THE TOP 3 REASONS – AND GENEROUS QUESTIONS TO ASK by Pastor Jim Buckman
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray you and yours are well. Transfer growth (when a Christian moves from one church to another) is often tied to the music or the message – is the music “good”; is the preaching style “engaging”. But the number one reason for transfer growth is – because someone from the gaining church invited them. You may be surprised to know that 19% of transfer growth is due to the doctrine of the church (and you may not find that surprising also). The size of the church only mattered to 6% of the people who transferred- and this group was
split between people looking for a larger church and those looking for a smaller church.
Location is the number two reason for transfer growth- thus part of the reason for churches having satellite worship locations. Kingdom growth (when an unchurched person or an outright unbeliever comes to church) is interesting.
In a recent nationwide poll, the Top Three Reasons an Unchurched/Unbelieving Person Would Go to Church are:
- To grow Spiritually (32%)
- Someone invited me (22%)
- God told me to go (20%)
I have to smile at the #4 reason – “Spouse wants me to go” (17%)
The Catechism has this great question, “What does this mean?” What are we to do with this information? What is God doing with this information? It is only God who can raise the dead. It is only God who can cause the saved to be more sanctified. God works through means – water, bread, wine and God also works through us. God works through you. The one reason which made the top three in both lists was- because someone invited them. The first step you need to take is prayer. Pray for God to show you who and how to invite them. Be willing to share with your friend how God has helped you to grow Spiritually; this may involve opening up a little bit. I commit to also being in this same prayer and process with you.
Let’s continue this conversation.
Your friend in Christ, Pastor Jim