From Attenders to Engaged Disciples: Building Ownership in Your Church in 2026 with Kayra Montañez

The best way that I can explain this is The best way that I can explain this is with a gaming analogy because I have with a gaming analogy because I have with a gaming analogy because I have teenagers and they love gaming. So if teenagers and they love gaming. So if teenagers and they love gaming. So if you um go back to when we used to play you um go back to when we used to play you um go back to when we used to play Mario Brothers, you remember Mario Mario Brothers, you remember Mario Mario Brothers, you remember Mario Brothers? Mario Brothers prescribed path Brothers? Mario Brothers prescribed path Brothers? Mario Brothers prescribed path where if you did not follow the path at where if you did not follow the path at where if you did not follow the path at some point Mario would die. Like if you some point Mario would die. Like if you some point Mario would die. Like if you stay behind and the camera kept moving stay behind and the camera kept moving stay behind and the camera kept moving the character would die. You remember the character would die. You remember the character would die. You remember that? that? that? >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's the way that a >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's the way that a >> Yes. Yes. Um, and that's the way that a lot of churches even today approach lot of churches even today approach lot of churches even today approach helping people connect. There is a helping people connect. There is a helping people connect. There is a prescribed path for you and we're going prescribed path for you and we're going prescribed path for you and we're going to tell you what you need to do and what to tell you what you need to do and what to tell you what you need to do and what you have to do. you have to do. you have to do. >> Then Zelda came into the scene and Zelda >> Then Zelda came into the scene and Zelda >> Then Zelda came into the scene and Zelda is like, "Hey, choose your own is like, "Hey, choose your own is like, "Hey, choose your own adventure. You can start your adventure adventure. You can start your adventure adventure. You can start your adventure anywhere you want." And so I feel like anywhere you want." And so I feel like anywhere you want." And so I feel like Liquid, we've shifted and that we used Liquid, we've shifted and that we used Liquid, we've shifted and that we used to be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's to be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's to be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's a prescribed path for you. Here's all a prescribed path for you. Here's all a prescribed path for you. Here's all the things that you have to do to the things that you have to do to the things that you have to do to connect." Whereas now we've shifted over connect." Whereas now we've shifted over connect." Whereas now we've shifted over the past two years into like, hey, we the past two years into like, hey, we the past two years into like, hey, we have a lot of things that we can offer have a lot of things that we can offer have a lot of things that we can offer you. you. you. >> And there are many different things >> And there are many different things >> And there are many different things depending on your season of life, on depending on your season of life, on depending on your season of life, on your felt needs, on what you're looking your felt needs, on what you're looking your felt needs, on what you're looking for, on what you're interested in, on for, on what you're interested in, on for, on what you're interested in, on what makes your heartbeat.

Growth pressure, staffing questions, Growth pressure, staffing questions, facility decisions, and the emotional facility decisions, and the emotional facility decisions, and the emotional weight of leading teams. That's the weight of leading teams. That's the weight of leading teams. That's the world executive pastors are navigating world executive pastors are navigating world executive pastors are navigating right now. Today on the Unseminary right now. Today on the Unseminary right now. Today on the Unseminary Podcast, we're sitting down with an Podcast, we're sitting down with an Podcast, we're sitting down with an executive pastor from a prevailing executive pastor from a prevailing executive pastor from a prevailing church to unpack what leaders like you church to unpack what leaders like you church to unpack what leaders like you shared in the National Executive Pastor shared in the National Executive Pastor shared in the National Executive Pastor Survey so you can lead forward with Survey so you can lead forward with Survey so you can lead forward with clarity. Hey friends, welcome to the Unseminary Hey friends, welcome to the Unseminary Podcast. We've got a special uh episode Podcast. We've got a special uh episode Podcast. We've got a special uh episode on today where we're diving into some of on today where we're diving into some of on today where we're diving into some of the results from the national executive the results from the national executive the results from the national executive pastor survey. And today we're super pastor survey. And today we're super pastor survey. And today we're super excited to have Kyra Montenez with us excited to have Kyra Montenez with us excited to have Kyra Montenez with us from Liquid Church uh in New Jersey. And from Liquid Church uh in New Jersey. And from Liquid Church uh in New Jersey. And today we're talking all about today we're talking all about today we're talking all about engagement. One of the things that engagement. One of the things that engagement. One of the things that jumped out well one of the top tier jumped out well one of the top tier jumped out well one of the top tier results kind of concerns that came out results kind of concerns that came out results kind of concerns that came out 10% of executive pastors in the open 10% of executive pastors in the open 10% of executive pastors in the open questions expressed fear around questions expressed fear around questions expressed fear around disciplehip death depth and volunteer disciplehip death depth and volunteer disciplehip death depth and volunteer sustainability. Uh at the same time, sustainability. Uh at the same time, sustainability. Uh at the same time, nearly 12% said they lacked really nearly 12% said they lacked really nearly 12% said they lacked really visibility into participation and visibility into participation and visibility into participation and involvement data. Another 6% pointed involvement data. Another 6% pointed involvement data. Another 6% pointed specifically to volunteer and team specifically to volunteer and team specifically to volunteer and team metrics really being an unmet need, not metrics really being an unmet need, not metrics really being an unmet need, not knowing where they are. So what does knowing where they are. So what does knowing where they are. So what does that all that mean? Roughly one and five that all that mean? Roughly one and five that all that mean? Roughly one and five executive pastors uh are entering 2026 executive pastors uh are entering 2026 executive pastors uh are entering 2026 this year wondering really how engaged this year wondering really how engaged this year wondering really how engaged their churches are. And uh Kyra is going their churches are. And uh Kyra is going their churches are. And uh Kyra is going to solve all that for us. Kyra, welcome to solve all that for us. Kyra, welcome to solve all that for us. Kyra, welcome to the show. Tell us about Liquid. Tell to the show. Tell us about Liquid. Tell to the show. Tell us about Liquid. Tell us a little bit about uh the church.

us a little bit about uh the church. us a little bit about uh the church. >> Well, I appreciate the vote of >> Well, I appreciate the vote of >> Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I'm not sure about that. confidence, but I'm not sure about that. confidence, but I'm not sure about that. But Rich, it's always so great to be But Rich, it's always so great to be But Rich, it's always so great to be with you and to be a guest on your with you and to be a guest on your with you and to be a guest on your podcast. Thank you so much for having podcast. Thank you so much for having podcast. Thank you so much for having me. So, yes, we are in New Jersey. So, me. So, yes, we are in New Jersey. So, me. So, yes, we are in New Jersey. So, our church is called Liquid. I get the our church is called Liquid. I get the our church is called Liquid. I get the incredible privilege of serving there as incredible privilege of serving there as incredible privilege of serving there as one of an of two executive pastors. And one of an of two executive pastors. And one of an of two executive pastors. And we are a multi-sight church. We have six we are a multi-sight church. We have six we are a multi-sight church. We have six campuses. If you know anything about New campuses. If you know anything about New campuses. If you know anything about New Jersey, one of them is the furthest one Jersey, one of them is the furthest one Jersey, one of them is the furthest one is in Princeton, New Jersey. A lot of is in Princeton, New Jersey. A lot of is in Princeton, New Jersey. A lot of people know Princeton. And then probably people know Princeton. And then probably people know Princeton. And then probably the closest one that we have up north is the closest one that we have up north is the closest one that we have up north is closest to New York City about 30 closest to New York City about 30 closest to New York City about 30 minutes minutes minutes >> uh from the city. So that kind of gives >> uh from the city. So that kind of gives >> uh from the city. So that kind of gives you the breath and width of how we're you the breath and width of how we're you the breath and width of how we're trying to saturate the state of New trying to saturate the state of New trying to saturate the state of New Jersey with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jersey with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jersey with the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is our mission. That is our mission. That is our mission. >> So good. And Kyra, I really appreciate >> So good. And Kyra, I really appreciate >> So good. And Kyra, I really appreciate you jumping in on on today's you jumping in on on today's you jumping in on on today's conversation, particularly in this area conversation, particularly in this area conversation, particularly in this area because I think, man, you're gonna have because I think, man, you're gonna have because I think, man, you're gonna have so much to offer. You know, so many of so much to offer. You know, so many of so much to offer. You know, so many of our churches, we feel like the volunteer our churches, we feel like the volunteer our churches, we feel like the volunteer pipelines are thin. and how are we pipelines are thin. and how are we pipelines are thin. and how are we getting it's like people are getting it's like people are getting it's like people are underutilized. Uh maybe our our underutilized. Uh maybe our our underutilized. Uh maybe our our follow-up process are like overly follow-up process are like overly follow-up process are like overly complex and um you've done a great job complex and um you've done a great job complex and um you've done a great job on on this area. So let's just jump jump on on this area. So let's just jump jump on on this area. So let's just jump jump right in. Where do you see some of the right in. Where do you see some of the right in. Where do you see some of the biggest gaps today in churches whether biggest gaps today in churches whether biggest gaps today in churches whether it's liquid or other churches you it's liquid or other churches you it's liquid or other churches you interact between you know getting people interact between you know getting people interact between you know getting people to attend church attendance and actual to attend church attendance and actual to attend church attendance and actual engagement? There's a gap there. What engagement? There's a gap there. What engagement? There's a gap there. What what's driving that? What do what do you what's driving that? What do what do you what's driving that? What do what do you think drives that gap in our churches?

think drives that gap in our churches? think drives that gap in our churches? >> So I see a couple of things. Um but >> So I see a couple of things. Um but >> So I see a couple of things. Um but before I get to that you know I just before I get to that you know I just before I get to that you know I just really wanted to start with something really wanted to start with something really wanted to start with something really encouraging because it's not in really encouraging because it's not in really encouraging because it's not in my nature to be discouraging. So one of my nature to be discouraging. So one of my nature to be discouraging. So one of the things that I have noticed um in the things that I have noticed um in the things that I have noticed um in fact I was actually spending some time fact I was actually spending some time fact I was actually spending some time with uh other pastors from other states with uh other pastors from other states with uh other pastors from other states in the US in the US in the US >> and we were talking about like hey what >> and we were talking about like hey what >> and we were talking about like hey what is the Lord doing in the in the big C is the Lord doing in the in the big C is the Lord doing in the in the big C church? What are you experiencing in church? What are you experiencing in church? What are you experiencing in your context? And one of the things I your context? And one of the things I your context? And one of the things I think that was a theme for all of us is think that was a theme for all of us is think that was a theme for all of us is it feels like we don't have to work as it feels like we don't have to work as it feels like we don't have to work as hard to get people to come and be ready hard to get people to come and be ready hard to get people to come and be ready for what the Lord has for them. And that for what the Lord has for them. And that for what the Lord has for them. And that feels very exciting feels very exciting feels very exciting >> and that's like a theme that I'm seeing >> and that's like a theme that I'm seeing >> and that's like a theme that I'm seeing repeated across the entire nation with repeated across the entire nation with repeated across the entire nation with all of my pastor friends from different all of my pastor friends from different all of my pastor friends from different locations. Having said that, there are locations. Having said that, there are locations. Having said that, there are still things that we have to do to get still things that we have to do to get still things that we have to do to get people from going to just attending to people from going to just attending to people from going to just attending to engaging like you were saying. I think engaging like you were saying. I think engaging like you were saying. I think there's a couple of things that I saw. there's a couple of things that I saw. there's a couple of things that I saw. One of them is a big one I would say is One of them is a big one I would say is One of them is a big one I would say is like this idea of attending versus like this idea of attending versus like this idea of attending versus belonging, right? So like first people belonging, right? So like first people belonging, right? So like first people actually um want to come but they don't actually um want to come but they don't actually um want to come but they don't actually um join people systems. So they actually um join people systems. So they actually um join people systems. So they come in person, they come online, but come in person, they come online, but come in person, they come online, but they don't actually join any kind of they don't actually join any kind of they don't actually join any kind of people system. So when I say people people system. So when I say people people system. So when I say people system, I'm thinking about groups or system, I'm thinking about groups or system, I'm thinking about groups or dream teams, a support group, a class.

