For most churches, there are two growth seasons. Spring time and fall time.
These are times when you will see more guests attending and families will be more faithful to attend as they settle back into a regular routine.
Let's talk about the fall ministry season. How can you maximize this time and see engagement and growth?
Here are some steps you should be taking now to prepare.
Plan to have a training meeting / rally.
In August, it will be time to rally your volunteer troops. Have a big training event. Inspire your team. Prepare your team. Encourage your team. Equip your team.
This is a good time to bring in an outside speaker. At least once a year, it is good for your team to hear from someone outside your ministry. This will help you reinforce what you are teaching your team.
If you are looking for an outside speaker for this, I am available to help you. I offer live, in person training at your church. I can work within your budget. You can get more information and schedule me at this link.
Another option is live, virtual, online training. I come to you live through Zoom or another online conference app. I only charge $99 for this for your entire team. You can get more information and schedule me at this link.
Engage volunteers who have been out for the summer. You've probably had some volunteers out while they were on vacation, taking a break, etc.
It is a good thing for your volunteers to take some days off during the summer. But now it's time to re-engage them as the fall approaches. You want all hands on deck when school starts back and the fall ministry season begins.
Begin preparing for your fall events - back to school Sunday, fall festival, mid-week discipleship, high attendance push, etc.
Get a jump start so you can make these events successful and effective.
Engage families who have been out for the summer.
Normally churches have an attendance dip in the summer months as families are on vacation, traveling, visiting family, etc.
Once school starts back, families begin to settle down into a routine. Make sure you connect with families and encourage them to get back into a regular pattern of attending church. Don't just assume they will re-engage. Reach out to them and help them get back in a regular attendance pattern.
Prepare now for the fall and then watch what God does through your ministry in the months ahead.
