Some Common Characteristics of Fastest- Growing Churches By Dr. Tom Cheyney

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches While serving for the North American Mission Board, Tom Cheyney has attended worship services at five of the seven fastest-growing churches in the Nation. One church was Southern Baptist; the other four are not identified with any particular denomination. Here are some common characteristics that Dr. Cheyney observed during his visits.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches A Positive First Impression. Each of these five churches makes a good first impression. Their best parking is reserved for visitors. Clearly marked signs point people to their desired destinations. Greeters are posted at every major entrance. The facilities are clean and attractive.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Visual Orientation. Three of the five churches used overhead projectors for song lyrics, Scripture readings, pictures that complement the music, and sermon texts.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Artsy flow and focus. At one church a woman performed a liturgical dance based on Psalm 150:4, which says, “Praise him with ….dance.”

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Colorful Banners and Mosaic’s. Three of the five churches displayed colorful banners or mosaics in the worship centers, and most of them used occasional drama and/or dance in their services.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Celebrate Atmosphere. All of the churches had a spirit of celebration and expectancy. People obviously were happy to be at church and expected good things to happen.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Engaging Preaching. The pastors did not speak about abstract theology, but their messages were biblically based and relevant to daily living.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Illustrations and Storytelling abound. All used illustrations and stories in abundance. They spoke in conversational styles and interjected humor at several points throughout their sermons.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Contemporary Music. Perhaps the most common denominator in these churches is the extensive use of praise and worship choruses.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Not Bound to the Clock. None of the services finished in an hour. The shortest service was 1 hour and 10 minutes. The longest was 2 hours. Nobody seemed to mind.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Lay Involvement. Laypeople read Scripture, gave testimonies, performed drama, gave announcements, and performed musically.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Women were visible in worship. Women helped receive the offering, distribute the program’s, and lead public prayer.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Multiple Services. Four of the churches offered multiple worship services. The four offered at least two services on Sunday morning, and one of them offered three services. One church offered a 6 p.m. Saturday service with a Bible Study hour before.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Other Factors. Each church had at least one support of recovery groups. Several of the churches had programs for various addictions. Others had support groups for single parents, women with small children, and people struggling with grief.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Strong Children and Youth Programs. All five churches have strong children and youth programs. Most have strong weekday- education programs.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Creative entry points. Special services, concerts, and lectures serve as entry points for unchurched people. People wear everything from jeans and T-shirts to three-piece suits.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Some Final Thoughts. Please understand that I am not advocating any particular style of worship or church programming here. I was not comfortable with everything I saw. Some of the churches have a charismatic flavor with which most Southern Baptists are not comfortable. I at times felt too much of an entertaining, cheerleading atmosphere.

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches However, I believe we can and must learn from these kinds of churches. They are attracting thousands of people all around the country. With 85 percent of U.S. churches either stagnant or in decline, we would do well to ask the question “Why are these churches reaching people?”

Common Characteristics of Fastest-Growing Churches Much of what I saw could be implemented in many Southern Baptist churches. Some of it could not. Each church must choose for itself what is appropriate for its particular setting. This presentation was written simply to foster thought and discussion among worship leaders and other concerned people. Thank You: Tom Cheyney