How to Encourage Commitment at Your Church
Strategies for building deeper commitment within church communities amid cultural shifts towards novelty and change, ensuring a stronger, more unified Body of Christ.
Long-term commitment to a church has become a rarity. Blame it on the culture or on a collective obsession with newness. We’re accustomed to improvement, addicted to novelty, and enamored with change and mobility–even in our homes of worship.
Too often, we forget that we are followers (of Christ) and instead end up as consumers and improvers. “The grass is always greener,” they say; we laugh but still believe it’s true, running to the next community when we feel offended or bored.
We try a church and leave. And the cycle continues.
For church leaders, this can amount to what feels like more than a crisis of attendance: low commitment to a church community ultimately affects how you run your church. Committed church members are more likely to give, volunteer, and eventually join staff. Visitors who come and go consume resources, time, and energy…but they don’t give back.
Running a church without high rates of commitment looks like starting from ground zero, again and again. But running a church with a solid base of long-term members looks like growing together as the Body of Christ, becoming a kinder, stronger, and more effective community.
In the following article, we’ll discuss ways churches of all sizes and shapes can encourage deeper commitment from their members and visitors.
Low Commitment Across the Board
Before we dive into how to encourage commitment at your church, it’s important to ask why people have trouble committing in the first place.
“Commitment” is becoming more of a rarity across the board.
People are less likely to commit to relationships–a recent study by Pew Research found that over half of all men are single. They’re also less likely to commit to jobs–the average Gen Z-er will work 18 jobs in their lifetime. Finally, 55% of American adults want to move.
You can bet that this trend has a trickle-down effect on the Church. As people are more likely to change partners, jobs, and spouses, they are also more likely to uproot from their community and try a new church because of novelty, curiosity, or church hurt.
Not only that, but Christians seem less likely to attend church regularly and dive into opportunities for growth and community. “Chr-Easter” Christians are those who show up on Christmas and Easter only, but ow we’ve got a new breed of believers: Christians who come to a church sporadically throughout the year.
It’s always great when someone comes to a weekend service and hears the gospel, but what most church leaders want is a community that’s ready to commit (can I get an amen?)
Next, we’ll discuss several strategies for how to run your church in a way that boosts buy-in and long-term engagement.
How to Run a Church That Encourages Commitment
Church leaders want to know: How can you build a community that gets people to keep coming back?
The answer partly depends on church size, culture, denomination, and even geographic location. However, there are some common themes that almost every church leader will find helpful.
Make it Easy to Say “Yes”
No doubt, your church has plenty of opportunities to serve. But if you’re finding it difficult to recruit volunteers, mission trip attendants, or even staff members, try building a “funnel” that starts with easy ways to say “yes” and trickles down to deeper commitment and more radical opportunities.
“Top of the funnel” opportunities include serving once a month at your hospitality booth or giving a small amount of money to support a mission trip. “Middle of the funnel” opportunities include weekly volunteering or leading a small group. “Bottom of the funnel” opportunities include going on an extended mission trip, spearheading a new ministry, or applying for a role on staff.
Regardless of the intensity of your ask, present these opportunities clearly and abundantly, and make it easy to respond. Create QR codes for donating. Prioritize clear communication for volunteers and mission trips. Always make everything accessible online.
Ultimately, making it easy to say “yes” helps people feel involved and connected–a surefire way to encourage longer-term engagement.
Articulate the Vision of Your Church
When Jesus asked the disciples to follow Him, He presented a compelling vision of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17). Though His disciples may not have understood exactly what He meant, they were nonetheless captivated by the vision.
Likewise, you need to present a vision of where your church is headed. People are longing for purpose and passion, and if they attend church even occasionally, they know that the answer for life’s longings can’t entirely be found on social media or in a romantic relationship (despite what our culture will tell you). They want to be caught up in a vision that’s larger than their own desires.
Great, you may be thinking. How the heck do I do that?
It may sound overly simplistic, but one of the most potent ways to present a compelling vision is repetition.
Once you’ve established your church’s mission, vision, and core values, think of a succinct way to present the core through a single statement or creed. Then repeat it! The church I attend in San Diego simply says, “Get Rocked, Get Real, and Give It Away,” referring to the love of Christ. This easy-to-remember statement is repeated on Sunday mornings and at most life groups and is typically accompanied by a deeper explanation of what we stand for and why we’re gathering.
When people understand your church's vision, they’re far more likely to see the value of becoming a committed member. They’re also less likely to leave the church over a petty matter or offense.
Build Community & Friendships
People feel more isolated than ever, studies show. A church full of people who actually love each other–despite being flawed and messed-up humans–is a church that not only makes it for the long haul, but emanates Christ (see John 17).
