After every weekend experience, I find myself asking two questions:
- Where did I leave my keys?
- Did we get it right?
Disregard No. 1 unless you've discovered a way to shock me every time I put my keys down in illogical places. Let's focus on No. 2.
How do we know if we got it right?
A few weeks ago, I read three questions from Julie Arnold, a service programmer from North Point Ministries outside Atlanta, that changed the way I think about our experiences. I've noticed if I can answer these questions positively, I can mark our weekend a success.
Was it fun?
Are your guests laughing? Are they coming in your doors with giddy expectation? This doesn't mean pressuring yourself to trump the previous week. It means knowing what sets people at ease, what breaks down walls. Laughter creates engagement. Engagement means they're listening.
Was it excellent?
"The competition isn't other churches. The competition is anywhere else your guests could be." In my experience, people want genuine, thoughtful content—not more smoke and mirrors. That's what Bravo is for.
Was it helpful?
Are we communicating to sale a gimmick or invite life change? Do they leave equipped to take next steps?
Maybe the question isn't, "Did we get it right?"
Maybe the question is, "Did they get it?"
We're creating platforms to communicate Jesus. Are our environments inviting people to listen? 
Callie Holland serves on staff at Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a copywriter, content creator, and social media manager. She also produces Sunday services at their North Campus and works with a team to plan all promotion and production for church-wide events.
For the original article, visit lifeway.com.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
