Rebuilding Programs in Congregations from Scratch!

Do you need to relaunch, rebuild or start a new program this fall?    

In this live strategy session, I share tips and strategies for rebuilding programs especially when you are starting over from scratch.

How do you gather people and get them excited when you have NOTHING??!!   

How do you avoid having people see they are the only ______ (young adult, young family, etc...) and run for the door? 

How do you communicate honestly about having nothing while gathering people to form a new amazing ministry, program, or community? 

I've worked across areas of congregational life and have started many programs over the years including programs for children, youth, young adults, and adult small group programs.

This session shares successful approaches plus some of the latest from my hands-on work with congregations.

Listen via my podcast.

Strategy Session Notes:

Strategies for Rebuilding Congregational Programs this Fall

Hello, I’m Peter Bowden. In this session, we’re diving into strategies for revitalizing and relaunching programs in our congregations as we head into fall. If you’re navigating challenges like lower attendance, volunteer burnout, and shifts in community dynamics, this guide is for you.

Key Areas of Focus

We’ll explore three primary areas for growth:

1. Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
2. Young Adult Programming
3. Building Community Across the Congregation

Each area requires unique approaches, but all benefit from prioritizing connection and community-building as foundational elements.

Rebuilding Post-Pandemic: The Starting Point

Many congregations are facing a significant decrease in community size and volunteer engagement since the pandemic. It’s tempting to revert to pre-pandemic programming models, but we need a core rebuilding process that integrates community connection. Here’s where to start:

1. Reframe Your Gatherings Around Connection – Whether it’s Sunday worship, coffee hour, or any core gathering, make time for meaningful interactions. Integrate small group discussions or reflection prompts into these spaces to foster deeper relationships.

2. Community Events for Connection – Periodically, create events that are solely for connection. These can be quarterly gatherings where all ages come together to connect, reflect, and share ideas. Promote these events as a welcoming space for new and returning members alike.

Strategies by Program Area

1. Young Adults: Building from Scratch

Creating a young adult ministry often means starting with a handful of people and building momentum. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

• Capture Interest Early: Have a digital or physical sign-up system for anyone interested in young adult programming.
• Build Excitement Before Launching: Start talking about the new program, its potential activities, and goals, even before it’s fully formed.
• Gather in Smaller Numbers: Meet with interested individuals over coffee or small planning gatherings. As you build relationships, invite them to co-create the vision with you.
• Launch with a Core Community: Once you’ve gathered enough young adults, host an event or dinner to introduce everyone, share ideas, and kick off the program.

2. Families and Children’s Programming

Revitalizing children’s and family programming can be challenging but rewarding. Here’s a structured approach:

• Start with Community, Not Programs: Instead of focusing on activities first, focus on building connections among families. Host simple events like family potlucks, intergenerational game nights, or coffee hours specifically for young families.
• Promote on Digital Platforms: Make sure families know they’re welcome and there’s an intentional effort to bring them together. Set up a webpage or social media post inviting families to join community-building activities.

3. Digital Pathways to Community and Membership

The digital journey to membership has become essential. Here are some strategies:

• Optimize Online Presence: Ensure your congregation’s website reflects your offerings clearly. Create dedicated pages for each demographic—young adults, families, etc.—with descriptions and a form to capture interest.
• Use Video Introductions: A simple video explaining who you are, what you’re building, and how to join can make your programs more relatable and accessible. Encourage newcomers to watch this video as an invitation to connect.
• Engage with Paid Ads: For just a small budget, you can run Facebook ads targeted at local people interested in your programs. These ads drive awareness and let potential members know there’s a thriving community waiting for them.

Small Group Ministry: A Key to Loneliness and Community Growth

Small groups are vital for fostering deeper relationships, especially in today’s world of increased loneliness. These groups, or community groups, should be inclusive, intergenerational spaces that help people connect over shared interests and values. By offering these regularly, you can meet the deep need for connection, encourage involvement, and cultivate a strong, supportive community.

Final Thoughts: A Vision for Congregational Potential

Our congregations are uniquely positioned to address key needs of our time: community, connection, and collaborative action on issues like social justice and climate change. We’re in an era where digital presence is the first step in connecting with new members. Let’s meet this challenge by cultivating an intentional path from digital engagement to in-person belonging.

For further guidance, check out my free workshop on creating a digital path to membership.

With some small but strategic shifts, we can build vibrant, meaningful congregations that serve as hubs of community, growth, and transformation. Let’s make this fall a season of connection and renewal.

This summary made in collaboration with Meaning Spark AI.