I travel for work. I’m on the road 2-3 days a week sometimes. I average 28,000 miles a year.

I travel. A lot.

In my travels, there is this gas station I stop at a lot. It’s the only “good” gas station on a 60 mile stretch of interstate here in Louisiana. Technically, you could call it a truck stop, because it offers multiple diesel pumps and the inside is fantastic. Sit-down food options, plenty of caffeinated beverages, and all the other things you might want.

But it is a horrible GAS station. There are 6 normal car pumps and rarely are all working. It’s also a tight spot so maneuvering to get into one of those pumps can be interesting. Since it is fuel stop around, it stays busy.

Cars are sometimes woven all around the parking area waiting for a pump.

If the material necessity for a gas station is to provide gas, it might be meeting its goal 3/10.

So Chad, if it’s so frustrating, why is it there?

Because it has to be there.

Remember, it’s the best option on a highly traveled interstate. It’s one of three gas stations on the road between two major cities. This gas station can get away with a lot of ill-functioning because it has to be there. The location almost guarantees profitability.

Many of our churches end up doing the same thing.

Why is the church in the neighborhood? Because it has always been in the neighborhood. For those who are used to it, it seems perfectly fine. But for those who are in the community and need to experience Jesus through the life of the local church, it can be frustrating.

This is the easy side of vitality.

• Mow and landscape your property.
• Have a sign with your worship times.
• Start a greeting team and train them. No matter how often you see new people.
• Maintain and keep a nursery.
• Make sure the building is well-lit and plenty of signage is available (finding the bathroom shouldn't feel like a side quest).
• Look at your order of service and see if there are any tough parts for new people to understand. (One church I was at kept tabbed hymnals with the liturgical order to give to new people).
• Welcome new people several times in the service and have a solid plan to follow up with them. Don’t allow members to “dogpile” new people when they show up. Take a Sunday to instruct the congregation in best practices for welcoming.
• Create 1 or 2 specific ways new people can become more deeply involved in the church. Don’t assume they will fall in line with the Sunday School class which has been meeting together for 35 years.

I know this list seems basic, but I’ve been through enough places to tell you it isn’t. A gas station might think they don't need to worry because customers will always come. Similarly, a church that assumes it will always exist without focusing on its mission and outreach is in a risky situation.

Churches often struggle because they assume they don’t need to focus on their core mission. This mission is to reach new people with Christ's love.

Chad

Do you work or serve at a church that is anxious about its sustainability and growth? I wrote a book JUST for you! Is My Church Healthy? walks the reader through the very first tool I use in my work as a Congregational Vitality Strategist with The Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. It focuses on helping churches create an objective understanding of their current situation and provides practical tips for achieving stability. You can get it here -> https://amzn.to/3HkPK3H​

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