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Can we learn something from people who leave our church?
Churches are healthier if their attrition rate can be reduced. Research indicates that 63,000 people leave American churches each week and never go back. Lyle Pointer, veteran pastor and church growth expert, suggests talking to those who leave a local church to learn why they have left. Here are his suggestions and guidelines:
- I ask the Lord to help me keep the relational aspects in sight while I keep a lid on defensiveness against criticism.
- I visit those who've left our church and tell them I need their help in improving our ministry to others. Then, I ask questions such as:
- What brought you to the church initially?
- What was/is your over all impression of the church?
- I noticed your attendance at our church has dropped off (Or, I hear you may be worshiping elsewhere). Can you help me know how you are feeling about your relationship with our church?
- How did you decide to leave our church? What was some of your thinking?
- What can I do to soften the hurt / disappointment / anger you feel?
- I tell them I regret we were unable to be what they needed us to be.
- I reassure them I will accept, and not argue with their perspective.
- I make sure they know I have heard them (although I may not agree with them).
- I thank them for telling me how they feel.
- If I think they could still be a part of our fellowship, I tell them they have not burned any bridges with us/me. They are welcome any time.
- I pray a prayer of blessing on them.
- If they are not attending church anywhere, I will help them to select a church in the area that has the best chance (in my opinion) of ministering to them. I stay in contact with this family until they settle in somewhere or return.
I would guess 20-25% return to our church when concern is expressed and understanding is offered. -- Lyle Pointer
Exit Interviews: Revealing Stories of Why People Are Leaving Church -- a book by William Hendricks [ buy used book ]
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Howard Culbertson, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th, Bethany, OK 73008 | Phone: 405-491-6693 - Fax: 405-491-6658
Copyright © 2002 - Last Updated: October 14, 2005 | URL: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/exit.htm
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Article by Howard Culbertson. For more original content like this, visit: http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert