Planning church events with high attendance. If you are a pastor or church leader, planning church events is part of your job. Fellowship events. Mission events. Seasonal events. And more. Here’s how to maximize attendance when you do.
Planning church events with high attendance. There is a secret ingredient in planning church events that fuels high attendance.
It lurks beneath your congregational landscape like a giant underground spring. An awaiting gold mine. Gushing oil field. But just like other speculative ventures, you must prospect for it.
And you can’t always know for sure when you will hit pay dirt. You observe. Evaluate the landscape. Look for signs. Make educated guesses. Then pick a spot and dig. Sometimes it’s a dry well. But you might hit a gusher.
And what is the secret ingredient in planning church events that I’m talking about?
Felt needs.
Felt needs are generally represented in areas like career, relationships, health, kids, and finances to name a few. Church events planned around these areas often attract interest. For example, every church study I’ve ever planned on the topic of relationships has drawn a crowd. Especially among single adults.
So let’s get psychoanalytical for a moment.
Planning church events with high attendance. Felt needs are often what people think they need, not what they really need.
Of course you know that. So do advertisers and marketers. And they exploit it by convincing you that you absolutely do need something… the product/service they’re selling.
Think Beanie Babies, Energy drinks, Pet Rocks, Low Carb Diet, and the Hula Hoop.
Advertisers sold consumers on the idea their lives would improve with these products. People bought it…literally. And pay attention to how advertisers elicit emotion in their ads. Why?
Because when emotions are ramped up, rational decision-making shuts down. People buy on impulse because it feels right and good. Not because it is right or good.
How many times have you bought something and later asked yourself: What was I thinking? And the answer is, you weren’t. You acted on impulse.
Tap into the most popular felt need to attract a crowd.
And the winner is self-improvement.
It affects every area of our lives and drives how we spend our time and money. Because it’s important to have the right…
Car
Clothes
Hairstyle
Cell phone
Breath
It motivates people that sign-up for church programs and events too. Yes, I know. They should sign-up because they want to engage spiritually, but that’s not always the reality.
Often it’s because they expect or hope to get something from the event. So when planning church events, focus your marketing message on benefits. Because you need to convince the reader it will add something positive to their life.
But wait, you say. What about when people serve from altruistic motives?
Those who truly follow Jesus will serve sacrificially in his name. But for some, it’s about giving back to feel good about themselves rather than a genuine love for Christ.
Of course, felt needs can be exactly what they appear on the surface. The person buying exercise equipment simply wants to promote better health. At the same time, felt needs can be symptoms of a deeper problem.
Someone registering for an exercise class struggles with gluttony. And the gluttony is due to anxiety… caused by stress… related to problems at work. I know, don’t over analyze everything. But keep in mind that people are complex and felt needs can be the symptom you see on the surface while the real issue is buried under layers you have to peel away.
So the next time you’re planning a church event, ask yourself what felt need it addresses and form your promotional message around it. If attendance skyrockets, it’s likely you hit the mother lode.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Queen Esther saves the day. Queen Esther was an ancient, woman hero. As the Jewish queen of the Persian King Ahasuerus, she demonstrated courage and risked her life to save her people. Here are lessons for us today.
Queen Esther saves the day. God uses our influence to advance his kingdom.
Esther was a beautiful young Jewish woman. So beautiful that she was chosen as queen to King Ahasuerus, who ruled the Persian empire around 480 B.C.
In other words, she made it to the top. The pinnacle of privilege. And could now kick back and enjoy the ease and comfort of royal life in the palace.
Until her Jewish uncle Mordecai informed her that Haman, a top royal official had written a decree to kill all the Jews on the 13th day of the 12th month. Mordecai implored Esther to use her position of influence with the king to intervene on behalf of her people.
What would she do?
You and I have influence too. Because of a certain position or relationship. And God equips all of us with something–a gift, talent, skill or resource–that can be used to advance his Kingdom. The question is… will we?
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches us the importance of wise counsel.
Mordecai doesn’t just rely on Esther’s good heart. He gives her good advice in the way of a caution.
Don’t assume that living in the palace is an automatic free pass from the same fate as your people. Also, remember that God is sovereign and can replace you to accomplish his will. But perhaps, God has put you in this position to serve his purpose.
Good advice for us too. God doesn’t need anything we have to offer. He can make things happen with the snap of his fingers. Or enlist someone else to serve his purpose.
But instead, he gives us the opportunity to participate in his kingdom work. And enjoy his blessing when we do.
Of course, this might require humility. A willingness to put aside our agenda. Admit our limited perspective. And seek Godly wisdom from other Christ-followers.
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches that faith involves courage.
Esther, however, faced another risk. One that required courage. Because to enter the king’s inner court without being summoned by the king carried the penalty of death. If you did so, you were only spared if the king held out his golden scepter.
Could Esther count on that? The king had already cast aside one former queen. There was no assurance she might not be the next. And the same is true for us.
