Why just Chapter 4? All the other chapters are being reviewed by other blogs - see the list here.
Chapter 4 - Why Stickier Churches are Healthier Churches
In this chapter, Larry Osborne compares the sticky church growth strategy to that of the "Front-door" church.
"Ultimately, a church grows in one of two ways: It gets more people to come through the front door, or it stops losing people out the back door [sticky church]."
Larry goes on to explain that if you're only focusing on getting people in the front door (the number of people attending services) you'll be losing people out the back, your evangelism will be harder and less natural - he gives good, logical reasons for why/how this happens. He argues that a "sticky church" strategy tries to retain people, grow thru word-of-mouth, which he explains makes Follow-up and assimilation easier.
I'm not going to share his arguments here, but he explains things very simply. It's an easy read, yet he tackles very nuts-and-bolts topics in an effective way.
If you're at all involved in church leadership, you should buy this book. Go order it now, please, for the sake of those you lead.
Another good quote from this chapter: "Whatever you do to reach people you have to continue to do to keep them." - chew on THAT.
I read this with our staff team shortly after his book came out and it was a great read. It challenges our normal ideas of “marketing” the church and I loved his example of how we think we’re growing the church when really we aren’t growing deeper, but have a constant flow of new people in the front and out the back door.
I firmly believe in sticky relationships (community - doing life with others). I have personally experienced the difference being known and loved anyway has had on my walk with the Lord and my relationships with others. We were not made to do life alone. We were made for communion with God and others. If transformation is happening and the Spirit is working we can’t keep silent. We have to tell people what he’s doing and that’s when the Church (btw- I don’t think in the building should be the focus) grows, and grows deep.
Comment by Jennifer DeStefano - Aug 18, 2009 @ 08:57 AM
I go to a sticky church.
You can tell it’s sticky because the preaching is boring, the pastor can’t keep up with his day planner, the programs are hap-hazard, and the building is ugly. But i just can’t leave the place. The community is so amazing. The people there are my closest friends. They’ve helped me through everything and are constantly pushing me closer to Christ.
Comment by Kathryn - Aug 18, 2009 @ 01:46 PM