Report 3--New Church, part 1

(Report from School of Congregational Development at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS)

The ministry track which I am attending is "New Church--Post Launch" presented by Brad Kalajainen, Sr. Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He presents the Top 15 Post Launch Learnings. Here is what we have discussed so far...

1. Don't Lose Your Vision. Talk about it all the time, every week, every newsletter article. Two most important words for your vision: 'God' and 'them' (those who aren't there yet). Two most important words to teach your people: 'invite' and 'invest'.
2. Organize around Clear Purposes. Change organization of ministry to align with purposes. Ministry teams need to be focused and directed toward the task at hand. This affects hiring as well. If children are your forte, hire a children's minister. If small groups are your emphasis, hire a small group minister.
3. Create a culture of Change. Talk about change often. Never try to resuscitate dead horses. Constantly change the medium, but never compromise the message. If ain't broke, change it before it breaks.
4. Make Worship Accessible to Non-Believers. First impressions start in the parking lot. Most visitors will decide if they will come again within the first 10 minutes of their visit. Think and act like a bigger church. If worship is too 'casual' it will not grow. Never ramble or allow others to ramble. Use music which people hear in other parts of their lives. Don't get stuck in a 'reading' culture. Avoid code words (e.g. 'VBS', 'UMW'). Utilize multiple learning styles. Pick up the pace, esp. regarding tempo in worship and cutting out 'dead time.'
5. Discover the Power of a Team. Church leaders' job is to build teams, to empower others to do ministry. Most hires are made based on competence to perform task, but staff and leaders need to be 'managers' or 'facilitators' of ministry rather than performers of ministry. Choose leaders based on gifts.
6. Invest in the Power Source--Prayer. Through prayer God softens hearts, gives insight, and even prunes branches that are holding you back. Prayer breaks down walls. God will stir hearts. People will begin to find their purpose.
7. Think through a NEXT STEP process of Discipleship. Always answer the question, "What Next?" for visitors and attenders. A linear progression will work for Boomers, but most younger generation will appreciate a multi-valent approach to discipleship, where they can choose based on interest. Invest in small groups and train leaders by submersing them in it. Begin with video-based curriculum, so all that is required is "Open your home and press a button." Train them to be evangelistic by having your leaders recruit members from neighborhood and work. Don't recruit for them. Ask at the beginning of the process for 'missionaries' to begin and lead another small group.