Really? I’m supposed to offer my gifts to God AND accept the possibility I might face the consequences of certain risks? And that’s supposed to bless me?
The answer is yes, but with a caveat. God never promises a happy ending in this life. And Esther accepted that possibility. The good news is the end of this life is the start of a better one. Where God always comes through. And the happy is forever after.
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches that faith requires action.
Queen Esther decided to courageously, thoughtfully and carefully act. Using her influence to intervene for her people.
The king held up his golden scepter when she appeared in the inner court without permission. Granted her plea to spare her people. Went on to execute Haman. And elevated her uncle Mordecia to second in command of the empire.
A happy ending story.
Sure. It would be nice to have a roadmap of God’s will. Receive a sign from God on every decision. But God doesn’t work that way. You can pray. Seek wise council. Search the scriptures. But eventually you must trust God and act on faith. In fact, James says your actions actually show your faith. While Jesus simply says to follow him.
Where he guides you in the right direction.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group?
People avoid talking about Jesus. And that’s too bad. Because Jesus has the meaningful answers we seek. And don’t you naturally talk about someone who provides meaningful answers? Although there are probably many reasons why people avoid talking about Jesus, here are four I’ve observed.
People avoid talking about Jesus because his claims might be true
Jesus claimed to be God in human form. Wow! What a radical idea. God came to earth as an actual person? Was both fully God and man simultaneously?
A seemingly ludicrous and incomprehensible reality. And yet, there it is. Exactly what Jesus claimed among other things.
The religious leaders of his day tried to discredit him and failed. Couldn’t identify even one sin he had committed. Explain the empty tomb 3 days after his death and burial. Or suppress the claims of multiple people who saw him in a resurrected, human body.
And critics can’t disqualify him today either. So they settle for calling him a religious teacher and/or a good man rather than God.
But as C.S. Lewis pointed out in Mere Christianity, a good man would not falsely claim to be God. Such a man would be either a liar or a lunatic.
Which means the third option is still on the table. That Jesus really was God. And if true, it demands serious consideration. And requires a personal decision.
So people just avoid talking about him.
People avoid talking about Jesus because he presents a unifying message
Jesus said we are all sinners. All unrighteous. Equally condemned before God. And ultimately scheduled for judgement before God. It puts us on an even playing field. And unifies us in a common condition.
It should also give us pause on self-righteous name calling, virtue signaling and piling on in moral condemnation. Not to minimize sin or ignore justice. But to acknowledge we are all guilty of moral failure. Fall short of God’s glory. And Jesus, the only one who qualified as perfect, rather than condemn a guilty sinner, offered her grace.
It’s a positive, unifying and life-giving message we should shout at the top of our lungs!
Placing ourselves on higher moral ground than others creates separation. But people who repent of sin and seek reconciliation through Jesus Christ are unified.
And this, in turn, encourages humility, grace and compassion.
Of course, if unity is not your real agenda the best way to shut down the conversation is simply to avoid talking about Jesus.
People avoid talking about Jesus because he demands discipleship
This is where Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. Your heart. He wants to renew, transform and control it. The control part is where people balk.
Sure, Jesus. I’ll take your easy entrance plan into heaven. Make an occasional charitable donation. Attend church every…Christmas and Easter.
But not let you control of my life. Actually follow you. Especially if there’s a cost.
Because real discipleship is more than talk. It’s a daily walk. That may weave along difficult paths. And involve sacrifice. Although it’s a walk with God that is eternally rewarding.
But that all still sounds like quite a commitment. More than most people are ready to accept. So let’s focus our time and attention on other things. And just avoid talking about Jesus.
People avoid talking about Jesus to hide their faith
Peter was that person. I’ve been that person. Because the desire to fit in is strong. To belong. Even be considered cool. Sure. It’s okay to be a religious person. Just not too religious. Because you might be labelled a fanatic. And excluded from certain groups.
Therefore, I downplay my faith in Jesus. Avoid mentioning him as my Savior and Lord. An ordinary, normal looking nice guy. Dudley do right. Not some weird, Jesus freak.
Like Paul the apostle. That’s a guy who really put his faith on display. Openly talked about Jesus at every opportunity.
But not like Peter either. Who followed along the night Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest’s house. And when asked three times if he was a follower of Jesus, denied it.
To avoid talking about Jesus is just, well, maintaining a low profile. Of course, there will be a final place I want to fit in too. And a moment before I enter when I face Jesus and he speaks up for me.
Surely Jesus won’t hold that silence against me. Will he?
Obviously, talking about Jesus in today’s cultural climate requires discretion and courage. A sense of urgency about sharing his message. And a commitment to obedience over acceptance.
Restart a purpose filled life in 2022 by making crucial connections. Especially if you’re reflecting on life decisions and making resolutions for the New Year. Here are five connections for you to consider.
Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To Your Physical Health
Of course you expected this one. Because your physical health affects so many areas of well-being. Your strength, energy and activity level. Positive outlook. Self-concept. And more. But it requires perseverance. Self-discipline. A bit of stubbornness.
