QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
The Top 5
Church Growth
Principles
... and
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
What They Mean for
Your Intergenerational
Ministry
Dr. Charles Arn
Principle #1:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Disciple-making is the #1 priority”
The natural tendency of a church (and older
adult group) is to become increasingly selfcentered and self-serving. Therefore…
It’s important for leaders to remind all…
 What was Christ’s purpose?
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
 What is our individual purpose?
 What is our church’s purpose?
 What is our group’s purpose?
Principle #2:
“Social networks are the vehicle”
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
How do people come to
faith and church membership?
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Special Need
Walk-In
Visitation
Church Program
Mass Evangelism
Sunday School
Pastor/Staff
Friend/Relative
1 - 2%
4 - 5%
1 - 2%
2 - 3%
1/ %
2
3 - 4%
1 - 6%
75 - 90%
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
It’s been happening for centuries:
The “household” principle in the N.T.
“oikos”
Acts 16: 12 - 15 Lydia (... she and the members of her
household were baptized...)
Acts 16: 23 - 31 Philippian jailer (Sirs, what must I do to
be saved? They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and
you will be saved — you and your household.)
Luke 8: 38 - 39 Demon-possessed man (Go back to your
household, Jesus said, and tell them what a wonderful thing God
has done for you.)
Luke 19: 5 - 9 Zacchaeus (Today salvation has come to
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
this house ...)
John 4: 49 - 53 Roman Centurion (Your son will live.
So he and all his household believed.)
Acts 18: 7 - 8 Crispus (Crispus, the synagogue ruler,
and his entire household believed in the Lord.)
Principle #3:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Felt needs are the connecting point”
What are people’s felt needs today?
People feel disconnected and isolated,
they are looking for a place to belong
and feel part of a family or community.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Principle #3:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Felt needs are the connecting point”
What are people’s felt needs today?
People are feeling the pressure of a busy
and stressful world. They are looking
for a greater sense of balance and ways
to manage priorities.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Principle #3:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Felt needs are the connecting point”
What are people’s felt needs today?
People sense the shallowness of superficial encounters with others. They are
looking for authentic relationships.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Principle #3:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Felt needs are the connecting point”
What are people’s felt needs today?
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
People are feeling empty and drained
from striving to meet their desires
through work, material possessions, or
entertainment. They are looking for
spiritual answers to their unfulfilled
"hunger."
Principle #3:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Felt needs are the connecting point”
What are people’s felt needs today?
People are feeling overwhelmed by the
pace of change in every aspect of their
world. They are looking for help through
transitions.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Principle #4:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Relationships are the glue”
New Friendships After Membership
16
14
12
10
Drop-Outs
Active Mbrs
8
6
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
4
2
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9+
Number of new friends in church
Principle #4:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Relationships are the glue”
New Friendships After Membership
• The typical “convert” made an average of
7 new friends in the church.
• The typical “drop-out” made an average
of 2 new friends in the church.
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Principle #4:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Relationships are the glue”
What makes friendships meaningful?
(the more common denominators…the better!)
Common Age
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Common
Marital Status
Common
Family Status
Common
Interest/Recreation
Common
Need
Common
Concern/Problem
Common
Ethnic/Culture
Common
??
Principle #5:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Transitions provide the window
of opportunity”
Receptivity — Resistance Axis
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
RECEPTIVE
RESISTANT
“Turn your eyes to the fields that are white
unto harvest!” (John 4:35)
Principle #5:
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
“Transitions provide the window
of opportunity”
Life-Transition Events…
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.