Many churches opted for survival through programs.

They figured the more programs (ministries) they offered, the more

people they would attract and hold. However, due to the fact that

the average church attendance is 75, providing a multiplicity of

programs became a burnout factory: same people doing all the

work. The truth is that most churches can't do much more than a choir,

a limited youth program, and Bible study groups.

Somewhere along the way, churches with limited preaching

and programs got the idea that performance and production

would generate a new customer base. Hence, the Broadway and

Hollywood approach to Easter and Christmas. The church reasoned that if

we can convince the unchurched folks that we knew something

about entertainment, they would come our way. The sad truth is

that elaborate programs do little to enlarge the church.

So, what's the secret? I think I know, but nobody wants to hear

it. I haven't been invited to any great growth conferences.

Maybe because it's too simple. It's a method that church leaders

and members avoid like the plague. They would rather filibuster

against it rather than simply do it.

It's one-on-one. Far too simple for our high-tech crowd.

Why, would it not be better to design and set up a web page? Would it

not be better to plan another program?

Why did 7,000 Baptist pastors close out last year without

seeing one person converted? Because 7,000 Baptist pastors did not

share one-on-one with an unbeliever. Because 7,000 Baptist

pastors probably preached more than 100 sermons, but made less than

a handful of personal visits. Most of their visits were to the sick

and not to the hell-bound (excuse my Baptist flavor coming out).

Folks, it's not the preaching or the programs or the productions that will

be get the job done. It's personal. It's one-on-one. It's the

Jesus method.

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