Is your church struggling to reach your local community? Does it seem like every event, service project, or outreach attempt falls flat? Are you frustrated that you just can't seem to break through and connect with those in your community - no matter what you try to do?
If so, you're not alone. Churches across the country are struggling to reach their communities. Even the "seeker sensitive" churches are finding it more and more difficult to attract non-church goers to their services.
Why is this? Why are churches failing to reach their communities?
Some would argue that the reason is the music - it's too contemporary or not contemporary enough. Some say it's the preaching - it's too dogmatic or not dogmatic enough. And others say it's the drama - or lack of drama - in the service.
But the number one reason churches fail to reach their community has nothing to do with any of these. Churches of all different stripes have effectively reached their community without changing anything in their service. And churches of all sorts fail to reach their community. So what's the answer? What is the main reason churches fail to reach those around them?
The answer: They all make one simple mistake. And, amazingly, it's a mistake that's very easy to avoid.
The Number One Reason Churches Fail to Reach Their Community ...
Believe it or not, your church's outreach success depends on how you answer one question. That question: Why do the vast majority of non-Christians come to church?
Your answer to this simple question will determine how you conduct your outreach and how effective your efforts are.
Unfortunately, most churches don't know the answer to this question - or they answer it incorrectly. The result is failure and growing frustration.
So what's the right answer to this question? There are two and they both work together. They are relevance and relationships.
Ask most non-church goers about the local church and they'll tell you that it really has no relevance in their life. Why? Because they don't have any type of relationship with the church. They are completely divorced from the body of believers and don't see any reason that should change. They don't see any reason they should have a relationship with the local church.
How to Court Non-Church Goers
That means the best way for a church to bring people into the church is to establish a relationship with those in the community. There are many ways to do this. But ask any relationship specialist what is the most important aspect of any relationship and they'll tell you: Communication! Notice the similarity between the two words "community" and "communication" - that's not a coincidence. It takes effective communication to build a community.
But not just any communication. Every church communicates with the community in one way or another. If you don't do anything, you're communicating a message to everyone who sees your church. If you have a building and the community doesn't hear anything from your church, it communicates that you're cold, don't want to have a relationship with those outside the church, and you're happy just as you are.
So how you communicate is vital. And since relevance is at the heart of why people don't go to church, your communication needs to be relevant. It needs to meet people where they are. And you need to court them, just as a man would court a woman. By courting those around you, your church shows them three things: They're important, you have something they need, and they can depend on you to provide that need.
The only way to court effectively is to communicate effectively. And the best way to communicate effectively is to:
Communicate Often
One of the most ineffective ways to communicate with those in your area is to limit your communication to Sunday morning within the walls of your church. You have to communicate with the community regularly - every day if possible. It's the best way to gain relevance. And it's the best way to build an ongoing relationship.
In fact, communicating often is so important it can usually overcome most other communication problems. The more you communicate with your community, the better.
The Best Way to Jumpstart Your Outreach
For centuries, churches have relied on the church members to communicate with the community. They were the church's voice. This is still one of the most effective ways to build those relationships and gain relevance. After all, 85% of those who go to church do so because a friend or family member brought them.
But is this the only way to bring people in to your services? Is this the only way to communicate using these three suggestions? The answer is no.
Churches have found that marketing, using TV, radio, space ads (in magazines and newspapers), and direct mail, is an effective way to reach the community. But these are really expensive. If you look at the cost of reaching 1,000 people using these means, your church will end up paying a minimum of $4.00. That's on the low side. Newspaper advertisements will cost you over $7.00 to reach 1,000 people. And that's with just one message. Each additional message will cost you that much again.
If you communicate often using these venues, it will blow the church budget.
There's got to be a better way to communicate often with those in your community and build relevance at the same time. Well, there is. And it's one you may have never considered. It's your church sign!
If your church sign simply communicates the name of your church, it's not telling your community much. It's like a man walking up to a woman, introducing himself, and walking away.
But if your church sign is an LED moving message sign, it gives your church the opportunity to communicate with everyone who passes by your church. It not only introduces your church to them, but it communicates often.
It can also tell people in your area what's going on behind those four walls. It opens the doors to them and shows them compelling reason to have a relationship with your church.
However, you’re probably asking, "Isn't an LED moving message sign a really expensive way to reach out?"
The answer is no. One study from the Small Business Administration says an LED moving message sign will cost about 15 cents to reach every 1,000 people over the life of the sign. So the cost is much less than other marketing avenues. And new leasing options can make this cost go down even more.
So don't make the mistake so many churches make. Don't miss an incredible opportunity to communicate with people as they drive by your church every day. An LED moving message sign can make your church a landmark in your town - creating relevance and giving those in the area a desire to get involved.
If you'd like more information on how your church can communicate more effectively with folks in your area, please follow this link http://www.signsplussigns.com/contactus.htm for a free DVD on how you can jumpstart your outreach today.
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