Is Preaching Killing your Church Plant?

Bob Thune over at the Resurgence blog:

First the cringe factor:

“I spoke with a church planter recently who couldn’t understand why his core group of 30 wasn’t bringing anyone to church. Answer? Because it’s awkward to sit in a room with a few dozen people and get yelled at through a big sound system! It just doesn’t fit the environment. I met another guy a few years ago (a Baptist brother, stereotypically) who was setting up a big wooden pulpit in his living room every week so he could preach to his core team of seven people.”

Then the good advice:

“What will grow your church in the early stages is not the formality or power of your preaching, but rather how accessible and engaging it is.”

Tailor your preaching for the size dynamics of your church. Think of venues where 25 to 75 people gather—coffee shops, college classes, house-show concerts—and then aim for that sort of feel.”

“Engage the audience in dialogue by asking questions, inviting feedback, and answering objections. Build your sermons around missional conversations you’re having during the week. Three things will happen: non-Christians will feel honored and welcomed; Christians will learn how to have authentic gospel dialogue with outsiders; and your church will grow.”

Read the whole thing here

~ by John on June 17, 2009.