dream teams, a support group, a class. dream teams, a support group, a class. Um that's actually something that we Um that's actually something that we Um that's actually something that we started seeing a lot post pandemic and I started seeing a lot post pandemic and I started seeing a lot post pandemic and I would say it's still here. Um so that's would say it's still here. Um so that's would say it's still here. Um so that's one gap that I see. The second gap that one gap that I see. The second gap that one gap that I see. The second gap that I see is um digital versus relational. I see is um digital versus relational. I see is um digital versus relational. So obviously we at Liquid have spent a So obviously we at Liquid have spent a So obviously we at Liquid have spent a lot of in we've invested a lot in our lot of in we've invested a lot in our lot of in we've invested a lot in our digital ministry and we really believe digital ministry and we really believe digital ministry and we really believe online and in person can both thrive at online and in person can both thrive at online and in person can both thrive at the same time and we're seeing that. the same time and we're seeing that. the same time and we're seeing that. However, online services, while they can However, online services, while they can However, online services, while they can remove barriers, which is good, it also remove barriers, which is good, it also remove barriers, which is good, it also helps people stay anonymous, unless helps people stay anonymous, unless helps people stay anonymous, unless there's a clear bridge for those people there's a clear bridge for those people there's a clear bridge for those people to actually join in-person community. to actually join in-person community. to actually join in-person community. And so, churches that haven't figured And so, churches that haven't figured And so, churches that haven't figured out well how to do that will continue to out well how to do that will continue to out well how to do that will continue to see a gap between people who are see a gap between people who are see a gap between people who are attending, whether it's in person or attending, whether it's in person or attending, whether it's in person or online, but not actually engaging. online, but not actually engaging. online, but not actually engaging. >> Um, there's also the people who just >> Um, there's also the people who just >> Um, there's also the people who just come for big events, right? We're come for big events, right? We're come for big events, right? We're approaching one of them even as we film approaching one of them even as we film approaching one of them even as we film this podcast. Next week is Christmas this podcast. Next week is Christmas this podcast. Next week is Christmas Eve. So Eve. So Eve. So >> we joke at Liquid, we have the CEOs, >> we joke at Liquid, we have the CEOs, >> we joke at Liquid, we have the CEOs, they come for Christmas, Easter, and they come for Christmas, Easter, and they come for Christmas, Easter, and other big events, but they're don't other big events, but they're don't other big events, but they're don't actually have a weekly rhythm actually have a weekly rhythm actually have a weekly rhythm >> of attending and engaging. And then >> of attending and engaging. And then >> of attending and engaging. And then there's people who I would say are there's people who I would say are there's people who I would say are curious about serving and for the most curious about serving and for the most curious about serving and for the most part are open to helping, but are not part are open to helping, but are not part are open to helping, but are not really ready to make a serving really ready to make a serving really ready to make a serving commitment and actually take on a very commitment and actually take on a very commitment and actually take on a very consistent role. So I would say across consistent role. So I would say across consistent role. So I would say across the breadth and width of churches that's the breadth and width of churches that's the breadth and width of churches that's probably something that would hit most probably something that would hit most probably something that would hit most people no matter where you are.

people no matter where you are. people no matter where you are. Definitely we experience all of them at Definitely we experience all of them at Definitely we experience all of them at >> Liquid. >> Liquid. >> Liquid. >> Yeah. I I there's a lot there which I >> Yeah. I I there's a lot there which I >> Yeah. I I there's a lot there which I appreciate and I appreciate the way appreciate and I appreciate the way appreciate and I appreciate the way you've kind of diagnosed. I think you've kind of diagnosed. I think you've kind of diagnosed. I think there's multiple ways to kind of um there's multiple ways to kind of um there's multiple ways to kind of um diagnose or kind of pick apart, hey, diagnose or kind of pick apart, hey, diagnose or kind of pick apart, hey, here are different aspects here, here are different aspects here, here are different aspects here, different ways that we're seeing this different ways that we're seeing this different ways that we're seeing this kind of attendance versus engagement kind of attendance versus engagement kind of attendance versus engagement question. So maybe, you know, pick apart question. So maybe, you know, pick apart question. So maybe, you know, pick apart those attending versus belonging. What those attending versus belonging. What those attending versus belonging. What has Liquid done? What are you doing to has Liquid done? What are you doing to has Liquid done? What are you doing to try to help move people from just try to help move people from just try to help move people from just attending actually getting into those attending actually getting into those attending actually getting into those people's systems? What does that what people's systems? What does that what people's systems? What does that what are you learning on that front? are you learning on that front? are you learning on that front? >> Yeah, you know, we've had a major shift >> Yeah, you know, we've had a major shift >> Yeah, you know, we've had a major shift at Liquid, I would say, in the past two at Liquid, I would say, in the past two at Liquid, I would say, in the past two years. The best way that I can explain years. The best way that I can explain years. The best way that I can explain this is with a gaming analogy because I this is with a gaming analogy because I this is with a gaming analogy because I have teenagers and they love gaming. have teenagers and they love gaming. have teenagers and they love gaming. >> So, if you um >> So, if you um >> So, if you um >> go back to when we used to play Mario >> go back to when we used to play Mario >> go back to when we used to play Mario Brothers, you remember Mario Brothers? Brothers, you remember Mario Brothers? Brothers, you remember Mario Brothers? Mario prescribed path where if you did Mario prescribed path where if you did Mario prescribed path where if you did not follow the path not follow the path not follow the path >> at some point Mario would die. Like if >> at some point Mario would die. Like if >> at some point Mario would die. Like if you stayed behind and the camera kept you stayed behind and the camera kept you stayed behind and the camera kept moving the character would die. You moving the character would die. You moving the character would die. You remember that?

remember that? remember that? >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. >> And that's the way that a lot of >> And that's the way that a lot of >> And that's the way that a lot of churches even today approach helping churches even today approach helping churches even today approach helping people connect. There is a prescribed people connect. There is a prescribed people connect. There is a prescribed path for you and we're going to tell you path for you and we're going to tell you path for you and we're going to tell you what you need to do and what you have to what you need to do and what you have to what you need to do and what you have to do. Then Zelda came into the scene and do. Then Zelda came into the scene and do. Then Zelda came into the scene and Zelda is like, "Hey, choose your own Zelda is like, "Hey, choose your own Zelda is like, "Hey, choose your own adventure. You can start your adventure adventure. You can start your adventure adventure. You can start your adventure anywhere you want." And so I feel like anywhere you want." And so I feel like anywhere you want." And so I feel like Liquid we've shifted and that we used to Liquid we've shifted and that we used to Liquid we've shifted and that we used to be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's a be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's a be Mario Brothers like, "Hey, here's a prescribed path for you. Here's all the prescribed path for you. Here's all the prescribed path for you. Here's all the things that you have to do to connect." things that you have to do to connect." things that you have to do to connect." Whereas now we've shifted over the past Whereas now we've shifted over the past Whereas now we've shifted over the past two years into like, hey, we have a lot two years into like, hey, we have a lot two years into like, hey, we have a lot of things that we can offer you. And of things that we can offer you. And of things that we can offer you. And there are many different things there are many different things there are many different things depending on your season of life, on depending on your season of life, on depending on your season of life, on your felt needs, on what you're looking your felt needs, on what you're looking your felt needs, on what you're looking for, on what you're interested in, on for, on what you're interested in, on for, on what you're interested in, on what makes your heartbeat. Um, tell us what makes your heartbeat. Um, tell us what makes your heartbeat. Um, tell us what you want to do and we're going to what you want to do and we're going to what you want to do and we're going to help you. And so, in order for us to help you. And so, in order for us to help you. And so, in order for us to understand what is it that people want, understand what is it that people want, understand what is it that people want, we created an event that we do every we created an event that we do every we created an event that we do every month called Connect and Conversation. month called Connect and Conversation. month called Connect and Conversation. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> And the whole idea and the way that we >> And the whole idea and the way that we >> And the whole idea and the way that we market it is if you're new to Liquid or market it is if you're new to Liquid or market it is if you're new to Liquid or if you're not new but you haven't if you're not new but you haven't if you're not new but you haven't connected yet, you haven't found your connected yet, you haven't found your connected yet, you haven't found your people, you haven't found something that people, you haven't found something that people, you haven't found something that you want to be a part of, come to this you want to be a part of, come to this you want to be a part of, come to this event.