At the end of the day, deep relationships are what keep people coming back to church. Jesus spoke about friendship in His teaching (John 15:13) for good reason. Relationships with others are never an afterthought in the Church; they’re at the heartbeat of what makes us genuine lovers of God. Enjoying each other, doing life with each other, keeping each other accountable, and dreaming with one another are critical activities in the life of a believer.
That being said, prioritize community. Make Sunday mornings warm and friendly to create space for building friendships. Invite people to join small groups and coach leaders on how to encourage relationships. If you’re a church leader, model hospitality and friendship in your own life.
How Technology Can Help You Encourage Commitment
It’s easy to see technology as the culprit for damaging our ability to commit. After all, social media–and the Internet in general–have given us shorter attention spans, a preference for content tailored to our specific point-of-view (thanks, algorithms), and an addiction to the new and flashy.
But at its best, technology can become a tool that helps you run your church with more ease and efficiency. Everyone wins when you’re using the right software to simplify giving, communication, planning, and volunteering. You spend more time on people and less time on admin. And your people can give, learn, grow, and connect more easily.
An all-in-one tool like Tithely All Access is a great option for churches of every size. It has everything you need to run your church efficiently and effectively and, most importantly, to connect with your people.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Long-term commitment to a church has become a rarity. Blame it on the culture or on a collective obsession with newness. We’re accustomed to improvement, addicted to novelty, and enamored with change and mobility–even in our homes of worship.
Too often, we forget that we are followers (of Christ) and instead end up as consumers and improvers. “The grass is always greener,” they say; we laugh but still believe it’s true, running to the next community when we feel offended or bored.
We try a church and leave. And the cycle continues.
For church leaders, this can amount to what feels like more than a crisis of attendance: low commitment to a church community ultimately affects how you run your church. Committed church members are more likely to give, volunteer, and eventually join staff. Visitors who come and go consume resources, time, and energy…but they don’t give back.
Running a church without high rates of commitment looks like starting from ground zero, again and again. But running a church with a solid base of long-term members looks like growing together as the Body of Christ, becoming a kinder, stronger, and more effective community.
In the following article, we’ll discuss ways churches of all sizes and shapes can encourage deeper commitment from their members and visitors.
Low Commitment Across the Board
Before we dive into how to encourage commitment at your church, it’s important to ask why people have trouble committing in the first place.
“Commitment” is becoming more of a rarity across the board.
People are less likely to commit to relationships–a recent study by Pew Research found that over half of all men are single. They’re also less likely to commit to jobs–the average Gen Z-er will work 18 jobs in their lifetime. Finally, 55% of American adults want to move.
You can bet that this trend has a trickle-down effect on the Church. As people are more likely to change partners, jobs, and spouses, they are also more likely to uproot from their community and try a new church because of novelty, curiosity, or church hurt.
Not only that, but Christians seem less likely to attend church regularly and dive into opportunities for growth and community. “Chr-Easter” Christians are those who show up on Christmas and Easter only, but ow we’ve got a new breed of believers: Christians who come to a church sporadically throughout the year.
It’s always great when someone comes to a weekend service and hears the gospel, but what most church leaders want is a community that’s ready to commit (can I get an amen?)
Next, we’ll discuss several strategies for how to run your church in a way that boosts buy-in and long-term engagement.
How to Run a Church That Encourages Commitment
Church leaders want to know: How can you build a community that gets people to keep coming back?
The answer partly depends on church size, culture, denomination, and even geographic location. However, there are some common themes that almost every church leader will find helpful.
Make it Easy to Say “Yes”
No doubt, your church has plenty of opportunities to serve. But if you’re finding it difficult to recruit volunteers, mission trip attendants, or even staff members, try building a “funnel” that starts with easy ways to say “yes” and trickles down to deeper commitment and more radical opportunities.
“Top of the funnel” opportunities include serving once a month at your hospitality booth or giving a small amount of money to support a mission trip. “Middle of the funnel” opportunities include weekly volunteering or leading a small group. “Bottom of the funnel” opportunities include going on an extended mission trip, spearheading a new ministry, or applying for a role on staff.
Regardless of the intensity of your ask, present these opportunities clearly and abundantly, and make it easy to respond. Create QR codes for donating. Prioritize clear communication for volunteers and mission trips. Always make everything accessible online.
Ultimately, making it easy to say “yes” helps people feel involved and connected–a surefire way to encourage longer-term engagement.
Articulate the Vision of Your Church
When Jesus asked the disciples to follow Him, He presented a compelling vision of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17). Though His disciples may not have understood exactly what He meant, they were nonetheless captivated by the vision.
