Do you ever wonder why, with all the amazing content available, people still crave something more from their church experience? Carey Nieuwhof addresses this in a recent Youtube short when he explained that a crucial reason why people are no longer coming to hear pastors preach is that "Content is no longer scarce" (Watch the short HERE). He’s right, and this message is just as relevant for those of us leading adults, teens and kids. Today, there is an abundance of excellent content available for parishes, families, and everyone in between, often just a download away.
Nieuwhof emphasizes that churches need to invest more resources into building community. For those working with kids, teens, and adults, we should be prudent about how much time and energy we spend on content and recognize that the majority of our efforts should focus on:
Connecting People Into Christ-like Relationships Through the Church
This involves coordinating small groups (not just classes), organizing fellowship events after Mass, and developing orientations for new parishioners. These opportunities can be gateways for individuals to get to know others who can walk with them in faith.
Being More Present in the Surrounding Community
Instead of hosting events solely on campus, consider renting local venues like restaurants or parks. Meet with coworkers or volunteers offsite to increase visibility in the community. Instead of always asking people to join you at the church, go to where they are—in schools, sports fields, and other community spaces.
Investing Relationally in Our Leaders
For your parish or ministry to be relational, it takes more than just a few people. If you want your catechists, ushers, or outreach volunteers to build relationships, you need to model it for them and with them. Don’t just focus on the tasks at hand; embrace the time you spend with the people you lead and serve alongside. The more relational you are with your team, the more this will be reflected in the broader community.
Content is critical to our ministry. We need to share the Truth and share it well. However, with content being accessible in so many different forms, the sense of belonging to the Body of Christ is what truly matters. Begin by examining your time and budget, and consider where and how they are spent. Even if it starts small, refocus more of your resources on people. Over time, trust will be built, making it easier to share the Truth that is so vital to our faith.
Call to Action: Take a moment to reflect on your current ministry practices. How much time and energy are you dedicating to content versus building relationships?
This week, try to implement one new way to connect with your community, whether it’s organizing a small group, attending a local event, or simply spending more time with your team.
Share your experiences and ideas with others in your parish to inspire a collective effort towards creating a more connected and relational church environment.