Ministry Tip of the Week 
September 16, 2024

This week’s tip: Do your research to serve the people God is calling you to serve

• These days it seems like the leadership of every congregation thinks the answer to their dwindling membership and attendance numbers is to grow their congregations by bringing in families with young children.

• First, a reality check. Are there any families with children in your neighborhood? The Neighborhood Insights Report can answer that question. If there aren’t any young families, it's a moot point. If there are, then you need to ask a different question. Next, ask WHY? Specifically, why do you want to focus on young families? If your strategy is to succeed, it will be because serving young families is a key part of your vision and mission: what you believe God is calling you to do.

• Then, go out and talk to them. Don’t assume you know what their needs and desires might be. Don’t ask them if they know Jesus. Don’t ask them to visit your congregations. Instead, tell them you are visiting people in their neighborhood to find out how we might best partner with them to make their neighborhood a better place for them to live their lives.

Read the blog on ECF Vital Practices: So you want to attract young families by the Rev. Ken Howard.

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