by Franklin Dumond, Director of Congregational Ministries

While churches fail to grow for a number of reasons there are several habits that restrict growth. Now that we are re-imaging our gatherings and now that we have resumed in-person worship with social distance we have a new opportunity to identify some old habits we might put aside and to develop some new ones in their place.

Habits that restrict growth can be broken or relearned without official action by the congregation. Obstacles that restrict growth generally are enshrined in the bylaws and require a specific action to change. Habits are learned behaviors taken collectively they become the church’s culture. Culture is not required performance mandated in the bylaws.

Culture can be changed without a vote but new ways of thinking and acting take time to develop.

Habits that often restrict growth include:

1. Seating patterns. When the congregation huddles in the back one-third of the auditorium it not only emphasizes emptiness it also takes all the best seats that would often be preferred by visitors. One of the advantages of social distance in our worship settings is that we have spread more evenly through the room.
2. Announcements. Need to be reduced or eliminated unless they apply to everyone. Reminders that are targeted for a smaller group should be shared directly with that group.
   Verbal announcements should be limited to features that impact everyone. In a smaller church, most information that cannot be written or projected can be transmitted by word of mouth.
3. Proofing. The tendency these days to use projection systems and word processors that save files for future use introduces the need to be especially vigilant regarding errors. Errors in lyrics where words are misspelled or misused or when stanzas do not match what is being sung cannot be corrected just by saving the file for next time.
4. Guest Friendly Atmosphere. Everything must be filtered through what a first-time guest would expect/experience. If it is confusing or boring to the first time guest then it should not be said or done.
5. Décor. Most church décor should be simplified and targeted more toward men with fewer flowers, ornaments, and pastels.
6. Too many hats by too few people. Often willing volunteers are few and far between. Capable volunteers may then take on too many responsibilities leaving them tired and frustrated while not making a place for new folks to serve. One of the advantages of gradually resuming ministries is the possibility of sharing the lead among a larger group of volunteers.
7. Solo rather than team ministry. Capable volunteers forge ahead knowing it is easier to do it yourself. This results in solo ministry rather than team development and thus long term service by the same volunteers.
8. Status Quo. Doing what we’ve always done out of habit (because we’ve always done it) rather than doing what we’ve always done because it works is a habit that restricts growth. With several months of not doing it at all, it should be easier to try something new.
9. Dust, clutter, decay. We get accustomed to dust, clutter, and decay but fresh eyes see it and often avoid return visits.
10. Loss of Celebration in Worship. Where there is no celebration in worship a sense of duty and obligation makes growth unlikely. Do people smile during worship? Do AHA moments happen at least once in a while? Are answered prayers reported and celebrated?

What do you think? Have you noticed now that we have returned that some habits in congregations restrict growth? What can you do to change these habits? Will your activity become a pace-setting so that the culture of your church begins to change?