According to the Church Growth Institute, the way to start and grow a church is to “target” a specific demographic and focus on them. However, looking at today’s American churches, especially evangelical ones, there’s more to it.
If you want to “plant” (start) a church, begin with money. There are many networks of churches such as ARC that will provide funds to the right people to start a church.
Second, rent or buy a very bland-looking, office-type building and give the new church a totally generic name like “Elevate Community Church” that gives no hint of any denominational affiliation or historical-theological identity.
Then create a very contemporary web site and keep adding to it. Hide any denominational affiliation. Offer only a very generic statement of beliefs (if any). Post pictures of the “pastors” that makes them appear young and hip. Don’t mention where they were educated (if they were).
Fourth, hire a “worship band” and put videos of it playing music and singing on the web site. Make sure the music is very contemporary, loud and exciting.
Fifth, begin worship that is very entertaining by contemporary standards. Use colored lights and even steam-vapor to created a rock concert ethos.
Cut out any announcements or mention of money but take an offering. Don’t mention membership. Limit membership to a few leaders. Make the atmosphere inviting and inclusive.
Seventh, hire a few people to start a few programs. Emphasize families and programs for families. But also have a small group for singles.
Eighth, limit the Sunday morning worship experience to a half hour to forty minutes of music-singing (no hymns, lyrics projected on a huge screen) and a twenty minute “sermon” (talk) of good advice with a Christian veneer. If you have to read scripture, use The Message.
Ninth, include in the foyer a coffee bar with snacks.
Tenth, keep everything laid back, bordering on irreverent. Encourage people to use their cell phones or tablets during worship—to follow along, of course. Tell them it is fine to eat and drink in the “auditorium” during worship. And let them know that wandering in and out during worship is fine. Provide some things for people to do during worship such as light a candle and meditate at a side “altar” or even paint a picture.
Finally, make sure nobody feels uncomfortable or challenged. Keep everything “seeker-friendly.” Use non-religious language as much as possible. Call the platform the “stage” and the worship space the “auditorium.” Have no rules or expectations except for a few leaders called “leaders,” not “elders.” Call the pastor (yourself) “teacher” or “facilitator” rather than pastor or minister.
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