"We Count People Because People Count!"

I can't tell you how often I've discussed small group attendance reporting with a client or other church leader. And, every conversation eventually gets around to "How do you get your small group leaders to report attendance?"

Of course, there's no "silver bullet" solution, but there are two "keys" to getting small group leaders to report their groups' attendance.

Vision Casting

First, you have to do a great job of casting vision. Small group leaders must understand that reporting small group attendance is not "about the numbers." It's not about making sure the graph gets updated or the church board's monthly report gets done. It's about people's spiritual growth and development, one person at a time. I tell our leaders that "we count people because people count." I know it's just a catchy phrase, but it's true.

Sometimes, when I'm talking about features and functionality as they compare different CMS (Church Management Software) options, it occurs to me that the church leader doesn't understand the importance of a CMS. They view it as a "database," a place to keep contact information, etc. I explain the importance of understanding what business the church is really in and how CMS enables the church to "do its business." Churches are in the life change business. They connect with people and help them move spiritually from non-believer to believer, from loosely engaged to more engaged believer. If you view a person's spiritual journey as a series of steps, it's about understanding where they are currently and how to help them reach the next step.

So, reporting small group attendance is nothing more than a method of keeping the CMS accurate about a person's community engagement.

Ease of Use

Second, the actual task of reporting small group attendance must be easy for the group leader. Again, here's where a CMS is key to the process! On the morning of my small group meeting, I received an e-mail that prompted me to report attendance. Without having to go to my computer or otherwise login to the system, I can report my attendance while I'm at my meeting, right on my smartphone. If I don't get it done, then I receive two additional reminders over the next couple of days. Easy.

Making the task easy increases the likelihood it will get done.