Congregational Retention Tools
We know that, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," according to Romans 10:17 and that as an individual Christian you must, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," according to Philippians 2:12.We won't be entering into Heaven on the coattails on the faith of our parents, our minsters, our elders, or our congregation. We must work on our own salvation daily through Christ Jesus.
However, as local congregations we must have a dual focus of not only seeking and saving the lost (acquisition) but also keeping the saved save (retention). Sometimes we have such a strong focus on saving lost souls (as we should no question) that we sometimes neglect keeping those of our congregations saved and safe from falling away. We know that we cannot force anyone's faith to be strong but there are things we can do on a weekly, monthly, ad yearly basis to assist in strengthening individual Christians and our local congregation as a whole on the foundation of love as was commanded by Jesus the night in which he was betrayed (John 13:35).
I seen this really great image today online with several tools companies should use to retain their employees and I thought there was a lot there that we as the Body of Christ could use to assist in retaining our brothers and sisters throughout our local congregations so I modified the list and decided to share it below.Christian Retention Tools
- Spiritually Paid Well (God has this one covered 100% through eternal life paid for by Jesus' blood but let's make sure to remind each other of this early and often)
- Training
- Challenged
- Responsibility
- Involved
- Appreciated
- Valued
- Mission Orientated
- Empowered
- Trusted
Again, we know that just implementing this list is not enough as only the Truth shall truly set humanity free. However, as we strive to be the best church possible to give God His due praise we know that every local congregation can always do better. The goal would be to try to implement ideas such as the list above only after sound doctrine is properly taught and preached. With God on our side, love as the foundation, sound doctrine as the base, and a dual focus of seeking and saving the lost (acquisition) and keeping the saved save (retention), as a local congregation we are on our way to success!
Remember, be the best church you can be because God deserves it and will get all of the praise and glory for the spiritual success He blesses us with. Let's make God proud!
Keep the Faith!
