Double Attendance, Pastor Gets A Tattoo

September 14, 2010 in Spirituality 4

So, according to the Orange County Register, the pastor of City Church (Anaheim) put out a challenge to his congregation last week. If they could double their attendance (from 100 to 200) for their Birthday Bash, he would get a tattoo of the church’s logo. Halfway through the event, the 200th person showed up and he followed through. So do a few of the church’s members.

Not sure what I think of this one. I mean, is that the message you want to send out to people? Is it really about numbers? Doubling your attendance for a single event? Will that really make a difference in the lives of those who are part of the church (or the lives of those who show up just to see a guy get a church’s logo tattooed)?

I love seeing new people come out to church. I love that our people value church so much that they are willing to invite their family and friends to our services and events. I also love that I don’t have to be gimmicky in order to get them to do it.

Perhaps I’m being harsh on this guy and his church. After all, I really don’t know want brought them to this point. Maybe he was planning on getting the tattoo all along, and decided to tie it in with an event.

What do you think? Take some time to read the article here, and then drop a comment for me.

Thanks to the MMI blog for the link to this story.

  • Dale Sanger

    How about this idea… if 50% of his people learn to live out the gospel and be able to share their faith effectively within one year, he will get a tattoo

  • Judy

    The way I have always read the facts according to the bible is that any way the lambs come to the Shepard works and it gives Him the opportunity to get into their hearts. They come to be part of getting the pastor inked and they walk away from the event with a seed planted. Who knows, that may just be Southern Cali! FYI..I grew up down there and it wasnt the most Godly place to live. I was blessed and I knew my Heavenly Father young! However, I did go to an occasional church function JUST to hang with my friends. Luckily, I always left inspired.
    I look at it like this; If only ten percent of the additional 100 people left with a seed planted in their hearts, they could effect just one person each and the numbers would grow from there. I wouldnt have gone the same road as this pastor but, he knows his flock better than I. We have to be one step ahead of satan.…. maybe ink is the way in!! LOL

  • Anonymous

    Great thoughts, Judy … I hadn’t thought of it that way.

  • http://clothedinhisbeauty.blogspot.com Roberta

    I realize that most congregations want to grow. If the foundation of a church is bathed with prayer and intercession the Holy Spirit will move and the people will come..