Building an Inviting Church: Greg Griffith on 60% Growth in Two Years
Sep 12, 2024
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Greg Griffith, Lead Pastor at King of Kings in Omaha, shares his church's remarkable journey of growth, achieving 60% expansion post-COVID. He discusses how taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones can significantly impact community outreach. King of Kings implemented fun, invite-friendly events like 'Jersey Sunday' and 'Super Sweet Sunday' to engage newcomers. Emphasizing a culture of invitation, Greg highlights the importance of fostering inclusivity and connection across all generations, ensuring everyone feels valued in the church community.
King of Kings experienced significant growth by innovatively implementing 'inviteable Sundays' that engage congregants and attract visitors beyond traditional holidays.
The church strategically focused on community needs through events like back-to-school giveaways, showcasing their commitment to service and inclusivity.
Deep dives
Innovative Church Leadership in Omaha
The church in Omaha, known as King of Kings, has undergone significant changes and innovations under the leadership of Greg Griffin. Originally called to build on the legacy of a previous leader, Griffin faced the challenge of starting during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a drastic drop in attendance. Despite this setback, the church has a history of pioneering initiatives, from adopting contemporary music styles to reimagining their physical space. The ethos of King of Kings emphasizes a commitment to reaching out to non-believers with a creative approach that aims to make church inviting and accessible.
Strategic Invite Culture
To enhance their outreach, King of Kings has implemented a strategic focus on 'inviteable' events and Sundays that encourage congregants to bring friends and family. Griffin emphasizes the importance of selecting specific Sundays as notable invite opportunities, diverging from the typical reliance on major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Events like 'Super Sweet Sunday,' where attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, have substantially increased visitor numbers by creating a fun and festive atmosphere. Additionally, the church organizes community events, such as back-to-school giveaways, aiming to alleviate the financial stresses of local families and foster a welcoming environment.
Adapting to Community Needs
Understanding the unique stressors facing their community, King of Kings has innovated by aligning their events with the specific needs of local families. For instance, their back-to-school event has grown from nearly a thousand attendees to over three thousand as they provide essential supplies for free, helping families in financial need. This approach not only demonstrates the church's commitment to service but also engages those who may not typically participate in church activities. Furthermore, their partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation for the Night to Shine event highlights their dedication to inclusivity and service, creating meaningful engagements for both church members and the wider community.
Welcome back to the unSeminary podcast. This week we’re talking with Greg Griffith, Lead Pastor at King of Kings in Omaha, Nebraska. If your church does what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. But when you take a risk and step out of your comfort zone, who knows how God can use […]
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