Why People Like Starbucks More Than Your Church

By Ryan Stigile

“There’s a big difference between getting 1,000 people in your church and spiritually leading 1,000 individuals.”

2. Train staff and volunteers on how to think, not what to do and say.

As a church team grows, managers try to standardize as much as possible. Staff and volunteers are taught specific steps to follow, phrases to say and responses to situations. I’ve even seen church “leaders” dictate an exact phrase for answering the phone! All of this is focused on creating a consistent experience.
Consistent experiences are the antithesis to personal experiences. If everyone is treated the same, no one is treated as an individual. Instead of training people on what to do and say (behaviors), train them on how to think (values). If you get everyone valuing the right priorities, they’ll create the best personal experience for each “one.”

3. Focus on mission-driven metrics not mass-driven metrics.

In times of growth, it’s easy to become enamored by large attendance numbers. Yet getting people to show up is hardly anyone’s mission. Stay focused on the numbers that evidence true life change. Baptisms, small groups, volunteering and giving are among the vital signs to keep in front of your team every week. They ensure that each “one” is truly being led spiritually.
Leading a crowd spiritually is certainly a challenge. After all, there are plenty of shortcuts to communicate with people more efficiently. But if you truly desire to connect with each person and lead them closer to Jesus, start looking for ways to do so “one” at a time.  
This article originally appeared here.