1. “We’re too small to do more than we’re already doing!”
You don’t need large numbers to get started on diversifying your operation. But if you don’t undertake it, you might not have any numbers at all. Sunday-morning-only congregations are dying.
By my analysis of recent denominational statistics, one-half to two-thirds of mainline congregations will close or be severely curtailed within five years if they don’t change course.
Any sized congregation can take some steps to diversify. Instead of launching 100 off-site small groups, launch one or two. Any sized congregation can do online ministry.
2. “We don’t have enough money!”
It isn’t about money. Key steps toward being a Multichannel Church cost virtually nothing. Your largest expense would be a first-rate Web site, and that won’t break the bank, maybe $5,000 to launch and $150 a month to host.
The biggest requirement isn’t cash, it’s the will to change course, the flexibility to imagine more, and the maturity to manage the inevitable questions and conflict.
3. “We have only one minister!”
You don’t want or need your one ordained pastor to be handling every task in Multichannel Church operations. Your pastor should recruit and train the necessary leadership cadre and then support them, as needed, and hold them accountable. Leverage your pastor’s time.
4. “We’ve never done it this way before!”
True. If you had done it this way, your church probably would be larger and healthier than it is. Standing still is a losing strategy.
5. “We want everyone to be together!”
Sunday morning worship isn’t going away. Those who attend will continue to do so. With Multichannel Church, you are adding to it and reaching new constituencies. Those who treasure Sunday worship need to remember that the majority of our potential constituents have already said “no” to Sunday worship.
6. “We have no tech expertise!”
Possibly, but I think you’d be surprised how many of your people already use social media like Facebook and Twitter and are managing transactions online. You might need some help managing a first-rate Web site, but even there, new content management systems are quite user-friendly.
Technology itself won’t be your barrier. Rather, some people will wonder how online ministry can work. Best response to that: show them. Go to Web sites serving megachurches and large congregations in your own denomination, and see what they are doing with online learning, Web meetings and Web-accessed resources. Those same tools and resources are available to you. The Internet is known as a level playing field.
Will these answers be persuasive? Churchgoers, especially middle-aged and older, have a long history of resisting change and expecting others to go along. The cost of standing still has gotten so high, however, that this is a window of opportunity to push through those objections.
TOM EHRICH is a writer, church consultant, and Episcopal priest based in New York. He is author of Just Wondering, Jesus, and the founder of the Church Wellness Project. His Web site is morningwalkmedia.com.
