Heroes Blog Update
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
How Do Churches Grow -- Part 4
The Church that grows 20% a year.
The largest church in the world is in Seoul, South Korea. Pastor Cho is the pastor of this church, and they have a number of cool stories that float around. They own a mountain for prayer. There is someone on the mountain praying 24 hours a day every day. They have built their church on prayer and small groups. Their church was 700,000 when I was in college.
Their pastor told his secretary that he was going to pray, hold his calls. She interrupted a few minutes later. Bothered he repeated that he was not to be interrupted. She replied that the president was on the phone. Bothered he again repeated that he was praying and was not to be interrupted.
So how do they grow 20% a year? Their small groups are 10 people per group, and they are asked to reach 2 people a year with the gospel who are converted and baptized. The next year, again, the groups are asked to reach 2 per 10. Specifically they are asked to pick 2 people and then serve them in love until they come to Christ. They grow just about 20% a year.
In our context that would look like this:
2006: 25
2007: 30
2010: 52
2015: 127
2026: 936
In the Korean setting this is practical growth. For us it probably seems a little more theoretical. You could factor in transience. The fact that our area is given to a lot of turnover is a major difference between the American context and the Korean. But to me that’s not the point. We have expectations of growing faster than 20% in these first few years, think of how a baby triples in size in one year. For survival we need to grow at a similar rate. The real key is to keep growing. That’s the amazing thing about the church in Korea. They continue to grow. It separates them from just about every other church in the world.
--Ben
The largest church in the world is in Seoul, South Korea. Pastor Cho is the pastor of this church, and they have a number of cool stories that float around. They own a mountain for prayer. There is someone on the mountain praying 24 hours a day every day. They have built their church on prayer and small groups. Their church was 700,000 when I was in college.
Their pastor told his secretary that he was going to pray, hold his calls. She interrupted a few minutes later. Bothered he repeated that he was not to be interrupted. She replied that the president was on the phone. Bothered he again repeated that he was praying and was not to be interrupted.
So how do they grow 20% a year? Their small groups are 10 people per group, and they are asked to reach 2 people a year with the gospel who are converted and baptized. The next year, again, the groups are asked to reach 2 per 10. Specifically they are asked to pick 2 people and then serve them in love until they come to Christ. They grow just about 20% a year.
In our context that would look like this:
2006: 25
2007: 30
2010: 52
2015: 127
2026: 936
In the Korean setting this is practical growth. For us it probably seems a little more theoretical. You could factor in transience. The fact that our area is given to a lot of turnover is a major difference between the American context and the Korean. But to me that’s not the point. We have expectations of growing faster than 20% in these first few years, think of how a baby triples in size in one year. For survival we need to grow at a similar rate. The real key is to keep growing. That’s the amazing thing about the church in Korea. They continue to grow. It separates them from just about every other church in the world.
--Ben
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Tag Team
This idea was fed to me by Mark Batterson. He and his church have really learned to put this into practice. Their context is one of the most unique in the nation. They worship at the Movie Theater in Union Station, Washington, D.C. They are located in one of the highest populations of college students in the world, and their church is made up of predominantly twenty-somethings.
The idea is this, "Church is a tag-team sport".
On one side the pastor is seen as primarily responsible for church growth. Dynamic preachers, overwhelming personalities, these are what growing churches are made of. In fact the mega-churches of yesterday were mostly built this way. And churches who aren't growing look at their pastor with comparative eyes to see if he's a Jimmy Swaggart (God, help us), or if they'll be locked into mediocrity as a church status.
On the other side are the pastors who depend on people from their congregation taking any action to invite their friends. Some in this camp even believe that people should be brought to Christ not to church. The church and preaching are places for discipleship not conversion. You should be winning them out their in your homes, workplaces, coffee bars. Then bring them to me.
