Training Tips for Growth Consultants Dr. Mark Yoakum

Various kind of Consultations Finances Building Constitution and Bylaws Worship Tech Church Administration/Church Security Church Growth

Training Consultants They must have a great understanding of Church Growth and what it takes to grow a church. I am finding that most pastors do not have this and were never taught what it takes to grow.

Most Important Factors in Growth 1.The Attitude of the People in the church is the most important factor. If they are not positive, then how are they going to invite anyone (lost or unchurched) to church

In being trained in EE, Faith, CWT, One conversation, XEE, Win, ETC. I believe the most effective way to Grow a church is through the Sunday School.

Most Member’s Definition of Sunday School A great place for my friends and I to meet together to study God’s Word and share about what has been happening in our lives the last week.

We have to See people the way Jesus sees them. We must have a burden for the lost.

Destiny of Most Groups The Natural Destiny is for members to get to know each other better and move from outreach to a fellowship group.

Most Important Factors in Growth 2. Churches do not grow that do not add new teaching units. Requires adequate space, leadership, and desire.

New Groups Most groups quit reaching out the older they get. It is known that most groups 18 months or older have a hard time reaching out. Reason: The longer members meet, the closer they get fellowship wise.

New Groups A new group will add 10 people to the average attendance of the normal church. 3 people who have been attending will come from an existing group. 7 of the people will not have been attending Sunday School before.. Out of the 10 increase an average of 3 new members will come.

New Groups We have to look at adding groups in every age range (preschool, Children, Youth, and Adults) if we want to see the church grow.

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. Facilities will not insure Growth, but poor facilities or lack of adequate facilities can hamper Growth. Six Areas: 1. Parking 2. Guest Parking 3. Worship seating 4. Preschool/Children space 5. Youth Space 6. Adult Space

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. a. Good Close Parking Parking down the street does not count You can ask your key leaders to park off campus, but your normal person will not do it. Why do mall owners who are good businessmen put in so much parking when most of it is never used? Are they just dumb?

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. b. Lack of Guest Parking or Lack of Visible Guest parking. If they can not see it when they enter the parking lot, it is not useful. If it is not close to the worship center or Preschool then it is not guest friendly. Guest Friendly Welcome Centers.

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. c. Worship Seating If people feel congested in worship then they will not attend. 80% is full still reigns. Know what happens with multiple worship Services

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. d. Preschool/Children space Preschool has to be the nicest and best space a church has if they want to reach young families. Know proper Square footage ratios (35, 25, 15) Ladies Restrooms are a close second.

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. e. Youth Space Can not be stuck down in a dungeon and must have space to worship and play. Youth travel in herds.

Most Important Factors in Growth 3. f. Adult Sunday School Space Classes that have reached the 80% capacity are not likely to grow. You have to create new areas for classes.

Most Important Factors in Growth 4. Facility wise, you must anticipate needs before they become a need and do not let them become a hindrance to growth. Be looking to the future.

Most Important Factors in Growth 5. Clearly know where the church is wanting to grow and then determine what it will take to get there. Know the steps that it will take. Plan

Most Important Factors in Growth 6. Know what the Church can and cannot do. The church cannot do everything at once. It takes money to build buildings and remodel space.

Most Important Factors in Growth 7. Be careful not to create a financial Hindrance to growth by building too much too quick. The church cannot do everything at once. It takes money to build buildings and remodel space.

Most Important Factors in Growth 8. A Church can have great Buildings and Facilities and have sorry attitude (for a number of reasons) and it will not grow. Find sources of positive things and magnify the good things.

Samples of Consultations Opportunity and Responsibility to Grow Facilities Projected Growth or plan Steps to accomplish the plan

Most Important Factors in Growth 1.What are some ideas that you use in your state? 2.What things are not covered? 3.How many churches do you consult in this fashion each year? 4.Comments