Connections is a core function of church growth that often falls in the shadow of outreach. Most church leaders are satisfied as long as new visitors outpace the number of people slipping out the back door. The inherent flaw in that thinking is that it assumes a steady growth of new visitors. That model also ignores the pent up potential of people who want to go deeper but can't find the path that best aligns with their unique gifts and passions. A well-designed aconnections process can make a huge impact on helping people engage and stick long-term. But it goes beyond that.

Church Community Builder is about more than software. Yes, I realize that in the marketplace we are classified as a church management system. And I'm sure that conjures up good emotions for some and not-so-good from others. I'm not trying to disconnect the software service we provide from our corporate identity. I'm proud of the work we do, but not because we have an awesome tool that is helping churches around the country make better disciples (sorry...shameless plug). Rather, I'm proud of what we do because we make decisions as an advocate for the guys and gals in the trenches of local church ministry. You are the unsung heros.

We’ve all been there. The pressure to say yes to yet another thing. We don’t want to let someone down. We dread the thought of disappointing someone. And we convince ourselves that “it” won’t take that much more effort, won’t last that long, or won’t be that difficult when we know it will be all three of those things.

Sometimes I grow weary of talking to church leaders who just refuse to see the value that technology can bring to the table when it comes to accelerating ministry connections. Rather than provide a rational response, I’m pondering whether or not to start presenting these ideas in the midst of those frustrating conversations.