The idea of Tag-team works this way:
We work together. You pray for your friends and live a Christian witness. I prepare diligently to preach the good news for all people with application of God's word for all lives. You bring friends/family to church and tag me. I know...you expect me to deliver. You should. Prepared in study, and led by the Holy Spirit, you should be able to count on me to bring people to decisions and life change. But wait there's more.
I get to count on you. On the way out of church, tag you’re it. We should tag you with resources and knowledge to make you successful on your side. This week for instance, we'll be providing invitation cards again. We expect you to distribute them. We'll be explaining what the sermon series will be like for the 7 weeks to follow. We're gonna tag you with things you need to do what you do, and then tag we'll do what we do.
Now here's where it gets good. When we're tag teaming we can suplex them at the I raised my Hand table. With the laying on of hands we can do the Camel Clutch (that's your job Kevin) and I'll end my sermon with a Three count. ...Ok that went way overboard in the land of metaphor.
Church growth happens when we word together.
We'll do our best.
The idea is this, "Church is a tag-team sport".
On one side the pastor is seen as primarily responsible for church growth. Dynamic preachers, overwhelming personalities, these are what growing churches are made of. In fact the mega-churches of yesterday were mostly built this way. And churches who aren't growing look at their pastor with comparative eyes to see if he's a Jimmy Swaggart (God, help us), or if they'll be locked into mediocrity as a church status.
On the other side are the pastors who depend on people from their congregation taking any action to invite their friends. Some in this camp even believe that people should be brought to Christ not to church. The church and preaching are places for discipleship not conversion. You should be winning them out their in your homes, workplaces, coffee bars. Then bring them to me.
The idea of Tag-team works this way:
We work together. You pray for your friends and live a Christian witness. I prepare diligently to preach the good news for all people with application of God's word for all lives. You bring friends/family to church and tag me. I know...you expect me to deliver. You should. Prepared in study, and led by the Holy Spirit, you should be able to count on me to bring people to decisions and life change. But wait there's more.
I get to count on you. On the way out of church, tag you’re it. We should tag you with resources and knowledge to make you successful on your side. This week for instance, we'll be providing invitation cards again. We expect you to distribute them. We'll be explaining what the sermon series will be like for the 7 weeks to follow. We're gonna tag you with things you need to do what you do, and then tag we'll do what we do.
Now here's where it gets good. When we're tag teaming we can suplex them at the I raised my Hand table. With the laying on of hands we can do the Camel Clutch (that's your job Kevin) and I'll end my sermon with a Three count. ...Ok that went way overboard in the land of metaphor.
Church growth happens when we word together.
We'll do our best.
How Do Churches Grow -- Part 2
The mathematics of ministry is probably not an original thought, and at some level I'm not sure we've seen one of those for a long time. I am a product of many great mentors who have written and spoke to form and shape me. But here's an abbreviated stab at this lesson in how churches grow.
Churches grow through simple math. Adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. It is not complicated in theory; it's the practice that makes things more of what President Bush calls, "Fuzzy Math".
Addition is the most common form that churches take when it comes to ministry math. They are looking for a chance to add someone here, and add someone there. There is biblical precedent for addition in the church. Acts 2 tells us that the Lord "added" daily to the numbers of church. (perhaps as an aside for those who are trying to get their head around the math motif, remember that numbers are so important to God that He included a book in the Bible by that title.) Luke recorded several times that numbers were added to the church. The Lord gets the credit.
In other cases subtraction is the mathematical form to church growth. This seems a paradox; taking away in order to gain. But in certain cases it is just what is necessary. In Corinth a church celebrated the fact that they tolerated immorality. Paul's prescription? Subtract the immoral brother. In other cases Paul subtracted from the church so that the ones he took away could be destroyed so that in some last chance effort they would repent and have standing before God.
Dividing is necessary at times. It is often awkward to divide. Nobody likes to, but it is sometimes necessary. It is only slightly less awkward than multiplying, but we'll get there in a second. Paul and John Mark divided. This led to Paul and Barnabas dividing. Paul and the Jerusalem council divided. In every case the church grew because of the division.
