Gone are the days where the general populous knew the most basic Scriptures like Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark or even the Christmas story. Today most children, teens and young adults struggle to identify Biblical narratives against popular fiction like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.

When Millenials (who are church outsiders) look into the church and see a building, a program, thought process, an approach to its neighbours, a dress code, technology that looks like it hasn't changed since before they were even born, they honestly think – that place isn't for me. That's not a place that understands the current culture. That's not a place that understands what I'm going through.

Through my time as a church helper, I've talked to churches who have told me, "we tried ___, but it didn't work." When I ask why, usually the answer is "we don't know. Often, these conversations end with people agreeing that they never knew what "working" looked like, so they honestly didn't know if they ever got there.

I want to give you four conversation starters you need to have with your team BEFORE you start implementing a growth plan. Don't skip this step, even if you think you've got it nailed down - let it act as a confidence booster. Every church should have these conversations if they're looking to reach more people with the message of Jesus

On the surface, the answer to the question 'how do we define growth?' might seem easy, but I'm not so sure. When I consider this question, my brain goes to three places – and from there, and kind of spreads out like a massive flow chart - let me tell you what I mean.

Here are 3 conversations you can start with your church or elders that can lead to making an impact in 2021.