event. event. >> We feed you. >> We feed you. >> We feed you. >> We get to know you and then we follow up >> We get to know you and then we follow up >> We get to know you and then we follow up personally with you. It's very highlevel personally with you. It's very highlevel personally with you. It's very highlevel concurge kind of a follow-up system concurge kind of a follow-up system concurge kind of a follow-up system where after we connect with you we ask where after we connect with you we ask where after we connect with you we ask you hey what are you actually interested you hey what are you actually interested you hey what are you actually interested in what are you looking for because your in what are you looking for because your in what are you looking for because your needs as an empty neester who's been needs as an empty neester who's been needs as an empty neester who's been married for over 25 years you're married for over 25 years you're married for over 25 years you're parenting adult children who are already parenting adult children who are already parenting adult children who are already married are very different than mine who married are very different than mine who married are very different than mine who have two te um two have two teenagers have two te um two have two teenagers have two te um two have two teenagers one of them is about to go to college one of them is about to go to college one of them is about to go to college right right right >> and so that has actually produced >> and so that has actually produced >> and so that has actually produced incredible fruit from getting people who incredible fruit from getting people who incredible fruit from getting people who are attending are attending are attending >> now I've actually offered them something >> now I've actually offered them something >> now I've actually offered them something they're interested in which is making they're interested in which is making they're interested in which is making connections with people and then from connections with people and then from connections with people and then from there we follow up to offer what do you there we follow up to offer what do you there we follow up to offer what do you need and everybody has different needs. need and everybody has different needs. need and everybody has different needs. Some people just want to join teams Some people just want to join teams Some people just want to join teams because they're just like I just want to because they're just like I just want to because they're just like I just want to serve. serve. serve. >> Some people they really just need a lot >> Some people they really just need a lot >> Some people they really just need a lot of care and so maybe they need a support of care and so maybe they need a support of care and so maybe they need a support group and we're going to offer that to group and we're going to offer that to group and we're going to offer that to you. Some people may need marriage you. Some people may need marriage you. Some people may need marriage mentoring. We're going to offer that to mentoring. We're going to offer that to mentoring. We're going to offer that to you. So it really depends and what we've you. So it really depends and what we've you. So it really depends and what we've seen is people taking significant next seen is people taking significant next seen is people taking significant next steps once they out of that event and steps once they out of that event and steps once they out of that event and that has really changed the past because that has really changed the past because that has really changed the past because in the past we would only be marketing in the past we would only be marketing in the past we would only be marketing teams and groups roll in relationship teams and groups roll in relationship teams and groups roll in relationship join a you know get into a role and join a you know get into a role and join a you know get into a role and connect with a relationship and well connect with a relationship and well connect with a relationship and well that's still good I'm not saying that's that's still good I'm not saying that's that's still good I'm not saying that's not good or not needed it's not the only not good or not needed it's not the only not good or not needed it's not the only thing that people are looking for.

thing that people are looking for. thing that people are looking for. >> Yeah that's interesting. Can we I'd love >> Yeah that's interesting. Can we I'd love >> Yeah that's interesting. Can we I'd love to dive just a little deeper on on that to dive just a little deeper on on that to dive just a little deeper on on that because I think there's a a really key because I think there's a a really key because I think there's a a really key learning there for lots of us. Um this learning there for lots of us. Um this learning there for lots of us. Um this idea and you didn't say it this way, but idea and you didn't say it this way, but idea and you didn't say it this way, but where my brain went to, you know, I where my brain went to, you know, I where my brain went to, you know, I think we have we have for sure in the think we have we have for sure in the think we have we have for sure in the past done the thing where it's like we past done the thing where it's like we past done the thing where it's like we have these giant funnels that we're have these giant funnels that we're have these giant funnels that we're pushing everyone through and and the pushing everyone through and and the pushing everyone through and and the only question we're really asking is only question we're really asking is only question we're really asking is where do you fit in our funnel? like where do you fit in our funnel? like where do you fit in our funnel? like where you know and we and we push and where you know and we and we push and where you know and we and we push and literally and this is no you know kind literally and this is no you know kind literally and this is no you know kind of uh slam on other systems but it's of uh slam on other systems but it's of uh slam on other systems but it's like this is the you know step one step like this is the you know step one step like this is the you know step one step two step three everyone do step one two step three everyone do step one two step three everyone do step one first then you do step two then you do first then you do step two then you do first then you do step two then you do step three so the the connecting step three so the the connecting step three so the the connecting conversation that feels like highly uh conversation that feels like highly uh conversation that feels like highly uh like it's volunteer intensive you got to like it's volunteer intensive you got to like it's volunteer intensive you got to get a lot of volunteers in there cuz it get a lot of volunteers in there cuz it get a lot of volunteers in there cuz it sounds like you're having one-on-one sounds like you're having one-on-one sounds like you're having one-on-one conversations or something close to conversations or something close to conversations or something close to one-on-one unpack what that looks like one-on-one unpack what that looks like one-on-one unpack what that looks like maybe as a guest if I arrive at that maybe as a guest if I arrive at that maybe as a guest if I arrive at that what do I actually experience when I what do I actually experience when I what do I actually experience when I show up there. show up there. show up there. >> So, you you can register up until the >> So, you you can register up until the >> So, you you can register up until the time that we have the event. So, we do time that we have the event. So, we do time that we have the event. So, we do math, you know, magical math with the math, you know, magical math with the math, you know, magical math with the food and and the preparation so that we food and and the preparation so that we food and and the preparation so that we can just accept people who are going to can just accept people who are going to can just accept people who are going to come on the day of because we promote it come on the day of because we promote it come on the day of because we promote it obviously every week and then the day of obviously every week and then the day of obviously every week and then the day of we actually promote it. We get most we actually promote it. We get most we actually promote it. We get most people to show up the day of the event, people to show up the day of the event, people to show up the day of the event, >> right? So people will come, there's >> right? So people will come, there's >> right? So people will come, there's going to be a lunch, and then they're going to be a lunch, and then they're going to be a lunch, and then they're going to sit at a table with about five going to sit at a table with about five going to sit at a table with about five other people who have a facilitator at other people who have a facilitator at other people who have a facilitator at that table. And that facilitator is that table. And that facilitator is that table. And that facilitator is actually going to lead them through a actually going to lead them through a actually going to lead them through a series of relational icebreers because series of relational icebreers because series of relational icebreers because the event is designed for you to first

the event is designed for you to first the event is designed for you to first connect. You want to meet other people connect. You want to meet other people connect. You want to meet other people who are just like you. Maybe they're new who are just like you. Maybe they're new who are just like you. Maybe they're new or they're not new, but they haven't or they're not new, but they haven't or they're not new, but they haven't connected yet with somebody. And so connected yet with somebody. And so connected yet with somebody. And so there's going to be a lot of relational there's going to be a lot of relational there's going to be a lot of relational icebreers at, you know, during the first icebreers at, you know, during the first icebreers at, you know, during the first part of the event. And then after that part of the event. And then after that part of the event. And then after that we get into like, hey, what are you we get into like, hey, what are you we get into like, hey, what are you looking for? What are you hoping to get looking for? What are you hoping to get looking for? What are you hoping to get out of? What do you need? What are you out of? What do you need? What are you out of? What do you need? What are you interested in? We make notes. That interested in? We make notes. That interested in? We make notes. That facilitator takes really good notes facilitator takes really good notes facilitator takes really good notes based on what people are saying and then based on what people are saying and then based on what people are saying and then the follow-up begins. the follow-up begins. the follow-up begins. >> That's so cool. I love that. That's uh >> That's so cool. I love that. That's uh >> That's so cool. I love that. That's uh what a great learning. You know, I think what a great learning. You know, I think what a great learning. You know, I think so many times we've seen that step and so many times we've seen that step and so many times we've seen that step and for sure that echoes what I've seen in a for sure that echoes what I've seen in a for sure that echoes what I've seen in a number of churches. There's really a number of churches. There's really a number of churches. There's really a trend away from the class being the trend away from the class being the trend away from the class being the first step. It's like the stand that we first step. It's like the stand that we first step. It's like the stand that we used to do that thing where it was like, used to do that thing where it was like, used to do that thing where it was like, okay, someone stands up at the front and okay, someone stands up at the front and okay, someone stands up at the front and they're gonna talk for 50 minutes about they're gonna talk for 50 minutes about they're gonna talk for 50 minutes about why we're such a great church and uh you why we're such a great church and uh you why we're such a great church and uh you know that really has gone away. I would know that really has gone away. I would know that really has gone away. I would I would echo that that we've seen that I would echo that that we've seen that I would echo that that we've seen that as a as a best practice for sure. as a as a best practice for sure. as a as a best practice for sure. >> Oh, sorry. I was going to say we measure >> Oh, sorry. I was going to say we measure >> Oh, sorry. I was going to say we measure the activity of everyone who goes to the activity of everyone who goes to the activity of everyone who goes to connect and conversation and what they connect and conversation and what they connect and conversation and what they do.

do. do. >> Oh, yeah. Tell me about that. >> Oh, yeah. Tell me about that. >> Oh, yeah. Tell me about that. >> And so there's how we say it at liquid >> And so there's how we say it at liquid >> And so there's how we say it at liquid is it's correlation causation. like I is it's correlation causation. like I is it's correlation causation. like I can't prove that if you go to this can't prove that if you go to this can't prove that if you go to this event, your next steps were a direct event, your next steps were a direct event, your next steps were a direct result of this event, but we can result of this event, but we can result of this event, but we can correlate that because you came to the correlate that because you came to the correlate that because you came to the event, you actually took these next event, you actually took these next event, you actually took these next steps, if that makes sense. So, we've steps, if that makes sense. So, we've steps, if that makes sense. So, we've seen tremendous tremendous engagement seen tremendous tremendous engagement seen tremendous tremendous engagement grow because of that. grow because of that. grow because of that. >> And that's on Sundays. You do it on on >> And that's on Sundays. You do it on on >> And that's on Sundays. You do it on on campus after the last service, that sort campus after the last service, that sort campus after the last service, that sort of thing. of thing. of thing. >> Yes. every month at every campus after >> Yes. every month at every campus after >> Yes. every month at every campus after the last service. We promote it up till the last service. We promote it up till the last service. We promote it up till the day of the event the day of the event the day of the event >> and we do it rain or shine whether it's >> and we do it rain or shine whether it's >> and we do it rain or shine whether it's five people or 10 or 50. Obviously, at five people or 10 or 50. Obviously, at five people or 10 or 50. Obviously, at our largest location, sometimes we have our largest location, sometimes we have our largest location, sometimes we have about a hundred people show up every about a hundred people show up every about a hundred people show up every month to these events. month to these events. month to these events. >> That's great. I love that. That's a >> That's great. I love that. That's a >> That's great. I love that. That's a great You're coming in hot, Kyra. Great great You're coming in hot, Kyra. Great great You're coming in hot, Kyra. Great learnings. You know, with friends, we've learnings. You know, with friends, we've learnings. You know, with friends, we've got through the first question. So, got through the first question. So, got through the first question. So, yeah, and we're, you know, it's yeah, and we're, you know, it's yeah, and we're, you know, it's fantastic. So the one of the qu one of fantastic. So the one of the qu one of fantastic. So the one of the qu one of the things I'd love to hear a little bit the things I'd love to hear a little bit the things I'd love to hear a little bit about um you know that when we look in about um you know that when we look in about um you know that when we look in the data people's anxiety there's there the data people's anxiety there's there the data people's anxiety there's there seems to be some anxiety around or seems to be some anxiety around or seems to be some anxiety around or concern around discipling people um we concern around discipling people um we concern around discipling people um we we offer these disciplehip pathways or we offer these disciplehip pathways or we offer these disciplehip pathways or engagement pathways and it's like we do engagement pathways and it's like we do engagement pathways and it's like we do this stuff but then people don't this stuff but then people don't this stuff but then people don't actually take advantage of it. It's like actually take advantage of it. It's like actually take advantage of it. It's like we do we offer small groups but people we do we offer small groups but people we do we offer small groups but people don't do them or people we offer classes don't do them or people we offer classes don't do them or people we offer classes and people don't actually engage on and people don't actually engage on and people don't actually engage on them. What are you doing to try to move them. What are you doing to try to move them. What are you doing to try to move to to ensure people are actually to to ensure people are actually to to ensure people are actually engaging with the various path pathways engaging with the various path pathways engaging with the various path pathways that you're developing at Liquid to