Need some inspiration? Here are two real life examples I observe regularly at my workout facility.
An 80+ year old man that hobbles in on crutches every day. Climbs on a stationary bike and rides. Then hobbles out when he’s finished. He never complains. And always smiles and gives me a friendly greeting.
An engaged couple. The woman’s legs severely injured in an auto accident. The man brings her in a wheel chair early in the morning several times a week to the indoor pool. Where she can stand in the water and they exercise together in the shallow end.
The point is you don’t have to run marathons or lift massive weights to benefit from exercise. Do what you can. Something. No matter how small it seems. It makes a difference.
Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To Your Mind
Your mind is a mental muscle. A cognitive, conundrum solver. Reasoning reservoir. And designed for regular use. So engage in thought practices that go for walks around the intellectual block.
Because your brain is the most awesome computer ever created. Pliable and dynamic. A renewable resource with amazing, conceptual capacity and restoration power.
So read books. Listen to podcasts. Solve puzzles. Engage in creative enterprise.
In other words, think regularly.
Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To God
You are created by God for a relationship with God. It’s your original design. Your ultimate purpose. And you will never fully realize it outside of God. So if God is non-existent in your life, or has taken a back seat, it’s the most critical connection you can make.
The connection process is the same as in other relationships. Admit you were wrong. Ask forgiveness. And proactively invest time in renewing the relationship.
Here’s a simple suggestion: Spend 15 minutes a day reading through the Gospel of John. Ask God to speak to you. Write your thoughts down in a notebook. Then speak to Him.
You see? It’s not that complicated.
And you’ll be amazed how this time spent with God centers you. Calms you. And changes your perspective on life.
Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To God’s People
Mass isolation during the pandemic taught us an important lesson. We are not designed for isolation, but for community.
Sure. Some are introverts and others extroverts. But none of us do well alone for extended periods of time.
Online church served a purpose. And so did connecting through Social media, Facetime and Zoom. But none of them take the place of live, face-to-face, interpersonal relationships.
So find togetherness in community. In neighborhoods, clubs, social and civic organizations. And my absolute favorite. The church.
It’s the Bride of Christ. God’s chosen community for His called out ones. A place of belonging, encouragement, support and accountability.
Reconnecting with God and living a godly life is best accomplished among others who share that desire. So if you are not involved in a church, I highly recommend it.
Restart A Purpose Filled Life By Connecting To ServingOthers
The universe is vast. Perhaps infinite. And you are not the center of it. So a purposed filled life connects to a greater purpose. And looks beyond itself by considering and addressing the needs of others. Which is why Jesus commands us to love others as we love ourselves.
Because a self-absorbed life will miss the big picture. And always struggle to find purpose and meaning.
By serving others you experience real humility. The joy of contributing to human flourishing. And are better able to see and appreciate your own blessings.
These connections are not difficult. But do require honest introspection, persistence, and resolve. But then, isn’t that what a resolution is all about?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group??
The Christmas Baby Jesus came on a mission. And the reasons for it are not just important. But the difference between life and death. Here are three of them.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Establish A Kingdom
But it was not an earthly kingdom as most expected. And this was hard for people of that day to see and understand. Because there was no royal reception. Expensive pomp and splendor. Or Red carpet treatment.
Instead, the Christmas baby Jesus humbly arrived in a common stable for animals. And greeted by shepherds–the lowest class of social standing. But bathed in the glory of God.
For it was a humble beginning followed by a ministry of service that ended in a sacrificial death and resurrection. And that brought more confusion and misunderstanding. Until finally, the truth of his kingdom broke through like the dawning light of a new day. And it changed everything.
For the new kingdom that Jesus established was spiritual. And the throne he ruled within the human heart.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Rescue Us
Jesus came because the world is broken. Because we are broken. And sinners who are helpless to fix it. Therefore, we need a savior. And Jesus came as that savior. God’s Son in human form. The only one who could live a perfect life. And qualified as a perfect sacrifice to save us.
But many people still reject this idea. Convinced that we can fix the world. And fix ourselves too. By simply trying harder. Tapping the power within us. And following the path of enlightenment to become our true, godlike self.
However, Jesus said, “no you can’t.” And claimed to be God’s exclusive solution. The only solution to sin. A gift you receive by invitation. By believing and acting on faith. And making a choice to follow him.
The Christmas Baby Jesus Came To Offer Grace
Grace is an eternal game changer. Granted by asking God’s forgiveness of sin. Received as a gift from Jesus.
And it’s absolutely amazing! Why? Because you can’t earn it. Don’t deserve it. Yet, God offers it in infinite measure.
Through the Christmas Baby Jesus, God’s grace pours over you like a fresh, cleansing shower. And washing away the old. Which makes you new. And reclaims a spiritual relationship blocked by sin. The transformation into a child of God.
It’s here you discover that submission is not subjugation. And walking with Jesus is the path of true freedom. Because of the joy the angels sang about that first Christmas day 2,000 years ago. And it’s a joy you now share.
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