“Please ask God to give us wisdom and courage as we enter the turbulent Summer months, where attendance can grow and shrink with merciless indiscretion. Pray that our leadership will be able to discern what we can do on our end to continue to grow, while at the same time leaving what is out of our control in the hands of God.”
I recently shared these words with the Executive Team at Neighborhood church in a report about what God has been doing at The Outpost. Indeed, our Sunday numbers have begun to reflect what is, for every church in America, a normal Summer trend – the significant loss of attendance. And understandably so – tired families are finally escaping for much-deserved vacations, alternative outdoor events are suddenly abundant as the weather turns sweet, and our beautiful mountains and lakes seem to ceaselessly beckon… to which I say, “Thank God for Summer!”
I found this online and thought it was appropriate: “The top 10 ways to Boost Church Attendance During the Summer:”
10) Have your preacher preach from a Dunk Tank.
9) Offer free samples of “Hellfire and Brimstone” BBQ sauce
to every new visitor.
8) Add a slide to your baptistery and advertise the church as a water park.
7) Offer a free tank of gas for every five sermons heard.
6) Convert your parking lot into an RV Campground.
5) Convert the sanctuary aisles into putting greens.
4) Replace your church sign with one that reads: “Tourist Information”!
3) Have your elders and deacons dress up in animal costumes (if necessary) and open a petting zoo on the front lawn.
2) Put up road blocks and tell people there’s a manhunt going on.
AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY TO BOOST CHURCH ATTENDANCE DURING THE SUMMER:
1) Be there yourself!
In all seriousness, I want to bring up some important factors to consider. A 1994, U.S.A. Today survey found that 48% of church-goers attend an average of once a month -- when it’s Summer, you can cut that percentage in half; and that was 14 years ago. Paradoxically (and this is very important), Summer time is when most churches get the most visitors, and when most people choose their church! All that to say, we understand completely if you’re gone for vacations and special activities in the next few months – no guilt, have fun and get refreshed! -- but know we appreciate every effort you make to attend.
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