that you're developing at Liquid to that you're developing at Liquid to actually get them? actually get them? actually get them? >> This is a very interesting question in >> This is a very interesting question in >> This is a very interesting question in this particular time because at Liquid this particular time because at Liquid this particular time because at Liquid we're just about um getting ready to or we're just about um getting ready to or we're just about um getting ready to or just ready to uh blow up small groups just ready to uh blow up small groups just ready to uh blow up small groups basically. basically. basically. >> Oh, nice. Okay. I'd love to hear more. >> Oh, nice. Okay. I'd love to hear more. >> Oh, nice. Okay. I'd love to hear more. Let's hear more. Let's hear more. Let's hear more. >> Yes. I would say that small groups was >> Yes. I would say that small groups was >> Yes. I would say that small groups was the one metric that did not recover for the one metric that did not recover for the one metric that did not recover for our church post pandemic. So even though our church post pandemic. So even though our church post pandemic. So even though our volunteer pipelines at times felt our volunteer pipelines at times felt our volunteer pipelines at times felt thin, we were able to have incredible thin, we were able to have incredible thin, we were able to have incredible momentum around that. We can talk more momentum around that. We can talk more momentum around that. We can talk more about that later. How did we do that? Um about that later. How did we do that? Um about that later. How did we do that? Um there's we recovered in attendance and there's we recovered in attendance and there's we recovered in attendance and giving baptism, but we were not able to giving baptism, but we were not able to giving baptism, but we were not able to crack the code on small groups people. crack the code on small groups people. crack the code on small groups people. We were at our all-time low about 20% of We were at our all-time low about 20% of We were at our all-time low about 20% of our church. our church. our church. >> Oh wow. Yeah. >> Oh wow. Yeah. >> Oh wow. Yeah. >> Engage in small groups. It's pretty low. >> Engage in small groups. It's pretty low. >> Engage in small groups. It's pretty low. And so we started surveying people. And so we started surveying people. And so we started surveying people. We're like, what is it that people We're like, what is it that people We're like, what is it that people actually want um from the small groups? actually want um from the small groups? actually want um from the small groups? Like what is it that we're not offering Like what is it that we're not offering Like what is it that we're not offering that they're looking for? And the one it that they're looking for? And the one it that they're looking for? And the one it was shocking to us that the number one was shocking to us that the number one was shocking to us that the number one thing I mean it shouldn't be shocking thing I mean it shouldn't be shocking thing I mean it shouldn't be shocking because we are a church. The number one because we are a church. The number one because we are a church. The number one thing that people wanted was to thing that people wanted was to thing that people wanted was to understand the Bible. So for the first understand the Bible. So for the first understand the Bible. So for the first time ever, we have uncoupled time ever, we have uncoupled time ever, we have uncoupled relational connection from biblical relational connection from biblical relational connection from biblical literacy.

literacy. literacy. >> In the past, our small groups, the thing >> In the past, our small groups, the thing >> In the past, our small groups, the thing that was in the driver's seat, I would that was in the driver's seat, I would that was in the driver's seat, I would say, was the relational connection. We say, was the relational connection. We say, was the relational connection. We wanted people to connect, to join a wanted people to connect, to join a wanted people to connect, to join a group so that they could make friends, group so that they could make friends, group so that they could make friends, do life together. We used to um promote do life together. We used to um promote do life together. We used to um promote it that way. If you remember, do life it that way. If you remember, do life it that way. If you remember, do life together or the people that you're doing together or the people that you're doing together or the people that you're doing life together. it. For the first time life together. it. For the first time life together. it. For the first time ever, we're actually putting putting ever, we're actually putting putting ever, we're actually putting putting biblical literacy in the front seat biblical literacy in the front seat biblical literacy in the front seat >> and relational connection on the >> and relational connection on the >> and relational connection on the passenger seat. passenger seat. passenger seat. >> So, you will actually make connections, >> So, you will actually make connections, >> So, you will actually make connections, but that's not the goal of this process but that's not the goal of this process but that's not the goal of this process right now. The process is for you to right now. The process is for you to right now. The process is for you to actually understand and read and study actually understand and read and study actually understand and read and study the word of God. In fact, our new the word of God. In fact, our new the word of God. In fact, our new tagline is to know the word of God so tagline is to know the word of God so tagline is to know the word of God so that you can love the God of the word. that you can love the God of the word. that you can love the God of the word. >> Yeah, that's great. And is that so have >> Yeah, that's great. And is that so have >> Yeah, that's great. And is that so have you changed the you changed the you changed the >> the container that that fits in? Are you >> the container that that fits in? Are you >> the container that that fits in? Are you are you changing the like are you changing the like are you changing the like >> We changed the container. So we're >> We changed the container. So we're >> We changed the container. So we're offering people different levels of offering people different levels of offering people different levels of biblical literacy. The biggest vehicle biblical literacy. The biggest vehicle biblical literacy. The biggest vehicle that we're that we just piloted this that we're that we just piloted this that we're that we just piloted this fall through the book of Revelations, if fall through the book of Revelations, if fall through the book of Revelations, if you can believe it. So we're like, why you can believe it. So we're like, why you can believe it. So we're like, why not start with the hardest book of the not start with the hardest book of the not start with the hardest book of the Bible?

Bible? Bible? And what we did was we created a Bible And what we did was we created a Bible And what we did was we created a Bible study midweek study midweek study midweek >> on a Wednesday night where people would >> on a Wednesday night where people would >> on a Wednesday night where people would go in person go in person go in person >> and study the word of God in tables with >> and study the word of God in tables with >> and study the word of God in tables with other people. Now obviously there's other people. Now obviously there's other people. Now obviously there's facilitators who have been trained and facilitators who have been trained and facilitators who have been trained and vetted and once you join a table that vetted and once you join a table that vetted and once you join a table that was kind of like the table that you were was kind of like the table that you were was kind of like the table that you were going go on this journey with going go on this journey with going go on this journey with >> but it's not a small group. It's a it's >> but it's not a small group. It's a it's >> but it's not a small group. It's a it's a short term. It was 10 weeks. Mhm. a short term. It was 10 weeks. Mhm. a short term. It was 10 weeks. Mhm. >> Uh we went through the entire book of >> Uh we went through the entire book of >> Uh we went through the entire book of Revelations, 22 chapters. We would do Revelations, 22 chapters. We would do Revelations, 22 chapters. We would do homework in order to get ready for this homework in order to get ready for this homework in order to get ready for this midweek study. We would come, we would midweek study. We would come, we would midweek study. We would come, we would have a conversation around what did you have a conversation around what did you have a conversation around what did you put in question 10? What did I write? put in question 10? What did I write? put in question 10? What did I write? This was hard. I don't understand. And This was hard. I don't understand. And This was hard. I don't understand. And then there was teaching. then there was teaching. then there was teaching. >> And we also piloted doing that same >> And we also piloted doing that same >> And we also piloted doing that same thing with our high school students so thing with our high school students so thing with our high school students so that parents could actually come with that parents could actually come with that parents could actually come with their kids on the same day, drop their their kids on the same day, drop their their kids on the same day, drop their high school kiddos in their own cohort high school kiddos in their own cohort high school kiddos in their own cohort and then they would go to their own and then they would go to their own and then they would go to their own biblical midweek, you know, uh, Bible biblical midweek, you know, uh, Bible biblical midweek, you know, uh, Bible study. And that was to a great success.

study. And that was to a great success. study. And that was to a great success. So we are trying to figure out like what So we are trying to figure out like what So we are trying to figure out like what are the appropriate levels of biblical are the appropriate levels of biblical are the appropriate levels of biblical literacy that we can offer a literacy that we can offer a literacy that we can offer a congregation that is congregation that is congregation that is >> increasingly illiterate in bibl in in >> increasingly illiterate in bibl in in >> increasingly illiterate in bibl in in the Bible and deep dive make no mistake the Bible and deep dive make no mistake the Bible and deep dive make no mistake is the highest level. So that's not for is the highest level. So that's not for is the highest level. So that's not for everyone and we understand that. And so everyone and we understand that. And so everyone and we understand that. And so the parts that we're trying to figure the parts that we're trying to figure the parts that we're trying to figure out is what's like the appropriate next out is what's like the appropriate next out is what's like the appropriate next level to that for somebody who's not level to that for somebody who's not level to that for somebody who's not willing to come in person 10 weeks to willing to come in person 10 weeks to willing to come in person 10 weeks to and do homework and study, you know, the and do homework and study, you know, the and do homework and study, you know, the actual Bible. But um it it was actual Bible. But um it it was actual Bible. But um it it was fascinating to just uncouple those two fascinating to just uncouple those two fascinating to just uncouple those two things for the first time. And I would things for the first time. And I would things for the first time. And I would say it's in the right frame of in the say it's in the right frame of in the say it's in the right frame of in the right approach. You're still making right approach. You're still making right approach. You're still making friends. You're just not that's just not friends. You're just not that's just not friends. You're just not that's just not being the driver. being the driver. being the driver. >> Right. Yeah. I do wonder. So we for sure >> Right. Yeah. I do wonder. So we for sure >> Right. Yeah. I do wonder. So we for sure have seen that. I've seen this um have seen that. I've seen this um have seen that. I've seen this um conversation. I I don't claim to be a conversation. I I don't claim to be a conversation. I I don't claim to be a small groups expert. I never have like small groups expert. I never have like small groups expert. I never have like for 20 30 years. It's always been a for 20 30 years. It's always been a for 20 30 years. It's always been a mystery to me. I'm like I don't it's mystery to me. I'm like I don't it's mystery to me. I'm like I don't it's like hard. It's a hard system to run and like hard. It's a hard system to run and like hard. It's a hard system to run and to to build and um but for sure postco to to build and um but for sure postco to to build and um but for sure postco it it is I would say that's a universal it it is I would say that's a universal it it is I would say that's a universal concern that it's like whatever we used concern that it's like whatever we used concern that it's like whatever we used to do I see this all over the place.

