The 5 Myths of Church Christmas Craziness

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Originally posted December 6, 2011

Brace yourself.

If you’re a leader in a local church you know that the wave of ministry overload is about to hit you and your team, if it hasn’t already.

To survive, it is vital that you as a church leader provide clarity to your team as to why you are hosting 5 Christmas concerts, 14 Christmas Eve Services, 4 Christmas Day services, and a couple of Christmas banquets.

Without that clarity you can easily fall prey to the 5 Myths of Church Christmas Craziness.

MYTH #1: CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS LEAD TO AN ATTENDANCE SPIKE IN JANUARY

People may, indeed, visit your church following a Christmas event. But don’t expect a sudden attendance spike. Right-size your expectations.

MYTH #2: CHRISTMAS PROGRAM TRADITIONS ARE SACRED

No, they’re not.

Don’t drop a tradition on a whim, but be very clear why you are about to present The Christmas Handbell Choir Concert for the 93rd consecutive year.

MYTH #3: IF WE DROP OUR CONCERT EVERYONE WILL GO TO THAT OTHER CHURCH’S CONCERT INSTEAD

Indeed they might.

Take a deep breath.

Get over it.

MYTH #4: CHRISTMAS CONCERTS ARE MISSIONAL

A Christmas concert can indeed lead to missional activity, but it is not in and of itself missional.

A friend of mine used to invite upwards of 20 co-workers to our church’s annual Christmas event, and afterwards would bring them all back to his home for a Christmas party where they could discuss their experience at the church.

That’s missional.

MYTH #5: A CHRISTMAS EVENT GIVES PEOPLE A TASTE OF WHAT OUR CHURCH IS LIKE

Beware the temptation to bait and switch.

Many churches present Star Wars-like production in their Christmas program, with the unspoken promise that “this is what our church is really like”. Better to convey genuine authenticity than a promise of a weekly Cirque du Soleil production.

 

My wish for you this Christmas is that all that you do as a church will truly impact your congregation and community in a profound way.

Just remember, that without providing crystal clarity as to why you’re doing all you’re doing, you can easily be blind-sided by Church Christmas Craziness.

What myths have you learned with respect to Christmas programs?

the author

Scott Cochrane

Vice President- International, Global Leadership Network. Love Jesus, Nora, Adam & Robin, Amy, Dave, Willow & Olive and John, Fiona & Will. Lifelong learner.

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