Finally multiplication. This is the most divine way of growth. It was the first mathematical command God gave man. "Multiply and fill the earth". It doesn't take a mathematician to see the effect of multiplication on Jacobs children and many descendants to follow. It is evident in Jesus who multiplied bread and fish, and followers. And that, to me, is the rub of its awkwardness. It is God-based. We work in addition, subtraction, and division, but only God brings multiplication. We have to relinquish control. In fact, I believe that when we work in addition, subtraction, and division He takes care of the multiplication.
There's probably a ton more that could be added, subtracted or divided from this idea, so I look forward to the multiplicity of thoughts shared in your comments.
--Ben
Churches grow through simple math. Adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying. It is not complicated in theory; it's the practice that makes things more of what President Bush calls, "Fuzzy Math".
Addition is the most common form that churches take when it comes to ministry math. They are looking for a chance to add someone here, and add someone there. There is biblical precedent for addition in the church. Acts 2 tells us that the Lord "added" daily to the numbers of church. (perhaps as an aside for those who are trying to get their head around the math motif, remember that numbers are so important to God that He included a book in the Bible by that title.) Luke recorded several times that numbers were added to the church. The Lord gets the credit.
In other cases subtraction is the mathematical form to church growth. This seems a paradox; taking away in order to gain. But in certain cases it is just what is necessary. In Corinth a church celebrated the fact that they tolerated immorality. Paul's prescription? Subtract the immoral brother. In other cases Paul subtracted from the church so that the ones he took away could be destroyed so that in some last chance effort they would repent and have standing before God.
Dividing is necessary at times. It is often awkward to divide. Nobody likes to, but it is sometimes necessary. It is only slightly less awkward than multiplying, but we'll get there in a second. Paul and John Mark divided. This led to Paul and Barnabas dividing. Paul and the Jerusalem council divided. In every case the church grew because of the division.
Finally multiplication. This is the most divine way of growth. It was the first mathematical command God gave man. "Multiply and fill the earth". It doesn't take a mathematician to see the effect of multiplication on Jacobs children and many descendants to follow. It is evident in Jesus who multiplied bread and fish, and followers. And that, to me, is the rub of its awkwardness. It is God-based. We work in addition, subtraction, and division, but only God brings multiplication. We have to relinquish control. In fact, I believe that when we work in addition, subtraction, and division He takes care of the multiplication.
There's probably a ton more that could be added, subtracted or divided from this idea, so I look forward to the multiplicity of thoughts shared in your comments.
--Ben
Monday, October 23, 2006
How Do Churches Grow -- Part 1
This week I'm thinking through a subject that is popular among all church leadership. Church Growth is a topic that is worth hundreds of pages in books and journal articles, however, I'll just dedicated a few of my pages to it. And I'm shooting for four posts this week.
The first idea is adapted from Acts 2. The setting is the day of Pentecost and, with the coming of the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches to thousands and three thousand come to Christ. The church is born, and has a miraculous growth.
This is a cool form of church growth...the coolest in fact. It would be awesome if this happened to us at SRC. Can you imagine, next week and we're pushing 3,021? That would be awsome. Not probable, but definately possible. This is what I heard Dr. Rhoden refer to as divine suddenness. It just happens suddenly. There are reports from around the country of churches that enter a season of suddeness when all of the sudden things seemed to miraculously expand. In every case including the Acts 2 model, I've heard some common things here they are. 1. Prayer. People were unified and praying for God to do His thing. 2. They did what they do, and He did what He does. In Acts the people only knew to gather in the upper room and pray. God orchestrated the events of the Pentecost Festival so thousands of people would be within ear shot of the group that day. We need to do what we do. God has given us a plan a unique design, and we are pursuing it. We have a vision for large groups, small groups and prayer groups. Our focus from now till the end of the year is in our large group, Sunday gatherings. In the first part of next year we'll be developing our small groups, we already have three meeting weekly. Then our prayer groups. That's our plan from God. That's what we're doing. As we do what we do, He'll do, what He does.