to do I see this all over the place. to do I see this all over the place. Whatever we used to do to try to get Whatever we used to do to try to get Whatever we used to do to try to get people into groups, we don't do that people into groups, we don't do that people into groups, we don't do that anymore. We're doing something anymore. We're doing something anymore. We're doing something completely different. I happened to be completely different. I happened to be completely different. I happened to be at Liquid this fall. I think you were at Liquid this fall. I think you were at Liquid this fall. I think you were speaking at a conference when I was speaking at a conference when I was speaking at a conference when I was there. Bummer. there. Bummer. there. Bummer. >> And I saw the deep dive. I think that's >> And I saw the deep dive. I think that's >> And I saw the deep dive. I think that's what it was called. Deep dive that what it was called. Deep dive that what it was called. Deep dive that night. And I remember I remember night. And I remember I remember night. And I remember I remember thinking I was like, whoa, this is like thinking I was like, whoa, this is like thinking I was like, whoa, this is like a this is incredible. Like, you know, I a this is incredible. Like, you know, I a this is incredible. Like, you know, I don't know how many people were there don't know how many people were there don't know how many people were there that night. There was a ton of people that night. There was a ton of people that night. There was a ton of people all lined up and ready to go. I'm like, all lined up and ready to go. I'm like, all lined up and ready to go. I'm like, that's that's cool. I love that. Well, that's that's cool. I love that. Well, that's that's cool. I love that. Well, let's pivot. You kind of flagged it let's pivot. You kind of flagged it let's pivot. You kind of flagged it there. The volunteer piece. Yes. there. The volunteer piece. Yes. there. The volunteer piece. Yes. >> Uh I'd love to know what you're learning >> Uh I'd love to know what you're learning >> Uh I'd love to know what you're learning on this front. Uh, you know, to rebuild on this front. Uh, you know, to rebuild on this front. Uh, you know, to rebuild volunteer culture. we had this kind of I volunteer culture. we had this kind of I volunteer culture. we had this kind of I don't know when we'll stop saying don't know when we'll stop saying don't know when we'll stop saying postcoid. I I don't know whether we'll postcoid. I I don't know whether we'll postcoid. I I don't know whether we'll be like that generation that was like be like that generation that was like be like that generation that was like after the like war or like after the after the like war or like after the after the like war or like after the depression where like for 40 years we're depression where like for 40 years we're depression where like for 40 years we're going to be talking about it but it does going to be talking about it but it does going to be talking about it but it does still feel like we're postco I don't still feel like we're postco I don't still feel like we're postco I don't know when that is but what have you done know when that is but what have you done know when that is but what have you done to kind of restart how what's going well to kind of restart how what's going well to kind of restart how what's going well on that front externally liquid feels on that front externally liquid feels on that front externally liquid feels like a incredibly volunteer um you know like a incredibly volunteer um you know like a incredibly volunteer um you know robust culture help us understand what's robust culture help us understand what's robust culture help us understand what's that looking like what are you learning that looking like what are you learning that looking like what are you learning these days these days these days >> sure yeah I I mean >> sure yeah I I mean >> sure yeah I I mean everything you said is still very much a everything you said is still very much a everything you said is still very much a factor. I mean we are constantly having factor. I mean we are constantly having factor. I mean we are constantly having to work at this. This is never going to to work at this. This is never going to to work at this. This is never going to be a problem that I feel we're ever be a problem that I feel we're ever be a problem that I feel we're ever going to solve. It's really attention going to solve. It's really attention going to solve. It's really attention that we're managing and sometimes that we're managing and sometimes that we're managing and sometimes attention feels better and sometimes it attention feels better and sometimes it attention feels better and sometimes it doesn't feel good. Um, in fact, this doesn't feel good. Um, in fact, this doesn't feel good. Um, in fact, this year, I would say in March, we probably year, I would say in March, we probably year, I would say in March, we probably had like our biggest crisis uh in the had like our biggest crisis uh in the had like our biggest crisis uh in the broadcast campus where our church growth

broadcast campus where our church growth broadcast campus where our church growth so far outpaced the amount of people so far outpaced the amount of people so far outpaced the amount of people that were serving that we were finding that were serving that we were finding that were serving that we were finding ourselves having to close rooms for ourselves having to close rooms for ourselves having to close rooms for liquid family, not because we hit liquid family, not because we hit liquid family, not because we hit ratios, but because we didn't have ratios, but because we didn't have ratios, but because we didn't have enough volunteers. And that doesn't feel enough volunteers. And that doesn't feel enough volunteers. And that doesn't feel great, especially if you're new to your great, especially if you're new to your great, especially if you're new to your family, right? family, right? family, right? >> Yes. And so we were like, "All right, we >> Yes. And so we were like, "All right, we >> Yes. And so we were like, "All right, we need to do something really aggressive." need to do something really aggressive." need to do something really aggressive." And the best way that I can explain it And the best way that I can explain it And the best way that I can explain it is we did like a try before you buy. is we did like a try before you buy. is we did like a try before you buy. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> very low approach, lowhanging fruit. Um, >> very low approach, lowhanging fruit. Um, >> very low approach, lowhanging fruit. Um, we said, "Hey, we we casted a vision, we said, "Hey, we we casted a vision, we said, "Hey, we we casted a vision, right? It's never about we need right? It's never about we need right? It's never about we need volunteers, but we actually told a volunteers, but we actually told a volunteers, but we actually told a really significant story really significant story really significant story >> of here's all the fruit that the Lord is >> of here's all the fruit that the Lord is >> of here's all the fruit that the Lord is >> bringing to this church. All the >> bringing to this church. All the >> bringing to this church. All the spiritual fruit that we're seeing, like spiritual fruit that we're seeing, like spiritual fruit that we're seeing, like people are getting saved, people are people are getting saved, people are people are getting saved, people are getting baptized, they're coming to get getting baptized, they're coming to get getting baptized, they're coming to get to know Jesus, they're studying the to know Jesus, they're studying the to know Jesus, they're studying the Bible. It was incredible. Bible. It was incredible. Bible. It was incredible. >> But we need people to use their >> But we need people to use their >> But we need people to use their spiritual gifts. spiritual gifts. spiritual gifts. >> And so we came up with a campaign called >> And so we came up with a campaign called >> And so we came up with a campaign called For the One. For the One. For the One. >> And everything was geared for that one >> And everything was geared for that one >> And everything was geared for that one person. like who's who are you going to person. like who's who are you going to person. like who's who are you going to go serve? Who's the one that you're go serve? Who's the one that you're go serve? Who's the one that you're going to go serve? And the tribe for you going to go serve? And the tribe for you going to go serve? And the tribe for you guy was we're going to give you a guy was we're going to give you a guy was we're going to give you a hoodie. We designed a hoodie. It was hoodie. We designed a hoodie. It was hoodie. We designed a hoodie. It was called it was, you know, had the tagline called it was, you know, had the tagline called it was, you know, had the tagline for the one. And the key is you only get for the one. And the key is you only get for the one. And the key is you only get it after you serve a couple of times.

it after you serve a couple of times. it after you serve a couple of times. >> Okay, that's cool. >> Okay, that's cool. >> Okay, that's cool. >> Try before you buy. You know, you're >> Try before you buy. You know, you're >> Try before you buy. You know, you're going to try it out. You're not going to going to try it out. You're not going to going to try it out. You're not going to go through the whole background pipeline go through the whole background pipeline go through the whole background pipeline covenant process because we need people covenant process because we need people covenant process because we need people now and we need them quick. now and we need them quick. now and we need them quick. >> So, you're trying before you're buying. >> So, you're trying before you're buying. >> So, you're trying before you're buying. But if you like it and we're going to But if you like it and we're going to But if you like it and we're going to make sure that first serve experience is make sure that first serve experience is make sure that first serve experience is incredible for you, then we want you to incredible for you, then we want you to incredible for you, then we want you to buy it. Um, and we're going to reward buy it. Um, and we're going to reward buy it. Um, and we're going to reward you by giving you swag that's limited, you by giving you swag that's limited, you by giving you swag that's limited, exclusive, not everybody's going to get exclusive, not everybody's going to get exclusive, not everybody's going to get it. You it. You it. You >> rich, you would be surprised like I'm >> rich, you would be surprised like I'm >> rich, you would be surprised like I'm still to this day, I have been liquid. still to this day, I have been liquid. still to this day, I have been liquid. It'll be 13 years in April. And I am It'll be 13 years in April. And I am It'll be 13 years in April. And I am still shocked by how much people the still shocked by how much people the still shocked by how much people the gamification gamification gamification of playing to people's particular of playing to people's particular of playing to people's particular interest. Whether it's FOMO, they don't interest. Whether it's FOMO, they don't interest. Whether it's FOMO, they don't want to miss out. Whether it's the idea want to miss out. Whether it's the idea want to miss out. Whether it's the idea of collecting exclusive apparel, there's of collecting exclusive apparel, there's of collecting exclusive apparel, there's something here for everyone that just something here for everyone that just something here for everyone that just draws people out. draws people out. draws people out. >> We had over 400 people sign up. Wow. For >> We had over 400 people sign up. Wow. For >> We had over 400 people sign up. Wow. For the the the >> It was incredible. And we were able to >> It was incredible. And we were able to >> It was incredible. And we were able to tell amazing stories of people who were tell amazing stories of people who were tell amazing stories of people who were coming and showing up and serving coming and showing up and serving coming and showing up and serving whether it was our special needs kiddos whether it was our special needs kiddos whether it was our special needs kiddos or high whatever you want to call it we or high whatever you want to call it we or high whatever you want to call it we had it and and I would say the appeal of had it and and I would say the appeal of had it and and I would say the appeal of a try before you buy how can you short a try before you buy how can you short a try before you buy how can you short change without so this is key you don't change without so this is key you don't change without so this is key you don't want to reduce the quality but you do want to reduce the quality but you do want to reduce the quality but you do want to shorten your pipeline so that want to shorten your pipeline so that want to shorten your pipeline so that you can get people quicker to try it and you can get people quicker to try it and you can get people quicker to try it and then once they actually feel like Hey, I then once they actually feel like Hey, I then once they actually feel like Hey, I really enjoy this now. We're going to

really enjoy this now. We're going to really enjoy this now. We're going to get you through the whole, you know, get you through the whole, you know, get you through the whole, you know, rest of the process, right? Um, but you rest of the process, right? Um, but you rest of the process, right? Um, but you can still serve while we do that. So, can still serve while we do that. So, can still serve while we do that. So, that was a huge thing. And then that was a huge thing. And then that was a huge thing. And then obviously, you know, like the free obviously, you know, like the free obviously, you know, like the free apparel swag, that always is a nice apparel swag, that always is a nice apparel swag, that always is a nice incentive to give to people. incentive to give to people. incentive to give to people. >> That was very successful. And then >> That was very successful. And then >> That was very successful. And then that's what I would recommend is like, that's what I would recommend is like, that's what I would recommend is like, hey, can you run try before you buy hey, can you run try before you buy hey, can you run try before you buy little events with like swag and like little events with like swag and like little events with like swag and like you you get you have people serve for a you you get you have people serve for a you you get you have people serve for a limited amount of time. Like you don't limited amount of time. Like you don't limited amount of time. Like you don't give them the swag immediately. You make give them the swag immediately. You make give them the swag immediately. You make them work for it. They got to serve them work for it. They got to serve them work for it. They got to serve three, four times before you give it to three, four times before you give it to three, four times before you give it to them. them. them. >> Yeah. We did a similar thing last >> Yeah. We did a similar thing last >> Yeah. We did a similar thing last summer. Our our kids ministry team did a summer. Our our kids ministry team did a summer. Our our kids ministry team did a similar thing last summer where we did similar thing last summer where we did similar thing last summer where we did the summer serve, which we hadn't done the summer serve, which we hadn't done the summer serve, which we hadn't done in in actually a number of years. And in in actually a number of years. And in in actually a number of years. And they they pulled that out and did summer they they pulled that out and did summer they they pulled that out and did summer serve. And it was the same thing. If you serve. And it was the same thing. If you serve. And it was the same thing. If you signed up, you got a t-shirt, a specific signed up, you got a t-shirt, a specific signed up, you got a t-shirt, a specific t-shirt for that. And then you um there t-shirt for that. And then you um there t-shirt for that. And then you um there was they basically were asking you to was they basically were asking you to was they basically were asking you to serve once in June, once in July, once serve once in June, once in July, once serve once in June, once in July, once in August, like once a month just for in August, like once a month just for in August, like once a month just for the summertime. And if you served um I the summertime. And if you served um I the summertime. And if you served um I forget exactly what the ratio was, but forget exactly what the ratio was, but forget exactly what the ratio was, but it was you got entered in a draw for it was you got entered in a draw for it was you got entered in a draw for however many times. And basically, so if however many times. And basically, so if however many times. And basically, so if you served all three, you got like 10 you served all three, you got like 10 you served all three, you got like 10 times the number of draw things to win.

