What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • 25 More Questions for people who want to make their churches grow

    A lot of people seem to have been sharing my 25 Questions for people who want to make their churches grow on social media.

    So, here’s 25 more…

    1. If you didn’t have to go to your church on Sunday would you still go?
    2. Are the clergy happy?
    3. Are the musicians happy?
    4. Does the congregation have a stronger ethos than that of its denomination?
    5. What one thing could you change this week to make the worship better?
    6. Why didn’t you make that change last week?
    7. What steps are you taking to make the phrase “All are Welcome” come true?
    8. Do you do church business on a Sunday after church or is there a better time for that?
    9. In the next month are you more likely to spend time on ecumenical activities or church growth activities?
    10. Do people who leave become ex-members who have disappeared or do they still contribute to the life and ministry of the place?
    11. What is the noticeboard like?
    12. What is the first thing you see when you come through the door?
    13. Did you implement the recommendations of the last “mystery worshipper” you asked to give you a candid assessment?
    14. Which church events in the next six months will be newsworthy locally?
    15. Which church events in the next six months will be reported in the local media?
    16. Do you have enough staff and who decides this?
    17. What would your clergy really like to do that they can’t because of the laity?
    18. What would your laity really like to do that they can’t because of the clergy?
    19. Which would attract young families more – a bible-based week long summer activity for children or letting it be known that gay people are welcome in your church?
    20. Can you email those members of your congregation who want to receive regular updates?
    21. Do you email those members of your congregatio who want to receve regular updates?
    22. Has someone done the work required to make sure emails sent to large numbers of people don’t end up in spam boxes?
    23. Who in the congregation has gifts that could be better used doing a different job in the congregation than what they are currently doing?
    24. Who is your volunteer co-ordinator and is it obvious how to contact them?
    25. Can you volunteer without being a member of the church?

6 responses to “12 Things I’ve Learned About Preaching”

  1. AKMA Avatar
    AKMA

    I feel the sort of fervent affirmation that would come out as if I were arguing with you…

    Reply
    1. Jim Naughton Avatar
      Jim Naughton

      That’s so well stated.

      Reply
  2. Christine McIntosh Avatar
    Christine McIntosh

    Thanks, Kelvin – just realised I’m preaching next week …

    Reply
  3. Peggy Brewer Avatar
    Peggy Brewer

    Wisdom shared can be beneficial to most anyone in any profession! Very well said! I can think of some preachers that could/should heed your 12 commandments!

    Reply
  4. Terry Taggart Avatar
    Terry Taggart

    Thank you Kelvin. As preachers there is a danger that ‘we won’t be told’. This particular blog has allowed me to refer back to basics. It is deeply reassuring to know that preaching is not the work of genius, but the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Blessings Always.

    Reply
  5. Markus Dünzkofer Avatar
    Markus Dünzkofer

    Fantastic list! Should be shared with colleagues and those learning to preach.

    Reply

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