Likewise, you need to present a vision of where your church is headed. People are longing for purpose and passion, and if they attend church even occasionally, they know that the answer for life’s longings can’t entirely be found on social media or in a romantic relationship (despite what our culture will tell you). They want to be caught up in a vision that’s larger than their own desires.
Great, you may be thinking. How the heck do I do that?
It may sound overly simplistic, but one of the most potent ways to present a compelling vision is repetition.
Once you’ve established your church’s mission, vision, and core values, think of a succinct way to present the core through a single statement or creed. Then repeat it! The church I attend in San Diego simply says, “Get Rocked, Get Real, and Give It Away,” referring to the love of Christ. This easy-to-remember statement is repeated on Sunday mornings and at most life groups and is typically accompanied by a deeper explanation of what we stand for and why we’re gathering.
When people understand your church's vision, they’re far more likely to see the value of becoming a committed member. They’re also less likely to leave the church over a petty matter or offense.
Build Community & Friendships
People feel more isolated than ever, studies show. A church full of people who actually love each other–despite being flawed and messed-up humans–is a church that not only makes it for the long haul, but emanates Christ (see John 17).
At the end of the day, deep relationships are what keep people coming back to church. Jesus spoke about friendship in His teaching (John 15:13) for good reason. Relationships with others are never an afterthought in the Church; they’re at the heartbeat of what makes us genuine lovers of God. Enjoying each other, doing life with each other, keeping each other accountable, and dreaming with one another are critical activities in the life of a believer.
That being said, prioritize community. Make Sunday mornings warm and friendly to create space for building friendships. Invite people to join small groups and coach leaders on how to encourage relationships. If you’re a church leader, model hospitality and friendship in your own life.
How Technology Can Help You Encourage Commitment
It’s easy to see technology as the culprit for damaging our ability to commit. After all, social media–and the Internet in general–have given us shorter attention spans, a preference for content tailored to our specific point-of-view (thanks, algorithms), and an addiction to the new and flashy.
But at its best, technology can become a tool that helps you run your church with more ease and efficiency. Everyone wins when you’re using the right software to simplify giving, communication, planning, and volunteering. You spend more time on people and less time on admin. And your people can give, learn, grow, and connect more easily.
An all-in-one tool like Tithely All Access is a great option for churches of every size. It has everything you need to run your church efficiently and effectively and, most importantly, to connect with your people.
podcast transcript
Long-term commitment to a church has become a rarity. Blame it on the culture or on a collective obsession with newness. We’re accustomed to improvement, addicted to novelty, and enamored with change and mobility–even in our homes of worship.
Too often, we forget that we are followers (of Christ) and instead end up as consumers and improvers. “The grass is always greener,” they say; we laugh but still believe it’s true, running to the next community when we feel offended or bored.
We try a church and leave. And the cycle continues.
For church leaders, this can amount to what feels like more than a crisis of attendance: low commitment to a church community ultimately affects how you run your church. Committed church members are more likely to give, volunteer, and eventually join staff. Visitors who come and go consume resources, time, and energy…but they don’t give back.
Running a church without high rates of commitment looks like starting from ground zero, again and again. But running a church with a solid base of long-term members looks like growing together as the Body of Christ, becoming a kinder, stronger, and more effective community.
In the following article, we’ll discuss ways churches of all sizes and shapes can encourage deeper commitment from their members and visitors.
Low Commitment Across the Board
Before we dive into how to encourage commitment at your church, it’s important to ask why people have trouble committing in the first place.
“Commitment” is becoming more of a rarity across the board.
People are less likely to commit to relationships–a recent study by Pew Research found that over half of all men are single. They’re also less likely to commit to jobs–the average Gen Z-er will work 18 jobs in their lifetime. Finally, 55% of American adults want to move.
You can bet that this trend has a trickle-down effect on the Church. As people are more likely to change partners, jobs, and spouses, they are also more likely to uproot from their community and try a new church because of novelty, curiosity, or church hurt.
Not only that, but Christians seem less likely to attend church regularly and dive into opportunities for growth and community. “Chr-Easter” Christians are those who show up on Christmas and Easter only, but ow we’ve got a new breed of believers: Christians who come to a church sporadically throughout the year.
It’s always great when someone comes to a weekend service and hears the gospel, but what most church leaders want is a community that’s ready to commit (can I get an amen?)
Next, we’ll discuss several strategies for how to run your church in a way that boosts buy-in and long-term engagement.
How to Run a Church That Encourages Commitment
Church leaders want to know: How can you build a community that gets people to keep coming back?
The answer partly depends on church size, culture, denomination, and even geographic location. However, there are some common themes that almost every church leader will find helpful.
