Walmart knows more about their customers than the church knows about their people
How data increases engagement.
Last month I hosted one of Ligon Group’s Leadwell Accelerators focused on answering the question, “Where did all the people go? We talked about volunteers, discipleship and outreach.
One of the guests was Matt Engel. Matt currently serves as the Executive Director of Ministry Innovation at Gloo.us. During the accelerator Matt shared insights on how understanding data helps you better know your community. And knowing your community is key to effective engagement.
As always Matt has lots of insights and great stories, but three things stood out to me:
Don’t be afraid to ask.
Learn from what your people are willing to share.
Churches are getting more comfortable with data … or should be. If you think that this feels a little too “big brother intrusion”, that’s ok. But what about just asking your people what they need … what they think about your church? Matt shared about a church that used the Net Promoter Score question – on a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to continue to be a part of our church in the next 12 months. Over 400 indicated that they were “somewhat sure” they were in – not exactly the vote of confidence hoped for. But knowing this enabled the church to address the concerns and meet newly understood needs. Check out the video for more engagement strategies that resulted from insights drawn from information that you already have that members of your church have given you.
Anonymity is not what is used to be.
Make sure your research is informed by current data.
A recent $15M investment reveals why people show up. And it’s not because they can slip in and slip out without being seen. The funded research indicated that people are looking for a place to be known in community and a place where they can contribute value. Ninety-seven percent of people who connect with two activities (think serving, small group, giving, etc.) in 16 weeks stick. Have you made the shift to this new reality?
Third time’s the charm.
It’s not as important to get someone to come back the second time as you might think.
The reality is that when folks show up for the first time at your church, they’ve already checked you out online and they are showing up in person to do the test drive. Of course, byou want them to love the drive and come back for a second time. But it’s really the third time visit that is key. Retention rate when someone is known by visit 3 is 70%. Check out the video for some thoughts about strategies that are working to insure a third visit.
To explore these ideas and others like the key to getting people to invite their friends, check out Matt’s full presentation here.
And if you’d like to hear insights about recruiting volunteers, shoot me an email (greg@ligongroup.com) and I will send you a link to hear from Jessica Bealer who was also a guest on the Where did all the people go? Leadwell Accelerator. Jessica is the Director of Family Ministry Services at Generis. She has been leading children’s ministry for 19 years, six of which were spent overseeing standards, systems, staffing, and atmosphere for the children’s ministry of Elevation Church. She has overseen the launch of twenty locations and is considered a specialist in kidmin multisite and these days she’s helping churches recruit and reengage volunteers.
If you are trying to determine what’s next for your church or for yourself as a leader, I can help.
There are seasons in every organization where a team must lean in and solve a pressing problem or maximize an opportunity. My process helps you uncover solutions for the season you’re in and execute these strategies with speed and effectiveness. I help you leverage change for positive impact.
One Day Assessment
The one day assessment takes you and your team through a focused and results oriented on-site session that drives to a diagnosis of what is and an exploration of what could be.
Comprehensive Consult
This multi-stage team oriented process will lead you and your team to strategic outcomes and measurable results.
Areas of focus include multisite movement, organization change strategy and leadership succession.
Shoot me an email (greg@ligongroup.com) at or schedule a time that works for you here to talk further about your church.
For more posts like this, check out the monthly articles I write each month on my blog, Leadwell Next.