The Sowers Podcast #113 - The Power of Invitation: Rich Birch on Relational Evangelism, Invite Culture, and Sustainable Growth
In this episode of The Sowers Podcast, Rich Birch unpacks why most churches are missing people before they ever have a chance to stay. Drawing on decades of experience in multi-site leadership and church growth strategy, Rich breaks down what first-time guests are really asking, why invite culture matters more than marketing, and how churches of any size can make simple changes that lead to lasting growth.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why the average church is far “stickier” than leaders realize
The two subconscious questions every first-time guest is asking
Why being “friendly” is not enough anymore
How invite culture fuels discipleship, leadership development, and mission
Simple changes churches of 70–100 people can make right now
Why teaching still matters deeply to unchurched people
Whether you’re leading a church plant, a small congregation, or a multi-site church, this conversation will challenge and equip you to remove barriers and help more people encounter Jesus.
GUEST BIO Rich Birch is a trailblazer in the multi-site church movement across North America. He played a key role in The Meeting House becoming Canada’s largest multi-site church, reaching over 5,000 people across 20+ locations. Rich also served in senior leadership at Connexus Community Church (a North Point Strategic Partner) and as Operations Pastor at Liquid Church in New Jersey.Rich’s mission is to help 100 churches grow by 1,000 people each by transforming their invite cultures. Through unSeminary.com, his podcast, blog, books, and coaching, he equips thousands of church leaders with practical, proven growth strategies.He is the author of "Church Growth Flywheel" and "Unlocking Your Church’s Invite Culture," leads the Church Growth Flywheel Masterclass, and coaches churches through the Church Growth Incubator. Rich lives in Ontario with his wife Christine, their young adult children Haley and Hunter, and their dog Rory—who is constantly being asked (unsuccessfully) to stay off the furniture.To learn more about Rich Birch and unSeminary, please visit: https://unseminary.com/