That's how churches grow -- Part 1
--Ben
The first idea is adapted from Acts 2. The setting is the day of Pentecost and, with the coming of the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches to thousands and three thousand come to Christ. The church is born, and has a miraculous growth.
This is a cool form of church growth...the coolest in fact. It would be awesome if this happened to us at SRC. Can you imagine, next week and we're pushing 3,021? That would be awsome. Not probable, but definately possible. This is what I heard Dr. Rhoden refer to as divine suddenness. It just happens suddenly. There are reports from around the country of churches that enter a season of suddeness when all of the sudden things seemed to miraculously expand. In every case including the Acts 2 model, I've heard some common things here they are. 1. Prayer. People were unified and praying for God to do His thing. 2. They did what they do, and He did what He does. In Acts the people only knew to gather in the upper room and pray. God orchestrated the events of the Pentecost Festival so thousands of people would be within ear shot of the group that day. We need to do what we do. God has given us a plan a unique design, and we are pursuing it. We have a vision for large groups, small groups and prayer groups. Our focus from now till the end of the year is in our large group, Sunday gatherings. In the first part of next year we'll be developing our small groups, we already have three meeting weekly. Then our prayer groups. That's our plan from God. That's what we're doing. As we do what we do, He'll do, what He does.
That's how churches grow -- Part 1
--Ben
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
From one SRC to another
I'm writing from the SRC (Storms Research Center) to the SRC (Severn River Church). I'm away in Grad. school.
I just heard something that I thought was amazing. George Barna a Christian sociologist and polster reports that if every "born again" person in America would tithe 10% there would be enough money to pay all the church's bills, provide for missions, and educate and provide healthcare for the entire world.
WOW, Think about it. That's awesome.
Ben
I just heard something that I thought was amazing. George Barna a Christian sociologist and polster reports that if every "born again" person in America would tithe 10% there would be enough money to pay all the church's bills, provide for missions, and educate and provide healthcare for the entire world.
WOW, Think about it. That's awesome.
Ben
Friday, October 13, 2006
She's Out
She's not up to her room yet, but here are the details:
21 in.
7 lb. 11.8 oz
arr. 3:18 p.m.
According to Sarah's phone call from recovery she's beautiful and looks like Andy.
<-- Here she is.
still waiting
well, we're still waiting, but now Sarah is in surgery. We've been moved to room 311 in the Clatanoff Pavilion. I guess Olivia will show up with the hour. ( and still no one is reading )
Ben
Ben
waiting
Sarah is in triage awaiting drugs and a Dr. to open her belly and pull out a brand new baby girl. I have come to the hospital and am waiting with the men. (Ben Sr. and Andy) It probably will all happen in the next hour. It's great fun. The hospital has WiFi internet. I'm thankful. I'll keep you posted. (I say that as though anyone reads this.)
:-)
Ben
:-)
Ben
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Black and White
Over the last evening I've been considering a bit about who I am. Corie mentioned that people view me as "Black and White" concerning everything. I think I have been over the years, but do you know the saying, "The more I learn the less I know"? Yup, that's kinda how I feel. I think that especially over the last 4 years I've been learning how little I know about many things. It is this ability that tempers my decisiveness, and empowers my best leadership.
On a related idea, I like the words of a Veggie Tales song I've heard a lot lately. The song is called "The B-I-B-L-E" one verse says, "You'll find it in your hotel room, in the nightstand by your bed. The RED words are the coolest, they're the ones that Jesus said."
I'd like to stay closer to Red than Black and White.
--Ben
On a related idea, I like the words of a Veggie Tales song I've heard a lot lately. The song is called "The B-I-B-L-E" one verse says, "You'll find it in your hotel room, in the nightstand by your bed. The RED words are the coolest, they're the ones that Jesus said."
I'd like to stay closer to Red than Black and White.
