According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the United States has seen a dramatic increase of obesity over the past 20 years. Research from the NHANES shows that 2 in 3 U.S. adults ages 20 to 74 were overweight (BMI = 25+) during ‘99-’02, which is an increase from 1 in 2 adults during ‘76-’80. One in 3 U.S. adults were obese (BMI = 30+) during ‘99-’02, which is an increase from about 1 in 7 adults during ‘76-’80.
Last spring, Perry Noble of NewSpring Church (Anderson, SC) discussed this problem seldom addressed by churches. As he says,
Like it or not–we are commanded by God in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 to be good stewards of our body, which is becoming an ever increasing challenge in our super-sized culture.
LIFEchurch (North Richland Hills, TX) averages 350 to 400 people for weekend attendance but attracted around 2,500 people for their Family Fun Fest this past Halloween. That’s over six times their average weekend attendance.
How did they do it?
They used the power of free stuff and contests. Free doesn’t always work; people must actually want what you are giving away. But it worked for LIFEchurch because they not only gave away stuff that people want, they gave away stuff that people are crazy about.
FREE CONTESTS
- Hannah Montana Tickets
Considered the hottest tickets of the year. Hannah Montana tickets were originally sold for $26-$66 but are reselling at an average price of $240 and sometimes as high as $3,000. Read More >>
- Dallas Cowboys NFL Tickets
- Dallas Mavericks NBA Tickets
- Ft. Worth Brahmas Hockey Tickets
- iPod Nanos
- Bicycles
FREE STUFF
- Starbucks coffee
- Hot Chocolate
- 400 Insulated Travel Mugs with the Church Logo and URL
- Candy
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Inflatables
- Magician
- Clowns
- Petting Zoo
- Face Painting
Their goal was to invest into the community and use the event as a bridge for the church to build relationships with local residents. The event cost $15,000 to $20,000. And according to Pastor Roger Lewis, ”This is the biggest and best we’ve ever had. All the feedback was positive.”
Free stuff won’t make your church great. But if your church is already great, it can help grow your church faster because good free stuff attracts big crowds, and great churches get the crowds to stay.
[via DallasNews Religion]
Jim Wideman recently wrote a blog series highlighting four areas that ministry leaders should regularly evaluate. Here’s a summary:
- Your Attitude
Do I have the heart of a servant?
Am I an asset or a liability to my pastor?
What is my attitude about others around me?
Am I grumbling and complaining?
- Your Priorities
It’s one thing to know your priorities, it’s another thing all together to live according to those priorities.
- Your Time Management
How am I spending my time?
Am I spending time daily with the Lord?
Is my family suffering while my ministry is flourishing?
Am I making time for personal growth and development?
- Your Performance
Am I being a team builder or a one person show?
What am I doing that someone else can do?
Have I communicated clearly to all my workers what they are to do?
Can I be relied on to complete assignments and keep commitments?
For more thoughts on each area, read Jim’s original posts.
