Keep Your Church Simple

As part of my work I get to listen to and be involved in the thought process of how a church will follow the vision that God has given them. I am able to brainstorm and converse with church planters, pastors, and church staff members about a multitude of topics including branding, missions, programs, discipleship, video topics and sermon series. It’s always a blast to dream and scheme and connect with other visionaries. But I have wondered why some of our churches become so ineffective at reaching people and making disciples when these leaders have so many awesome ideas. It doesn’t make sense – or at least it didn’t until recently.

Another task that I am required to do when trying to figure out the essential elements of a churches brand is asking hard questions. I have to simplify the answers and break it down to the lowest common denominator in order to help them communicate their brand identity effectively. It is normal for a church leader or their team to complicate the process by trying to say and do too much. I have always preached that it is important to keep things simple and avoid unnecessary baggage. I recently ran across and started reading a book that echoes this idea.

Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger addresses the question of why churches are ineffective at reaching people and growing disciples with accuracy. I like their four concepts of Clarity > Movement > Alignment > Focus. I appreciate their explanation and study of how churches that simplify are more successful. I highly recommend this book to help think through the ideas that can fill our mind as pastors and pastoral teams – and eliminate those that don’t fit our churches.

We can become so bogged down with models, methods, and innovative concepts that we lose sight of the big picture. Cast off the restraints by simplifying your branding, marketing, processes, programs, and features. Don’t be afraid to let go and focus. It will make your church more effective.