Make it Easy to Say “Yes”
No doubt, your church has plenty of opportunities to serve. But if you’re finding it difficult to recruit volunteers, mission trip attendants, or even staff members, try building a “funnel” that starts with easy ways to say “yes” and trickles down to deeper commitment and more radical opportunities.
“Top of the funnel” opportunities include serving once a month at your hospitality booth or giving a small amount of money to support a mission trip. “Middle of the funnel” opportunities include weekly volunteering or leading a small group. “Bottom of the funnel” opportunities include going on an extended mission trip, spearheading a new ministry, or applying for a role on staff.
Regardless of the intensity of your ask, present these opportunities clearly and abundantly, and make it easy to respond. Create QR codes for donating. Prioritize clear communication for volunteers and mission trips. Always make everything accessible online.
Ultimately, making it easy to say “yes” helps people feel involved and connected–a surefire way to encourage longer-term engagement.
Articulate the Vision of Your Church
When Jesus asked the disciples to follow Him, He presented a compelling vision of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17). Though His disciples may not have understood exactly what He meant, they were nonetheless captivated by the vision.
Likewise, you need to present a vision of where your church is headed. People are longing for purpose and passion, and if they attend church even occasionally, they know that the answer for life’s longings can’t entirely be found on social media or in a romantic relationship (despite what our culture will tell you). They want to be caught up in a vision that’s larger than their own desires.
Great, you may be thinking. How the heck do I do that?
It may sound overly simplistic, but one of the most potent ways to present a compelling vision is repetition.
Once you’ve established your church’s mission, vision, and core values, think of a succinct way to present the core through a single statement or creed. Then repeat it! The church I attend in San Diego simply says, “Get Rocked, Get Real, and Give It Away,” referring to the love of Christ. This easy-to-remember statement is repeated on Sunday mornings and at most life groups and is typically accompanied by a deeper explanation of what we stand for and why we’re gathering.
When people understand your church's vision, they’re far more likely to see the value of becoming a committed member. They’re also less likely to leave the church over a petty matter or offense.
Build Community & Friendships
People feel more isolated than ever, studies show. A church full of people who actually love each other–despite being flawed and messed-up humans–is a church that not only makes it for the long haul, but emanates Christ (see John 17).
At the end of the day, deep relationships are what keep people coming back to church. Jesus spoke about friendship in His teaching (John 15:13) for good reason. Relationships with others are never an afterthought in the Church; they’re at the heartbeat of what makes us genuine lovers of God. Enjoying each other, doing life with each other, keeping each other accountable, and dreaming with one another are critical activities in the life of a believer.
That being said, prioritize community. Make Sunday mornings warm and friendly to create space for building friendships. Invite people to join small groups and coach leaders on how to encourage relationships. If you’re a church leader, model hospitality and friendship in your own life.
How Technology Can Help You Encourage Commitment
It’s easy to see technology as the culprit for damaging our ability to commit. After all, social media–and the Internet in general–have given us shorter attention spans, a preference for content tailored to our specific point-of-view (thanks, algorithms), and an addiction to the new and flashy.
But at its best, technology can become a tool that helps you run your church with more ease and efficiency. Everyone wins when you’re using the right software to simplify giving, communication, planning, and volunteering. You spend more time on people and less time on admin. And your people can give, learn, grow, and connect more easily.
An all-in-one tool like Tithely All Access is a great option for churches of every size. It has everything you need to run your church efficiently and effectively and, most importantly, to connect with your people.
VIDEO transcript
Long-term commitment to a church has become a rarity. Blame it on the culture or on a collective obsession with newness. We’re accustomed to improvement, addicted to novelty, and enamored with change and mobility–even in our homes of worship.
Too often, we forget that we are followers (of Christ) and instead end up as consumers and improvers. “The grass is always greener,” they say; we laugh but still believe it’s true, running to the next community when we feel offended or bored.
We try a church and leave. And the cycle continues.
For church leaders, this can amount to what feels like more than a crisis of attendance: low commitment to a church community ultimately affects how you run your church. Committed church members are more likely to give, volunteer, and eventually join staff. Visitors who come and go consume resources, time, and energy…but they don’t give back.
Running a church without high rates of commitment looks like starting from ground zero, again and again. But running a church with a solid base of long-term members looks like growing together as the Body of Christ, becoming a kinder, stronger, and more effective community.
In the following article, we’ll discuss ways churches of all sizes and shapes can encourage deeper commitment from their members and visitors.
Low Commitment Across the Board
Before we dive into how to encourage commitment at your church, it’s important to ask why people have trouble committing in the first place.
