5 Principles From Megachurches Every Congregation Can Use

Most of us probably recall our first visit to various churches over the years. Whether positive, negative, or just a bit meh, our decision on whether or not to return was almost certainly determined by this experience. Like it or not, the first impression made by a church to those who walk inside its doors is crucial, and it’s not just sermon content that matters.

American church congregation size averages about 70 people. When you juxtapose that with modern megachurch congregations, it’s surely right to ask whether or not certain principles can be incorporated even by churches that would have serious concerns about following them the whole way into some of the excessive gimmicks and theatrics seen in such environments from time to time. 

Here are five things I believe churches from conservative backgrounds could rightly incorporate into their weekly gatherings that would help make them more accessible to non-believers without compromising on any essentials. 

Principle #1. Freedom regarding dress codes 

While presentable attire is important, it is imperative that the intent to display reverence and respect for God’s church is not marred by legalism. The church should neither require nor insinuate the expectation of expensive formal wear such as suits or gowns for those visiting for the first time. The collective approach should be to dress in a manner that is both appropriate and attainable. I use the term ‘casual but classy’ to describe it.  There should be a sense that anybody can walk-in and feel welcomed. 

Principle #2. Friendly and joyful environment

Church should be fun. A church’s ability to cultivate an environment of authentic joy can make all the difference in a visitor’s decision to return. An intentional, welcoming, and engaging hospitality team is somewhere that the church can make an immediate positive impression. While each moving part of the church model is uniquely valuable, those who greet churchgoers as they walk in hold a particularly important position. Many may recall what it’s like to disappear in the crowd of a massive church and feel invisible. This is why forming connections by showing a genuine interest in each person who walks through the door will encourage attendees to return.

Principle #3. Appropriate sermons

The sermon is the focal point of a church’s discipleship. It is also the focal point of a church’s leadership, when the pastor gets to make an impact on as many people as possible. Effective preaching is crucial. It is possible in preaching to do all of the following:

• Reach the lost
• Mature the believer 
• Instruct and equip even the ‘most mature’
• Be doctrinal 
• Be gospel-centered
• Be practical 
• And make an occasional joke 

Effective preaching doesn’t just hit one group of people and one dynamic, it crosses the spectrum as the word of God cuts to the heart and the Holy Spirit infuses life into application. Pastors should try and think about the wide variety of people in attendance and attempt to give each of them something to feed their souls.  

Principle #4. Vibrant kids ministry

Not every church believes in kids ministry, and that’s not something I plan to argue about here. The fact is, however, that most churches have one, and if you are going to do it, then there is no excuse for bad kids ministry. It doesn’t have to include a roller-coaster or tons of videos (we don’t do either) for kids to enjoy it. They should, in fact, learn something about the Bible, and can probably handle more than you think. If this is something your church does, it does require planning, leadership, and a joyful team. 

Principle #5. Elimination of unnecessary tradition

It is a good principle in any organization to ask questions like, “Why do we say it this way?” or, “Why do we do this?” It is not sinful to eliminate seven minute announcements that effectively cover nothing, or to get rid of puppets, or to stop asking  new people to raise their hands (which they hate), or to not have a youth takeover Sunday. There are many traditions that are not necessarily biblical that churches often treat as such. Examining your church practices and language is incredibly helpful in creating a more accessible environment.