Larry began by stating that the number one question that is asked by church leaders is "how many do we have?". This question often drives programs, approaches and strategies. Seminars and conferences share how ministries can increase attendances. And Fowler says it is a good question - if we are serious about pursuing the Great Commission. But if we only ask that question, ministry will be inadequate.
Fowler says that the second question that must be asked, but seldom is asked, is "how often do they come?' He says that question will "challenge our approach to curriculum, cause us to reassess our organization, and pour fuel on the fire of parental involvement."
Now to back up his premise, he consulted with several different churches and when they analyzed their attendance patterns they found the following. One found that their children attended an average of 1.4 times a month. Another found that the average child in their church attended just once a month. Another found that 80% of their children attended less than 50% of the time. The vast majority of their children attended approximately 15-18 hours per year. Another reported that out of 154 unique check-ins, one had 100% attendance, 16 75% to 99%, 31 50% to 74%, 31 25% to 49%, and 75 less than 25%. A fifth church reported that of 1,231 individual children, only 52, or 4%, attended at least three times a month. He also quoted similar statistics from other churches.
Now church leaders, do you think figures at your church are really much different? How do you really know? And parents, what about the attendance of your children?
Now Fowler talks about a fictional child named Zac. Zac doesn't come often enough to build friendships. When he reaches 12 or 13 and being with friends is his highest priority, he will begin to resist going to church with his parents. He enjoys the energy and excitement of children's ministry but doesn't come enough to connect Bible stories and applications. He will be in school 60 times as much as he will be in church. Church is simply a minor part of his life. And he will spend as much time with media consumption in just two days as he spends in church in a whole year. He has no close friends at church, learns just a little and has no relationship with a spiritual mentor. And, according to Fowler, "Here's the kicker: Zac's parents are relying on this pattern for the spiritual growth of their son. ... Zac's parents are less likely to do any spiritual training at home." His real spiritual input is about 15 hours a year.
Now what is the answer? Fowler says first, Zac's parents need to become committed to regular attendance. Sports, vacations, sleeping often prevent this. I thank the Lord for parents who were there whenever the church had services and they made sure I was with them. That choice was key in my christian growth. Second, his parents need to serve in a children's ministry so they will bring Zac on a regular basis. He needs to develop kid-to-kid relationships in church. He needs to be connected to an adult leader who really cares about him and his regular attendance. This is an area where I feel that we have really failed over the years in Awana. Clubbers stop coming and/or drop out, and few leaders ever write or call or follow-up. They just go missing and nobody seems to care. And that is sad. Finally, Fowler believes that the ministry needs to provide some incentives for regular attendance.
In the booklet Fowler lists specific recommendations for the church, for the children's ministry, and for parents. While they are too lengthy to fully discuss here, there were a few which stood out to me. Churches need to redevelop an adult Sunday School program, develop intentional weekday ministries for kids, and promote regular attendance and participation. He says that pastors in particular must promote this regularly.
Children's ministries need to track their numbers, inform parents of attendance patterns, structure for relationships, and reinstate appropriate incentives for attending.
And finally. parents must recognize their own attendance pattern. Their being absent sets their kids up for spiritual failure and problems later in life. If regular attendance isn't a priority for parents, it will never be for their children as they grow older. If the church has multiple services, the parents need to choose one and stick with that one. And finally, parents need to create opportunities for church friendships. The number one factor in a child wanting to go to church is friendship - with other kids.
Fowler concludes be saying, "If we only ask how many do we have and Zac stops coming, there will be a Tommy who comes. There is no permanent empty chair that shouts Zac's absence. Tommy will sit in it. And the "how many did we have?" number doesn't change. No one will even notice that Zac isn't there any more." Sad, but so true. Unfortunately, not only true about children but adults as well. If you miss church does anybody miss you? Does anybody care?
Is anybody really asking "How often do they come?"
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