l staff just returned from a two-day conference in San Diego County (sure is pretty there), entitled Sticky Church. I know there were plenty of questions among our support staff prior to our going about what kind of conference this was. Just what is a "sticky church," and what does it mean to and for us?There were close to 700 who gathered on the campus of North Coast Church in Vis
ta to hear from leaders of three large congregations, all talking about one overarching topic: how to get those who attend our churches to stick and not leave out the "back door." The recurring word given to us was that this kind of stickiness doesn't come through programming, events, or even teaching and preaching, but through relationships (duh!). If people are connected in significant relationships, they will most often remain connected to the life of a congregation for the long haul. So, if we want to close our back doors, we must be certain that we are encouraging and providing opportunity for our people to develop connections with others who will help create the kind of stickiness that keeps us together in our journeys.
ta to hear from leaders of three large congregations, all talking about one overarching topic: how to get those who attend our churches to stick and not leave out the "back door." The recurring word given to us was that this kind of stickiness doesn't come through programming, events, or even teaching and preaching, but through relationships (duh!). If people are connected in significant relationships, they will most often remain connected to the life of a congregation for the long haul. So, if we want to close our back doors, we must be certain that we are encouraging and providing opportunity for our people to develop connections with others who will help create the kind of stickiness that keeps us together in our journeys.
Not rocket science, is it? In the 90's it was the local bar (remember Cheers?); today it's the local Starbucks (or equivalent). Somewhere we can find a level of friendship and acceptance even with our issues and imperfections. It's what we need, it's what we crave. It's what the body of Christ is designed to be. Sticky. Oh, it gets a bit messy at times, but as long as we hang in, we're gonna make it...together. Stuck together for good. And forever.So get sticky. You may just help close that back door and help someone connect for life- theirs and yours.
2 comments:
Hey Mike,
Great posting on the Sticky Church Conference. I agree, it was an excellent conference and one that we can apply to our situation out here in Maryland.
Have a GREAT day.
Blessings,
Dave Baldwin
LifePoint Church
Reisterstown, MD
Thanks, Dave, for the note. I agree, there is so much to apply, and I felt a great freedom to be who God has called US to be, without having to be like NCC, Community Christian or New Hope. That's liberating, isn't it?! Be blessed as you bless, and we will seek to do the same here in SoCal. Mike
Post a Comment