The Unstuck Church Podcast with Amy Anderson 5 Common Core Issues in Churches: The Engagement & Capacity Issues - Episode 436
46 snips
Feb 18, 2026 They unpack why first engagement steps matter and why simple attendance is not enough. They map practical pathways to welcome newcomers and pinpoint old tactics that no longer work. They propose short, low-barrier experiments and a hosted conversation model for next steps. They also tackle physical capacity: tracking limits, adding services early, and planning space creatively to support growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Experiment With Short Test Runs
- Run experiments to reinvent your first-step experience and commit to a 3–6 month test.
- Pick one idea, run it long enough to change behavior, and learn from results.
Ten-Minute 'First Step' In The Auditorium
- Sarah Gower's church launched a hosted 10-minute 'First Step' after every service in the auditorium.
- Volunteers host conversations, offer three next steps, and invite 'come back' people to a 45-minute coffee with the campus pastor.
Relational First Steps Boost Results
- Upward Church and Bayou Church ran relational-first experiments and saw improved first-step results.
- Shifting from educational to relational first steps increased initial engagement.