. While it is a common belief that a healthy church always grows, there are many factors contributing to a church's growth or stagnation. We dive into the importance of personal growth for church leaders, the barriers that can arise from not investing in it, and the potential consequences of pouring out of an empty cup.
Barriers to Church Growth:
In this segment, we discuss common barriers to church growth. From trust issues with team members to holding onto past traditions or 'sacred cows,' we explore how these obstacles can hinder your church's growth. We believe in celebrating the past but emphasize the need to live in the present and continually progress.
Measuring Church Growth Metrics:
Here, we delve into how crucial it is to measure progress to understand growth. Tracking metrics like new givers, return guests, and new volunteers can provide valuable insights into your church's performance and areas that need improvement.
Church Growth Challenges and Engagement:
In the final segment, we discuss the challenges of leading a church through a growth phase and the importance of monitoring progress. We underscore the need to track metrics like new members and engage with comments on your church's social media pages.
This episode is an invitation to join us on this journey of church growth. It is a call to share your experiences and questions as we delve into this fascinating world. Remember, the aim is not just to grow but to foster growth holistically and assess progress effectively. So, join us, and let's propel your church toward continued success.