times the number of draw things to win. times the number of draw things to win. And it was all this stuff that you you And it was all this stuff that you you And it was all this stuff that you you could win. And it was like really great could win. And it was like really great could win. And it was like really great gifts. And you would think that that gifts. And you would think that that gifts. And you would think that that should not motivate people, should not motivate people, should not motivate people, >> but it does. >> but it does. >> but it does. >> But it does. It does. >> But it does. It does. >> But it does. It does. >> And uh and you know, and it was and you >> And uh and you know, and it was and you >> And uh and you know, and it was and you know, they did it in a really fun, you know, they did it in a really fun, you know, they did it in a really fun, you know, hey, this is going to be a fun know, hey, this is going to be a fun know, hey, this is going to be a fun thing to be a part of. Talk to me about thing to be a part of. Talk to me about thing to be a part of. Talk to me about the the because there's a friction thing the the because there's a friction thing the the because there's a friction thing there to learn around trying to reduce there to learn around trying to reduce there to learn around trying to reduce the friction, the kind of onboarding the friction, the kind of onboarding the friction, the kind of onboarding friction. Um I think over time that friction. Um I think over time that friction. Um I think over time that stuff can become um you know it's it's stuff can become um you know it's it's stuff can become um you know it's it's the we actually are like our we can the we actually are like our we can the we actually are like our we can become just too hard for our people. become just too hard for our people. become just too hard for our people. What did you learn through that process What did you learn through that process What did you learn through that process in in trying to find that balance of in in trying to find that balance of in in trying to find that balance of like we want to make it easier to like we want to make it easier to like we want to make it easier to onboard people but we still want to is onboard people but we still want to is onboard people but we still want to is there any kind of lessons from that when there any kind of lessons from that when there any kind of lessons from that when you look back on that? you look back on that? you look back on that? >> To me the lesson really is again it >> To me the lesson really is again it >> To me the lesson really is again it there is a tension between you can't there is a tension between you can't there is a tension between you can't short change especially when it comes to short change especially when it comes to short change especially when it comes to kids. I can't emphasize this enough like kids. I can't emphasize this enough like kids. I can't emphasize this enough like I do all of these ministries and it I do all of these ministries and it I do all of these ministries and it would be would be would be >> not on my watch will will this happen >> not on my watch will will this happen >> not on my watch will will this happen right so we have to make be very sure right so we have to make be very sure right so we have to make be very sure that we're not shortch changing the that we're not shortch changing the that we're not shortch changing the safety procedures safety procedures safety procedures >> at the same time recognizing these >> at the same time recognizing these >> at the same time recognizing these things can take some time right like we things can take some time right like we things can take some time right like we ask people to get a background check ask people to get a background check ask people to get a background check they have to be interviewed they have to they have to be interviewed they have to they have to be interviewed they have to sign a covenant they have to have a sign a covenant they have to have a sign a covenant they have to have a reference I mean these things this is a reference I mean these things this is a reference I mean these things this is a lengthy process lengthy process lengthy process >> and I stand by it. We have to do that at >> and I stand by it. We have to do that at >> and I stand by it. We have to do that at the same time. Can we actually live in a the same time. Can we actually live in a the same time. Can we actually live in a world where we are marrying our need to world where we are marrying our need to world where we are marrying our need to have someone in the room while also

have someone in the room while also have someone in the room while also still doing all of these things still doing all of these things still doing all of these things simultaneously, not actually waiting for simultaneously, not actually waiting for simultaneously, not actually waiting for all of this to happen so that then they all of this to happen so that then they all of this to happen so that then they can come. And that's kind of how we can come. And that's kind of how we can come. And that's kind of how we figured it out. Our liquid family pastor figured it out. Our liquid family pastor figured it out. Our liquid family pastor came up with a process where she's like, came up with a process where she's like, came up with a process where she's like, "Okay, we can shorten it this time. "Okay, we can shorten it this time. "Okay, we can shorten it this time. They're only going to do these three They're only going to do these three They're only going to do these three things, not four, not six. things, not four, not six. things, not four, not six. >> But while they're in the room trying it, >> But while they're in the room trying it, >> But while they're in the room trying it, we're going to continue to do the other we're going to continue to do the other we're going to continue to do the other remaining four. Um, it's messy. It's not remaining four. Um, it's messy. It's not remaining four. Um, it's messy. It's not always the best thing to do. In an ideal always the best thing to do. In an ideal always the best thing to do. In an ideal world, you are not doing that. world, you are not doing that. world, you are not doing that. >> But when you're faced with crisis, then >> But when you're faced with crisis, then >> But when you're faced with crisis, then you need to come up with, you know, you need to come up with, you know, you need to come up with, you know, resourceful ideas. And so, what I would resourceful ideas. And so, what I would resourceful ideas. And so, what I would say about the volunteer pipeline is say about the volunteer pipeline is say about the volunteer pipeline is this. It's a there are short-term this. It's a there are short-term this. It's a there are short-term problems that you have to solve while problems that you have to solve while problems that you have to solve while you're still working on this very long you're still working on this very long you're still working on this very long term. Like this is a culture that you term. Like this is a culture that you term. Like this is a culture that you have to create. And in order for you to have to create. And in order for you to have to create. And in order for you to create a culture, you have to tell create a culture, you have to tell create a culture, you have to tell stories. You have to celebrate what you stories. You have to celebrate what you stories. You have to celebrate what you want to be repeated. You have to make want to be repeated. You have to make want to be repeated. You have to make people feel thanked, encouraged, people feel thanked, encouraged, people feel thanked, encouraged, appreciated, seen. You can those are all appreciated, seen. You can those are all appreciated, seen. You can those are all long-term things that you have to be long-term things that you have to be long-term things that you have to be doing all the time. This is like non you doing all the time. This is like non you doing all the time. This is like non you can't take the gas off that pedal for can't take the gas off that pedal for can't take the gas off that pedal for sure. Pedal off that gas. your foot off sure. Pedal off that gas. your foot off sure. Pedal off that gas. your foot off the the pedal. But at the same time, the the pedal. But at the same time, the the pedal. But at the same time, there are things that are short term there are things that are short term there are things that are short term that you really do have to also do and that you really do have to also do and that you really do have to also do and sometimes that will require teaching sometimes that will require teaching sometimes that will require teaching from the stage where you're actually from the stage where you're actually from the stage where you're actually envisioning people about why this envisioning people about why this envisioning people about why this matters so much. And this is what we did matters so much. And this is what we did matters so much. And this is what we did in March with the for the one. So I in March with the for the one. So I in March with the for the one. So I would say it's it's both and it's not would say it's it's both and it's not would say it's it's both and it's not either or.

either or. either or. >> Um and so if that's helpful, that's how >> Um and so if that's helpful, that's how >> Um and so if that's helpful, that's how I would approach it. I would approach it. I would approach it. >> Yeah, that's super good. That's good. If >> Yeah, that's super good. That's good. If >> Yeah, that's super good. That's good. If there was a church that was, if you were there was a church that was, if you were there was a church that was, if you were sitting across the table from an sitting across the table from an sitting across the table from an executive pastor, maybe you're at a executive pastor, maybe you're at a executive pastor, maybe you're at a conference or someone drops in your conference or someone drops in your conference or someone drops in your office and they're they're feeling office and they're they're feeling office and they're they're feeling really stuck on this engagement issue. really stuck on this engagement issue. really stuck on this engagement issue. They feel low like these people were They feel low like these people were They feel low like these people were maybe it's groups, it's teams, it's all maybe it's groups, it's teams, it's all maybe it's groups, it's teams, it's all of it. Like it's we're not moving people of it. Like it's we're not moving people of it. Like it's we're not moving people through any kind of pipeline. What would through any kind of pipeline. What would through any kind of pipeline. What would be some of those first steps or first be some of those first steps or first be some of those first steps or first recommendations, first things you'd have recommendations, first things you'd have recommendations, first things you'd have them look at? Maybe like a diagnostic or them look at? Maybe like a diagnostic or them look at? Maybe like a diagnostic or first couple things that you'd have them first couple things that you'd have them first couple things that you'd have them think about? Well, I would say if think about? Well, I would say if think about? Well, I would say if there's a way for them to know of the there's a way for them to know of the there's a way for them to know of the people who are attending and maybe they people who are attending and maybe they people who are attending and maybe they figure this out with new here, figure this out with new here, figure this out with new here, >> how many of those people take one next >> how many of those people take one next >> how many of those people take one next step within the first month? step within the first month? step within the first month? >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That would be one diagnostic that I >> That would be one diagnostic that I >> That would be one diagnostic that I would first see if I can do with the would first see if I can do with the would first see if I can do with the data that I have and the data that they data that I have and the data that they data that I have and the data that they collect and they actually figure that collect and they actually figure that collect and they actually figure that out. If they're able to do that, then out. If they're able to do that, then out. If they're able to do that, then the next diagnostic would be what the next diagnostic would be what the next diagnostic would be what percent actually move into a people percent actually move into a people percent actually move into a people system, whether it's a group, a a deep system, whether it's a group, a a deep system, whether it's a group, a a deep dive experience, a a dream team within dive experience, a a dream team within dive experience, a a dream team within 60 to 90 days, right? Because if you do 60 to 90 days, right? Because if you do 60 to 90 days, right? Because if you do that, you're going to find the blockage.

