Q: You mentioned doing a series during the summer that isn’t sequential.  Can you elaborate on what that looks like?

A: The basic concept is to do a number of messages that can be combined under the same title, but that don’t build on one another from week to week.

Essentially, you should do a series that is made up of standalone message topics, with the understanding that people are most likely going to miss church at least a time or two during the summer.

Leadership often involves entering the conversation that people are already having in their mind.  By doing a series like this, you’re taking away the “well we missed last week, so…” reasoning.

Example: We do a series each summer called “God on Film,” where we choose 6 or 7 of the summer’s biggest movies and address the spiritual issues that each one raises.

The entire series is titled and branded as “God on Film,” but we will address 6 or 7 unique, standalone topics over the course of the series.  By doing so, we’re able to attract new people, keep our regulars attending in spite of their vacation plans and help people grow in 6 or 7 different areas over the summer.

P.S. – Still looking for a few series to fill in the gaps in your 2010 Preaching Calendar? Click here for some proven Sermon Series!

P.P.S.- If you missed the “How to Plan Your 2010 Preaching Calendar” Webinar, you can listen to a replay of the audio at: www.ChurchLeaderInsights.com/preachingreplay

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.