--Ben
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Big Day
The morning started at a bright and early 7:00. Funny, that only months ago when it was a big Sunday my day started at 5:00 a.m. But I was thouroughly prepared for the grand opening of Severn River Church. My message, the music, the handouts, the people, everything was in place and even the areas that we had come up short in were still covered in a temporary manner. This was it. The crowning moment of 9 months of preparation by a dedicated team of people, 2 years of personal preparation, and many years of vision prior to me that laid the groundwork for SRC to become a reality.
My arrival at 7:55 a.m. found me there by myself, and I took a few moments to soak in the surroundings. I walked to the stationary phone to call for the room to be opened. The officer was already in the building. Taking down tables and moving chairs, and others began to arrive.
Everyone jumped in and started working. Each executed their assigned duties with excellence. And at starting time it was a full house...That is...the most full it had been. 53 people is the answer to the magic question. And away we go.
Of those 53 about half were first time guests. And 2/3rds of those were either unchurched or dechurched. One woman (not follower of Christ) remarked in response to the service that it was so comfortble. ( If that was your one word win -- you win! )
Everything went well, from Matt's opening (We have started utilizing comedy as ministry. Matt begins each service with a 5 minute comedy monologue.) to the music, ministry and message it went very well.
One of the coolest things was the communion. Early in the week I had received a list of everyone that would be involved in the service. Offering communion was a special friend of mine. She is 16 years old and has been part of my ministry for about 6 years. I thought it very out of the norm that a teenager would be offering communion. I guess that's what made me smile that she did it. If the kingdom teaches us anything it's that the unlikely do the most important things. She did fantastic.
Success comes in a variety of forms. Whether it's the Presbyter (bishop) taking off his tie, or the children who didn't want to leave our kids ministry, there were signs all around us that the Lord had brought us to a special place. No longer a church plant we are now a church.
---
On another note.
The greatest success came not at the service, but what followed. I headed out of town for a conference/vacation; by the time that I got online in OC, Md. there were 8 e-mails in my inbox none of them to me really. I was copied in on e-mails between our operations team. They had already congratualted one another and started to work at fixing small problems that we encountered, and planning for the future. This is the strength of SRC going forward. Our Community, our Transformation, our Leadership Development.
--Thanks, Ben
My arrival at 7:55 a.m. found me there by myself, and I took a few moments to soak in the surroundings. I walked to the stationary phone to call for the room to be opened. The officer was already in the building. Taking down tables and moving chairs, and others began to arrive.
Everyone jumped in and started working. Each executed their assigned duties with excellence. And at starting time it was a full house...That is...the most full it had been. 53 people is the answer to the magic question. And away we go.
Of those 53 about half were first time guests. And 2/3rds of those were either unchurched or dechurched. One woman (not follower of Christ) remarked in response to the service that it was so comfortble. ( If that was your one word win -- you win! )
Everything went well, from Matt's opening (We have started utilizing comedy as ministry. Matt begins each service with a 5 minute comedy monologue.) to the music, ministry and message it went very well.
One of the coolest things was the communion. Early in the week I had received a list of everyone that would be involved in the service. Offering communion was a special friend of mine. She is 16 years old and has been part of my ministry for about 6 years. I thought it very out of the norm that a teenager would be offering communion. I guess that's what made me smile that she did it. If the kingdom teaches us anything it's that the unlikely do the most important things. She did fantastic.
Success comes in a variety of forms. Whether it's the Presbyter (bishop) taking off his tie, or the children who didn't want to leave our kids ministry, there were signs all around us that the Lord had brought us to a special place. No longer a church plant we are now a church.
---
On another note.
The greatest success came not at the service, but what followed. I headed out of town for a conference/vacation; by the time that I got online in OC, Md. there were 8 e-mails in my inbox none of them to me really. I was copied in on e-mails between our operations team. They had already congratualted one another and started to work at fixing small problems that we encountered, and planning for the future. This is the strength of SRC going forward. Our Community, our Transformation, our Leadership Development.
--Thanks, Ben
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