that, you're going to find the blockage. that, you're going to find the blockage. You're actually going to discover maybe You're actually going to discover maybe You're actually going to discover maybe our attendance is fine. We don't have an our attendance is fine. We don't have an our attendance is fine. We don't have an invest and invite problem, but maybe invest and invite problem, but maybe invest and invite problem, but maybe what we have a problem with is our what we have a problem with is our what we have a problem with is our conversion rate. And so then you can conversion rate. And so then you can conversion rate. And so then you can start to identify what is it about our start to identify what is it about our start to identify what is it about our conversion that we need to fix. Is it conversion that we need to fix. Is it conversion that we need to fix. Is it that we have uh unclear on-ramps or is that we have uh unclear on-ramps or is that we have uh unclear on-ramps or is it that our processes are too high it that our processes are too high it that our processes are too high friction? It's too hard for people to friction? It's too hard for people to friction? It's too hard for people to get involved. get involved. get involved. >> Um if you actually find like no actually >> Um if you actually find like no actually >> Um if you actually find like no actually people are taking next steps, great, but people are taking next steps, great, but people are taking next steps, great, but they're not sticking to it, then you they're not sticking to it, then you they're not sticking to it, then you have a different problem. Then you can have a different problem. Then you can have a different problem. Then you can actually diagnose, oh, maybe the first actually diagnose, oh, maybe the first actually diagnose, oh, maybe the first serve experience actually wasn't sticky serve experience actually wasn't sticky serve experience actually wasn't sticky enough. It wasn't welcoming. Maybe there enough. It wasn't welcoming. Maybe there enough. It wasn't welcoming. Maybe there were issues with scheduling. Maybe we were issues with scheduling. Maybe we were issues with scheduling. Maybe we didn't give clear information. didn't give clear information. didn't give clear information. >> So, you can kind of figure out what the >> So, you can kind of figure out what the >> So, you can kind of figure out what the problem is based on how you're measuring problem is based on how you're measuring problem is based on how you're measuring it and what you're discovering. That's it and what you're discovering. That's it and what you're discovering. That's how I would start if I didn't know what how I would start if I didn't know what how I would start if I didn't know what the problem was. Does that make sense? the problem was. Does that make sense? the problem was. Does that make sense? >> Yeah, that's so good. That makes total >> Yeah, that's so good. That makes total >> Yeah, that's so good. That makes total sense. And, you know, it it definitely sense. And, you know, it it definitely sense. And, you know, it it definitely aligns with one of my bugaboos that I aligns with one of my bugaboos that I aligns with one of my bugaboos that I constantly driving with executive constantly driving with executive constantly driving with executive pastors. When you look at the actual pastors. When you look at the actual pastors. When you look at the actual numbers, I have not run into a church numbers, I have not run into a church numbers, I have not run into a church yet that this is not the case. Most yet that this is not the case. Most yet that this is not the case. Most churches actually have a front door churches actually have a front door churches actually have a front door problem. they don't have a backdoor problem. they don't have a backdoor problem. they don't have a backdoor problem. They their actual problem that problem. They their actual problem that problem. They their actual problem that we think we feel like oh like people we think we feel like oh like people we think we feel like oh like people aren't sticking and staying in groups.

aren't sticking and staying in groups. aren't sticking and staying in groups. They're not staying and volunteering. They're not staying and volunteering. They're not staying and volunteering. But statistically that's actually not But statistically that's actually not But statistically that's actually not true. When most of the time if you look true. When most of the time if you look true. When most of the time if you look at okay all the people that end up in a at okay all the people that end up in a at okay all the people that end up in a group, what is the kind of churn rate on group, what is the kind of churn rate on group, what is the kind of churn rate on that? Whatever that number is, I've that? Whatever that number is, I've that? Whatever that number is, I've never seen a church where it's higher never seen a church where it's higher never seen a church where it's higher than the people we're missing on the than the people we're missing on the than the people we're missing on the front end with exactly with what you front end with exactly with what you front end with exactly with what you said is how many people are we moving said is how many people are we moving said is how many people are we moving from new here to taking the first step from new here to taking the first step from new here to taking the first step in the first month because that you lose in the first month because that you lose in the first month because that you lose a ton of people in that door right a ton of people in that door right a ton of people in that door right there. that is a you know by a multiple there. that is a you know by a multiple there. that is a you know by a multiple of 10 or 20 like it's a lot more that of 10 or 20 like it's a lot more that of 10 or 20 like it's a lot more that we're missing out and you know generally we're missing out and you know generally we're missing out and you know generally in most churches in most churches in most churches >> that cuz I just want to encourage people >> that cuz I just want to encourage people >> that cuz I just want to encourage people like figure out a way to target your new like figure out a way to target your new like figure out a way to target your new here audience so at Liquid for example here audience so at Liquid for example here audience so at Liquid for example if you come for the first time not only if you come for the first time not only if you come for the first time not only do we encourage highly encourage you to do we encourage highly encourage you to do we encourage highly encourage you to tell us that you're here for the first tell us that you're here for the first tell us that you're here for the first time because we give you an awesome gift time because we give you an awesome gift time because we give you an awesome gift lots of churches do this but then we lots of churches do this but then we lots of churches do this but then we survey people who came for the first survey people who came for the first survey people who came for the first time time time >> and based on what they answer, they >> and based on what they answer, they >> and based on what they answer, they receive a custom followup process for receive a custom followup process for receive a custom followup process for the first 30 days.

the first 30 days. the first 30 days. >> We don't So, in that regard, like it is >> We don't So, in that regard, like it is >> We don't So, in that regard, like it is worth to look at that because you're worth to look at that because you're worth to look at that because you're going to find out a lot of information going to find out a lot of information going to find out a lot of information and a lot of data about what people are and a lot of data about what people are and a lot of data about what people are choosing to do, where are they going, choosing to do, where are they going, choosing to do, where are they going, why they're not sticking to it, or why why they're not sticking to it, or why why they're not sticking to it, or why they're not even going in the first they're not even going in the first they're not even going in the first place. place. place. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like I'm shocked that I've been to >> Like I'm shocked that I've been to >> Like I'm shocked that I've been to churches sometimes to speak and they churches sometimes to speak and they churches sometimes to speak and they don't actually really do like a new here don't actually really do like a new here don't actually really do like a new here call out. Like they don't call out. Like they don't call out. Like they don't >> Yeah, I was going to say that. You said, >> Yeah, I was going to say that. You said, >> Yeah, I was going to say that. You said, "Oh, churches do this." And I'd be like, "Oh, churches do this." And I'd be like, "Oh, churches do this." And I'd be like, "Gyra, I've been to way too many "Gyra, I've been to way too many "Gyra, I've been to way too many churches where they don't do any of churches where they don't do any of churches where they don't do any of that." And they're like, "Well, we're that." And they're like, "Well, we're that." And they're like, "Well, we're not really sure." And I'm like, "This is not really sure." And I'm like, "This is not really sure." And I'm like, "This is a solvable problem. We can fix this. a solvable problem. We can fix this. a solvable problem. We can fix this. There's like real things you can do There's like real things you can do There's like real things you can do here." Actually, I worked with a church here." Actually, I worked with a church here." Actually, I worked with a church last year, a fairly large church in 2024 last year, a fairly large church in 2024 last year, a fairly large church in 2024 where they were experiencing some of where they were experiencing some of where they were experiencing some of these issues. And so, and I it was I these issues. And so, and I it was I these issues. And so, and I it was I basically said the same thing I just basically said the same thing I just basically said the same thing I just said. I'm like, "You're losing people on said. I'm like, "You're losing people on said. I'm like, "You're losing people on the front end." And they're like, the front end." And they're like, the front end." And they're like, they're like, "Well, we do a gift." And they're like, "Well, we do a gift." And they're like, "Well, we do a gift." And I'm like, "No, you don't." And I I said I'm like, "No, you don't." And I I said I'm like, "No, you don't." And I I said there's a and there's a few things to there's a and there's a few things to there's a and there's a few things to fix around that. In 2025, the year we fix around that. In 2025, the year we fix around that. In 2025, the year we just ended, they received we made a few just ended, they received we made a few just ended, they received we made a few changes. It's not about me. It was about changes. It's not about me. It was about changes. It's not about me. It was about them. They made a bunch of changes. They them. They made a bunch of changes. They them. They made a bunch of changes. They ended up receiving 5,000 more firsttime ended up receiving 5,000 more firsttime ended up receiving 5,000 more firsttime guest contacts than they did in 2024.

guest contacts than they did in 2024. guest contacts than they did in 2024. Now, they did not grow by 5,000 people, Now, they did not grow by 5,000 people, Now, they did not grow by 5,000 people, but it's just by focusing on that, but it's just by focusing on that, but it's just by focusing on that, right? It's just by like saying, "Hey, right? It's just by like saying, "Hey, right? It's just by like saying, "Hey, how are we what are we going to do to how are we what are we going to do to how are we what are we going to do to ensure that that step goes well um with ensure that that step goes well um with ensure that that step goes well um with folks?" So anyways, there's huge folks?" So anyways, there's huge folks?" So anyways, there's huge opportunity there in lots of churches. opportunity there in lots of churches. opportunity there in lots of churches. Kyrie, you've been incredibly generous Kyrie, you've been incredibly generous Kyrie, you've been incredibly generous to give us your time at this time of to give us your time at this time of to give us your time at this time of year. As you're thinking, kind of last year. As you're thinking, kind of last year. As you're thinking, kind of last question, as we're thinking about 2026, question, as we're thinking about 2026, question, as we're thinking about 2026, what are some of those questions that what are some of those questions that what are some of those questions that are floating around in your head as you are floating around in your head as you are floating around in your head as you think about liquid as you think about think about liquid as you think about think about liquid as you think about the future? What are some things that the future? What are some things that the future? What are some things that you're wrestling with that you're you're wrestling with that you're you're wrestling with that you're wondering about that you're wondering about that you're wondering about that you're contemplating as we go into this year? contemplating as we go into this year? contemplating as we go into this year? >> Oh my gosh, Rich. so many >> Oh my gosh, Rich. so many >> Oh my gosh, Rich. so many >> this conversation. You know, I really am >> this conversation. You know, I really am >> this conversation. You know, I really am interested to see what's going to happen interested to see what's going to happen interested to see what's going to happen with our disciplehip model since we just with our disciplehip model since we just with our disciplehip model since we just blew it up. blew it up. blew it up. >> Uh uncoupling all of that and changing >> Uh uncoupling all of that and changing >> Uh uncoupling all of that and changing the way that we even onboard leaders. the way that we even onboard leaders. the way that we even onboard leaders. Like I'm really invested in seeing this Like I'm really invested in seeing this Like I'm really invested in seeing this through. through. through. >> Um that's great. >> Um that's great. >> Um that's great. >> I also totally unrelated to this, but we >> I also totally unrelated to this, but we >> I also totally unrelated to this, but we just launched I think in the survey one just launched I think in the survey one just launched I think in the survey one of the questions that was asked was of the questions that was asked was of the questions that was asked was what's the best idea that you had in what's the best idea that you had in what's the best idea that you had in 2020? Yeah. Right. And I was like, well, 2020? Yeah. Right. And I was like, well, 2020? Yeah. Right. And I was like, well, I feel like one of our best ideas was to I feel like one of our best ideas was to I feel like one of our best ideas was to use AI to launch a Spanish service.

