Overcoming
Barriers to Church Growth
by Steve Clapp
Let's face it–twenty years of church growth programs, promotions, rallies, books, videos, conferences, and resolutions haven't reversed the trend of decline in many mainline Protestant churches. In Overcoming Barriers to Church Growth, Steve Clapp goes beyond his classic book Plain Talk about Church Growth to confront the attitudes and barriers to growth which congregational leaders face. Among other things, you'll learn:
• The truth about the relationship between demographics and growth.
• Why ministerial style is directly related to growth.
• How to overcome low congregational self-esteem.
• Overcoming a volunteer shortage, inadequate visitor follow-up, and
difficult new member assimilation.
$14 each. 10 or more copies, $9 each. Product Code: OB. Order this resource
Overcoming
Study Guide
$7 each, with photocopy permission. Product Code: OBSG
Contents:
A Familiar Story
 | Evangelism and Church Growth |
Facing Reality: Demographics and Growth
Overcoming Low Self-esteem
| Low Personal Esteem |
| Low Congregational Esteem |
| Denominational Self-esteem |
Overcoming Negative Attitudes
Overcoming A Shortage of Volunteers
Overcoming Limited Advertising Resources
Another Look at Entry Points
Overcoming Inadequate Visitor Follow-up
| Follow-up Begins at the Time of the Visit |
| Follow-up after the Visit to Worship or Sunday School |
| Visitors to Special Events |
| The Clearing House Function |
Overcoming Difficult Assimilation
Building Quality
| A Marketing Look at Your Church |
Ministerial Style
| Asset or Liability? |
Other Barriers to Growth
| Church Conflict |
| Organizational Structures That Impede Growth |
| Short-term Focus |
| Fear of Change |
| Financial Barriers |
Things You Can Do For Growth-Even If No One Wants To Cooperate
| A Thirteen Week Experiment |