Podcast Episode #003

Today we continue our discussion on church membership.

Last week we talked about what church membership is and what it means to be a church member—how it's not just having your name on a roll somewhere, but being actively involved in the ministry and function of your local community of faith. This week's episode deals with NOT being a church member. Specifically the main reason people LEAVE a church.

In an earlier post, I listed the following reasons people leave a church:

* “The worship leader refused to listen to me about the songs and music I wanted.”

* “The pastor did not feed me.”

* “No one from my church visited me.”

* “I was not about to support the building program they wanted.”

* “I was out two weeks and no one called me.”

* “They moved the times of the worship services and it messed up my schedule.”

* “I told my pastor to go visit my cousin and he never did.”

Do you see the theme there?

Here are the five ways I recommend closing the back door in churches:

* Inform church members.

* Raise the bar of expectations. 

* Mentor members.

* Train members. 

* Encourage people to be in small groups.

Episode Sponsor

You can pick up your copy of I Am a Church Member at your local bookstore or online retailer. At many retailers, churches can also get a bulk case of 20 for $5 per book to use in their churches.

Feedback

If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

* I Am a Church Member by Thom Rainer

* The Present Future by Reggie McNeal

* Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger

* Mentor by Chuck Lawless