The Covid Advantage – 5 Trends That Will Drive Church Growth in the New Era
God turns all things (even evil things) for good when we co-operate with Him.
We see this in the story of Joseph: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20
Joseph tells his brothers, “Even though this was an evil and terrible thing you did, God has had an awesome purpose in it all! God’s good purpose has prevailed over your evil purposes.”
We see it again in John 9: In John 9 the disciples see the suffering of a blind man and ask Jesus who sinned to cause this? Jesus answers, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines.” (John 9:3-4 - The Message)
Jesus invites the disciples to stop asking why the suffering is happening and start finding God’s purpose in the suffering. In both Joseph’s story and in John 9, God’s servants have a responsibility to co-operate with His purposes to bring about the good in their negative circumstances.
So how can we find the opportunity for God’s purposes in the midst of this pandemic? How can we, like Joseph, co-operate with God’s purposes in the midst of this trial? Here are five trends that are developing as we move through Covid-19 that at first seem negative but if we will co-operate with God’s purposes, they can be leveraged to advance the gospel and grow the church.
Trend # 1: Declining commitment to attending church.
Opportunity: Engagement is the new connector.
People used to attend church because they “should”. But increasingly, even those who regularly attend are attending far less often. They may continue to claim a church as their “home church” but rarely darken the door. Covid has accelerated this trend.
So how can we adjust our thinking to encourage greater commitment to attendance?
Old thinking: “People who keep attending will eventually get involved (engaged with small groups, serving, attend ministry events).” This is no longer true.
New thinking: People who get involved (engaged – especially in serving) will eventually commit to attending. “Engagement drives attendance” not “attendance drives engagement.”
Why does this work? People believe they have better things to do than to “attend church”. But if they are on a team - making a difference – attending church IS the better thing that they have to do. Why? Because it’s not just attending – it’s “being a part of something God is doing, making a difference and serving”. People want purpose. They want to be a part of something that is making a difference. They want to be on a team.
We can’t wait for someone to commit to our church before they are invited to serve. That is backwards, they will only commit to attending church once they have begun to serve. Great Sunday services are not enough to keep them connected and coming back. People need purpose!
Engagement is the new driver of attendance.
Thoughts about how to take advantage of this opportunity?
1. Don’t berate people for not attending church – instead boldly invite people to get in on the mission.
2. Don’t apologize for there being a lot of work – instead give people meaningful jobs to do and thank them for making a difference.
3. Make sure you tie every job to meaning – “what you did today made it so we could reach people together… thank you!” Don’t tell them just how it will benefit them – tell them how they are benefitting others – Ie, “By *attending today, you encouraged me and all these people here.” *or by smiling, being welcoming, worshipping passionately, showing up on time (or just showing up…lol), saying hi, overlooking someone’s faults, crossing a cultural barrier (age, race, economic etc.), commenting, sharing, “liking”, praying, inviting,
4. Be clear on our mission – state it every single service and every single e-mail and every single chance you get. State it not as your own but as owned together. State it as an invitation to join.
5. Think of other ways to “engage” people – home groups, men’s and women’s ministry, etc. – we used to think of these as steps “beyond” church attendance – now we need to think of them as steps “towards” church attendance.
Trend #2: Chaos, instability, polarization and volatility.
Opportunity: Stability is the new attraction.
Understanding this trend: We are swimming in change. Swimming in controversy. Swimming in opinions. People are more polarized over more issues than ever before. We are longing for something to steady us – not another opinion to sway us – not even another opinion to agree with us – but a non-anxious presence. A reassurance. A strength that goes way deeper and more foundational than the shouting of protests and preachers. A compass that shows true north. Whether people know it or not, they are looking for an anchor, something that is sure and steady in the storm. So how can we adjust our thinking to help people feel grounded in the storm?
Old Thinking: Do something bold and controversial to get people’s attention.
New Thinking: Offer people a place to be free from the chaos and find rest, peace, hope, and
confidence in Jesus.
What hasn’t changed:
1. The gospel is still the power of God for transforming lives
2. God is still building His church and it will prevail against the gates of hell
3. The church still needs humble, servant-hearted, passionate, persevering leadership
4. The mission is still the great commission
5. God is still on His throne – He is in charge and we must trust steadily in Him in the
storms.
Be careful of squeaky wheels. There are a few crazy people in the world and the internet has given them a new boldness and a new megaphone – but they don’t deserve your attention. They don’t need a response. They don’t represent as large a group as it seems. If you oppose them or you join them - you will lose – they are little foxes with big barks. Focus on your calling, focus on our God.
Trend #3: Increasing loneliness and relational voids.
Opportunity: Relational connection is our competitive advantage.
If there is anything the church is supposed to be great at and known for, this is it. We won’t win when we compete with the world for entertainment or many other things but when it comes to loving relationships – that is our sweet spot! People are overwhelmed with crowds and even with small social interactions, but they are so thirsty for any connection at all. This was a trend before Covid and Covid has accelerated it.
Due to Covid, services are smaller. That can be great! Due to Covid, people are stuck at home, that can be great! Due to Covid, people are online more. That can be great! It can be great IF we can find ways to take advantage of these things for relational connections.
Here are a few ways we brainstormed in a leadership team at VCMJ:
1. Small services: Increased opportunities for better connections and interactions. I have had conversations with people I would never have had conversations with before. There is a whole new arena of ministry opened up to us.
2. Registration for services: We get an extra chance to greet each person who comes to our services. We get to learn and say their names. We can track attendance, newcomers, etc..
3. Care calling: People are more open to receiving a call and a prayer than previously.
4. Online interactions: People are sending more e-mails, messages, texts, and online comments than before. We can use these for relationships.
Trend #4: Increasing challenges with emotional health.
Opportunity: Bring this conversation into the church.
Interest in emotional health is at an all-time high. The people you think are “healthy and successful” are struggling with their own emotional and mental health. People are more willing than ever to admit their need. Therefore, speaking into the felt needs of fear, anxiety, stress, esteem, and depression with clear, compelling, compassionate GOSPEL answers is an amazing new opportunity. It is important to acknowledge that as pastors and leaders, we are grappling with the same challenges. We can offer the Answer not as ones who are superior and have it all figured out, but as fellow sojourners.
People are hungry for good news. We can provide places where:
- It is safe to be vulnerable, to wrestle with our challenges and not feel shamed or judged
- We are lifted, strengthened, encouraged, built up, offered joy, etc.
- There is hope and healing
Trend # 5 Opportunity: Whenever you or your leaders find new things to complain about or be frustrated about, ask some questions to see if you can “flip the script”.
This is not just an exercise in positive thinking, it is an invitation for God to take the difficult and evil things happening to us and turn them for good.
What is frustrating me right now? (or what is making it “impossible” for us to do effective ministry?) Ask how this might be able to be used to serve God’s purposes?
Summary: 5 opportunities from negative trends
1. Trend: Declining attendance – Opportunity: Engagement drives attendance – Let’s get people engaged in the mission.
2. Trend: Chaos and change – Opportunity: Stability is attractive – Let’s offer people a place to find peace in the storm.
3. Trend: Loneliness and isolation – Opportunity: Make relational connections – Let’s make love our competitive advantage.
4. Trend: Fear, stress, etc. on the rise – Opportunity: Bring emotional health in the church – Let’s engage the gospel to reach this felt need.
5. Any problem you are facing – let’s invite God to turn it into an opportunity.