“Commitment” is becoming more of a rarity across the board.
People are less likely to commit to relationships–a recent study by Pew Research found that over half of all men are single. They’re also less likely to commit to jobs–the average Gen Z-er will work 18 jobs in their lifetime. Finally, 55% of American adults want to move.
You can bet that this trend has a trickle-down effect on the Church. As people are more likely to change partners, jobs, and spouses, they are also more likely to uproot from their community and try a new church because of novelty, curiosity, or church hurt.
Not only that, but Christians seem less likely to attend church regularly and dive into opportunities for growth and community. “Chr-Easter” Christians are those who show up on Christmas and Easter only, but ow we’ve got a new breed of believers: Christians who come to a church sporadically throughout the year.
It’s always great when someone comes to a weekend service and hears the gospel, but what most church leaders want is a community that’s ready to commit (can I get an amen?)
Next, we’ll discuss several strategies for how to run your church in a way that boosts buy-in and long-term engagement.
How to Run a Church That Encourages Commitment
Church leaders want to know: How can you build a community that gets people to keep coming back?
The answer partly depends on church size, culture, denomination, and even geographic location. However, there are some common themes that almost every church leader will find helpful.
Make it Easy to Say “Yes”
No doubt, your church has plenty of opportunities to serve. But if you’re finding it difficult to recruit volunteers, mission trip attendants, or even staff members, try building a “funnel” that starts with easy ways to say “yes” and trickles down to deeper commitment and more radical opportunities.
“Top of the funnel” opportunities include serving once a month at your hospitality booth or giving a small amount of money to support a mission trip. “Middle of the funnel” opportunities include weekly volunteering or leading a small group. “Bottom of the funnel” opportunities include going on an extended mission trip, spearheading a new ministry, or applying for a role on staff.
Regardless of the intensity of your ask, present these opportunities clearly and abundantly, and make it easy to respond. Create QR codes for donating. Prioritize clear communication for volunteers and mission trips. Always make everything accessible online.
Ultimately, making it easy to say “yes” helps people feel involved and connected–a surefire way to encourage longer-term engagement.
Articulate the Vision of Your Church
When Jesus asked the disciples to follow Him, He presented a compelling vision of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17). Though His disciples may not have understood exactly what He meant, they were nonetheless captivated by the vision.
Likewise, you need to present a vision of where your church is headed. People are longing for purpose and passion, and if they attend church even occasionally, they know that the answer for life’s longings can’t entirely be found on social media or in a romantic relationship (despite what our culture will tell you). They want to be caught up in a vision that’s larger than their own desires.
Great, you may be thinking. How the heck do I do that?
It may sound overly simplistic, but one of the most potent ways to present a compelling vision is repetition.
Once you’ve established your church’s mission, vision, and core values, think of a succinct way to present the core through a single statement or creed. Then repeat it! The church I attend in San Diego simply says, “Get Rocked, Get Real, and Give It Away,” referring to the love of Christ. This easy-to-remember statement is repeated on Sunday mornings and at most life groups and is typically accompanied by a deeper explanation of what we stand for and why we’re gathering.
When people understand your church's vision, they’re far more likely to see the value of becoming a committed member. They’re also less likely to leave the church over a petty matter or offense.
Build Community & Friendships
People feel more isolated than ever, studies show. A church full of people who actually love each other–despite being flawed and messed-up humans–is a church that not only makes it for the long haul, but emanates Christ (see John 17).
At the end of the day, deep relationships are what keep people coming back to church. Jesus spoke about friendship in His teaching (John 15:13) for good reason. Relationships with others are never an afterthought in the Church; they’re at the heartbeat of what makes us genuine lovers of God. Enjoying each other, doing life with each other, keeping each other accountable, and dreaming with one another are critical activities in the life of a believer.
That being said, prioritize community. Make Sunday mornings warm and friendly to create space for building friendships. Invite people to join small groups and coach leaders on how to encourage relationships. If you’re a church leader, model hospitality and friendship in your own life.
How Technology Can Help You Encourage Commitment
It’s easy to see technology as the culprit for damaging our ability to commit. After all, social media–and the Internet in general–have given us shorter attention spans, a preference for content tailored to our specific point-of-view (thanks, algorithms), and an addiction to the new and flashy.
But at its best, technology can become a tool that helps you run your church with more ease and efficiency. Everyone wins when you’re using the right software to simplify giving, communication, planning, and volunteering. You spend more time on people and less time on admin. And your people can give, learn, grow, and connect more easily.
An all-in-one tool like Tithely All Access is a great option for churches of every size. It has everything you need to run your church efficiently and effectively and, most importantly, to connect with your people.
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