use AI to launch a Spanish service. use AI to launch a Spanish service. >> And I am really invested in that and >> And I am really invested in that and >> And I am really invested in that and seeing like how do we continue to grow seeing like how do we continue to grow seeing like how do we continue to grow that service? How do we continue to grow that service? How do we continue to grow that service? How do we continue to grow that ministry? Um, we're launching new that ministry? Um, we're launching new that ministry? Um, we're launching new ministries in 2025 or 2026. So, that ministries in 2025 or 2026. So, that ministries in 2025 or 2026. So, that always feels exciting and daunting. always feels exciting and daunting. always feels exciting and daunting. >> Um, so there's just the work never ends >> Um, so there's just the work never ends >> Um, so there's just the work never ends and there's always it is an exciting and and there's always it is an exciting and and there's always it is an exciting and fascinating time to be in the church. fascinating time to be in the church. fascinating time to be in the church. I'll say that. I'll say that. I'll say that. >> I would agree. I totally would agree. >> I would agree. I totally would agree. >> I would agree. I totally would agree. The Yeah, it's the best. I would think The Yeah, it's the best. I would think The Yeah, it's the best. I would think literally I think this is the best literally I think this is the best literally I think this is the best season that I've been involved in season that I've been involved in season that I've been involved in ministry for sure. For folks that don't ministry for sure. For folks that don't ministry for sure. For folks that don't know what you're doing with Spanish know what you're doing with Spanish know what you're doing with Spanish ministry, give us the the 60-second ministry, give us the the 60-second ministry, give us the the 60-second explain that again because I think I explain that again because I think I explain that again because I think I keep pointing churches to you saying, keep pointing churches to you saying, keep pointing churches to you saying, "Have you heard what Liquid's doing?" "Have you heard what Liquid's doing?" "Have you heard what Liquid's doing?" You go and talk to them. So, basically, You go and talk to them. So, basically, You go and talk to them. So, basically, we have a Spanish service. We do have we have a Spanish service. We do have we have a Spanish service. We do have live hosting in espanol. We have live live hosting in espanol. We have live live hosting in espanol. We have live worship in espanol, but then we take our worship in espanol, but then we take our worship in espanol, but then we take our English message and we pass it through English message and we pass it through English message and we pass it through an AI service called Hey Jen, which an AI service called Hey Jen, which an AI service called Hey Jen, which actually uses the communicators voice actually uses the communicators voice actually uses the communicators voice >> and matches the words to their lips and >> and matches the words to their lips and >> and matches the words to their lips and they're just preach they preach it in they're just preach they preach it in they're just preach they preach it in Spanish. Even if they're not bilingual, Spanish. Even if they're not bilingual, Spanish. Even if they're not bilingual, they will preach it in Spanish. And it's they will preach it in Spanish. And it's they will preach it in Spanish. And it's like you, Rich, are speaking in Spanish.

like you, Rich, are speaking in Spanish. like you, Rich, are speaking in Spanish. Your words match your voice. People get Your words match your voice. People get Your words match your voice. People get to hear the the gospel and the message to hear the the gospel and the message to hear the the gospel and the message in their language. So, it's been in their language. So, it's been in their language. So, it's been fascinating to learn who we're reaching, fascinating to learn who we're reaching, fascinating to learn who we're reaching, who's coming, who likes that kind of a who's coming, who likes that kind of a who's coming, who likes that kind of a thing. You know, as a Spanish speaker thing. You know, as a Spanish speaker thing. You know, as a Spanish speaker myself, I'm like, would I go to a myself, I'm like, would I go to a myself, I'm like, would I go to a service where the message wasn't service where the message wasn't service where the message wasn't actually authentic Spanish and it's an actually authentic Spanish and it's an actually authentic Spanish and it's an AI generated? I believe in the quality AI generated? I believe in the quality AI generated? I believe in the quality of our communication so much that I of our communication so much that I of our communication so much that I actually have to say yes, I would actually have to say yes, I would actually have to say yes, I would because like last year, this year, we because like last year, this year, we because like last year, this year, we took our entire church through the book took our entire church through the book took our entire church through the book of Revelation. Tim spent 25 weeks of Revelation. Tim spent 25 weeks of Revelation. Tim spent 25 weeks >> teaching us the hardest book of the >> teaching us the hardest book of the >> teaching us the hardest book of the Bible. Mhm. The Bible. Mhm. The Bible. Mhm. The >> fruit that that endeavor produced is >> fruit that that endeavor produced is >> fruit that that endeavor produced is incredible. And so when I think about incredible. And so when I think about incredible. And so when I think about what we're doing, I'm like, I believe in what we're doing, I'm like, I believe in what we're doing, I'm like, I believe in that so much that I do think this is a that so much that I do think this is a that so much that I do think this is a this is a thing that's actually good to this is a thing that's actually good to this is a thing that's actually good to do. Even if people would would think do. Even if people would would think do. Even if people would would think like why would they go to that and not like why would they go to that and not like why would they go to that and not like an authentic Spanish speaker? like an authentic Spanish speaker? like an authentic Spanish speaker? >> Yeah. Interesting. And that and you're >> Yeah. Interesting. And that and you're >> Yeah. Interesting. And that and you're you've been a year that's been basically you've been a year that's been basically you've been a year that's been basically almost a year you've been doing that, almost a year you've been doing that, almost a year you've been doing that, you know, you know, you know, >> a year. >> a year. >> a year. >> And and you're continuing to do it. So >> And and you're continuing to do it. So >> And and you're continuing to do it. So obviously something's working. there's obviously something's working. there's obviously something's working. there's some sort of version of like, hey, some sort of version of like, hey, some sort of version of like, hey, >> we're seeing we're seeing the fruit.

>> we're seeing we're seeing the fruit. >> we're seeing we're seeing the fruit. We're seeing baptisms, people giving We're seeing baptisms, people giving We're seeing baptisms, people giving their life to Christ, getting baptized, their life to Christ, getting baptized, their life to Christ, getting baptized, >> showing up and joining teams. Um, >> showing up and joining teams. Um, >> showing up and joining teams. Um, reaching families. Um, we're reaching reaching families. Um, we're reaching reaching families. Um, we're reaching multigenerational families where the multigenerational families where the multigenerational families where the parents go to the Spanish service, the parents go to the Spanish service, the parents go to the Spanish service, the kids go to the English service cuz it's kids go to the English service cuz it's kids go to the English service cuz it's simultaneous, right? While the English simultaneous, right? While the English simultaneous, right? While the English is going on, the Spanish is going on. is going on, the Spanish is going on. is going on, the Spanish is going on. So, families get to decide. It's just So, families get to decide. It's just So, families get to decide. It's just really interesting to watch. Obviously, really interesting to watch. Obviously, really interesting to watch. Obviously, it's been challenging in the US to grow it's been challenging in the US to grow it's been challenging in the US to grow a Spanish service because of everything a Spanish service because of everything a Spanish service because of everything that been happening, but it's just been that been happening, but it's just been that been happening, but it's just been really fascinating to see like the really fascinating to see like the really fascinating to see like the dynamics of who we're reaching, who's dynamics of who we're reaching, who's dynamics of who we're reaching, who's shar like who's excited about it and shar like who's excited about it and shar like who's excited about it and then using technology to further the then using technology to further the then using technology to further the gospel. It's always gospel. It's always gospel. It's always >> Yeah, it's fantastic. I know I was >> Yeah, it's fantastic. I know I was >> Yeah, it's fantastic. I know I was goofing around with Hey Jen a little bit goofing around with Hey Jen a little bit goofing around with Hey Jen a little bit and the part that actually this was you and the part that actually this was you and the part that actually this was you know almost a year ago when you guys know almost a year ago when you guys know almost a year ago when you guys started doing that I the one of the started doing that I the one of the started doing that I the one of the tests I ran that actually convinced me tests I ran that actually convinced me tests I ran that actually convinced me was so I was like taking videos of me was so I was like taking videos of me was so I was like taking videos of me and I would sent them to like a friend and I would sent them to like a friend and I would sent them to like a friend who speaks Spanish and I sent to a who speaks Spanish and I sent to a who speaks Spanish and I sent to a friend who speaks you know um a couple friend who speaks you know um a couple friend who speaks you know um a couple languages that it was doing but then I languages that it was doing but then I languages that it was doing but then I did the reverse I there's a great church did the reverse I there's a great church did the reverse I there's a great church Novelv it's a French-speaking church Novelv it's a French-speaking church Novelv it's a French-speaking church large church it' be very similar to large church it' be very similar to large church it' be very similar to Liquid but they're French speakaking and Liquid but they're French speakaking and Liquid but they're French speakaking and so I took one of the the lead pastors so I took one of the the lead pastors so I took one of the the lead pastors from that and I took a clip of his from that and I took a clip of his from that and I took a clip of his message and translated into English message and translated into English message and translated into English >> and I was blown away. I was like, "Oh my >> and I was blown away. I was like, "Oh my >> and I was blown away. I was like, "Oh my word." Like word." Like word." Like >> it was getting better and better every >> it was getting better and better every >> it was getting better and better every day.

day. day. >> I I was I was shocked. I was like, "Oh, >> I I was I was shocked. I was like, "Oh, >> I I was I was shocked. I was like, "Oh, that that is Yeah. Could I tell?" Yeah. that that is Yeah. Could I tell?" Yeah. that that is Yeah. Could I tell?" Yeah. But this guy's an incredible But this guy's an incredible But this guy's an incredible communicator. And you know, similar to communicator. And you know, similar to communicator. And you know, similar to you and Tim and the team at at Liquid, you and Tim and the team at at Liquid, you and Tim and the team at at Liquid, I'm like, "I could see that work." I'm like, "I could see that work." I'm like, "I could see that work." Anyways, so that's exciting. Kyra, it's Anyways, so that's exciting. Kyra, it's Anyways, so that's exciting. Kyra, it's so great to see you. Thanks so much for so great to see you. Thanks so much for so great to see you. Thanks so much for spending time with us today. If people spending time with us today. If people spending time with us today. If people want to connect with you or with Liquid, want to connect with you or with Liquid, want to connect with you or with Liquid, where do we want to send them online? where do we want to send them online? where do we want to send them online? >> Sure. So, my name Kyra, K A Y R >> Sure. So, my name Kyra, K A Y R >> Sure. So, my name Kyra, K A Y R atquidchurch.com. atquidchurch.com. atquidchurch.com. Happy to connect with anybody. Have Happy to connect with anybody. Have Happy to connect with anybody. Have questions. questions. questions. >> Thanks so much. Thanks for being here >> Thanks so much. Thanks for being here >> Thanks so much. Thanks for being here today.