by Craig Webb (Pastor at The
Glade Church, Mt. Joliet, TN)
In
our church, average Sunday morning worship attendance drops by 23 percent in
June and 34 percent in July, compared with August and December, our months of
highest attendance. Similar drops in attendance occur in our preschool, kids,
and student ministry departments as well. It's easy to allow such numbers to
lead to discouragement.
But
you don't have to let numbers like this get you down. The "summer
slump" is a well-known phenomenon in the church year as families head out
for vacation, mission trips, and other events. Instead of fighting against this
trend, consider making changes to your church schedule and overall ministry
approach that capitalize on lower attendance.
Here
are ten keys to leading your church during the summer months
1. Use good data to gauge progress
To get a better picture of your growth or decline in attendance, compare your current week's figures to one week prior and to the same week one year ago.
2. Modify the Sunday schedule in June and July
You
may choose to offer one worship service instead of two during part of the
summer. We keep our usual schedule on Sunday mornings, but cancel all
activities on Wednesday nights during the month of July. We also give the choir
a break on Sunday mornings in July.
3. Consider rearranging or removing seating
We
remove the back two rows of chairs in June and July, and then bring them back in
the first Sunday in August. This makes our room feel fuller during leaner
summer months.
4. Support Vacation Bible School and other summer programming
Vacation
Bible School (VBS) is a great way to reach young families in your community and
share the good news of Jesus Christ with many children. Get behind your VBS
team by promoting, resourcing, and attending it. Work with your team for
effective follow-up activities that will connect new families with your church.
5. Spend time planning for a strong August kick-off
Our
"Back-to-School" bash and small-groups launch event take place during
the first two weeks of August. We use some of our down time in the summer to
prepare for these events.
6. Preach a "summer" sermon series
Consider
a message series focused on your "home folks." This may be a series
on the purposes of the church, a restating of your vision and mission, a
doctrinal series, or a focus on the family.
7. Choose and host guest speakers well
A
great guest speaker will encourage and inspire your congregation. A poorly
chosen speaker may cause conflict and headaches. Choose speakers strategically
for your church's size, culture, and situation. Assign a responsible person to
host the guest speaker while they are on your campus, cover all expenses, and
provide an appropriate honorarium.
8. Plan family vacations strategically
It
is critical for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health that you
regularly take significant time off with your family. Schedule this time when
no major church events are planned. Leave clear instructions on who will handle
pastoral care, regular administration, and even crises while you are away.
9. Spend additional time reading, praying, and studying
Set
aside one day a week during the summer to spend time in the Scriptures, in
prayer, and reading various types of books (devotional, fiction, non-fiction,
preaching, leadership, etc.).
10. Repair and renovate your facilities
Late
June (after Father's Day and VBS) and July are good months to have the floors
and windows cleaned. This is also a great time to spruce up your public areas
with updated paint, signage, and furnishings.
THINGS YOU MIGHT BE
INTERESTED IN ….
FOR CHURCH-WIDE
EVENT: Experiencing God documentary – DVD
multi-pack kit includes 10 DVDs to share, lifetime site license, movie posters,
immediate availability of download of movie - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-documentary-dvd-multi-pack-P005586193
FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
LEADER TRAINING: 2013 Georgia Baptist Sunday School Training Workshops, August 3, 10, 17, 24; click on
the link to find which of the 23 workshops is closest to you –
FOR BIBLE STUDIES
FOR LIFE DETAILS: Look
into all the enhancements that are being built into this ongoing Bible study
curriculum resource - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Bible-Studies-for-Life
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
Courageous Dads simulcast, June
14 - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Courageous-Dads-Simulcast?type=events&intcmp=LWMain-Event1-CourageousDadsSimuclast-20130429
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
The Main Event men’s conference,
July 26-27, Nashville, TN featuring 18 speakers including Duck Dynasty’s Willie
Robertson, Coach Bobby Bowden, Dr. Tony Evans: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/The-Main-Event?type=events
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
The Real Win by
Colt McCoy & Matt Carter , a study
on the steps toward biblical manhood - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/the-real-win-leader-kit-P005558785
FOR MEN’S MINISTRY:
Manhood Restored by
Eric Mason, a study on the importance of
men leading in spiritual renewal - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Manhood-Restored:-How-the-Gospel-Makes-Men-Whole
For
Family Ministry: Experiencing God at Home; a Bible Study for Parents - http://www.lifeway.com/Product/experiencing-god-at-home-a-bible-study-for-parents-P005558726
FOR SMALL GROUP
BIBLE STUDY: Video
helps for small group leaders from the study writers: Chip Henderson: https://www.
You can purchase for entire quarter
or in separate 6 session studies :
"When Relationships Collide" ($19.95 w/Video): http://www.lifeway.com/
JANUARY BIBLE STUDY
2014: Colossians: Christ
is All You Need - http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/January-Bible-Study
