Words From The Warden
30 Second Elevator Speech
Over the past few weeks, I have heard parishioners express a shared desire for our church to grow. Their reasons reflect several hopes for our congregation:
Expanding our ministries: Some hope that new members will help us broaden and deepen our service.
Offering peace and meaning: Many believe people in our community and surrounding towns are searching for spiritual grounding.
Responding to questions about faith: Others know friends and neighbors who are asking about God and Jesus.
Strengthening our financial resources: Some see growth as a way to increase financial support for the church.
Church growth is more challenging today. Confidence in institutions has declined, and younger people do not necessarily view church attendance as a way to build networks nor community. Mainline churches face particular obstacles as they seek to grow.
This October, St. Luke’s Vestry will hold a retreat focused on church growth. Our work will draw on current best practices while remaining grounded in the teachings of Jesus.
This effort cannot rest on the Vestry or one minister alone. Each of us has a role in inviting others and helping our congregation grow. We must be prepared to explain clearly how the Episcopal tradition—and St. Luke’s in particular—offers a community centered on acceptance and God’s love.
How, then, can we clearly communicate who we are and why our church matters?
When I started our painting business, one of the first lessons I learned was the importance of a 30-second elevator speech. In a brief, engaging message, it should:
Explain who we are and what we do.
Highlight what makes our church distinctive.
Connect with the needs and interests of the listener.
End with a clear call to action.
A strong elevator speech is clear, memorable, and tailored to its audience, helping us make a meaningful impression in a short amount of time.
Recently, while relaxing in our pool with two friends, they asked why I am an Episcopalian and why I attend St. Luke’s Church. Both are devout Catholics—one raised in the faith and the other Catholic through marriage.
My answer came quickly: at St. Luke’s, everyone is welcome to receive Communion, and everyone is invited to participate fully in the life of the church.
They acknowledged that, in their experience, the Catholic Church can feel welcoming only when someone “does it the right way.” Their questions and comments prompted me to think more carefully about my own 30-second elevator speech about St. Luke’s.
For those who feel uneasy about the way Christianity is often presented in America today, we must clearly articulate who we are and why our church exists. Just as importantly, we must communicate the inclusive, transforming love of Jesus. You know, our job is to welcome and God will do the transforming.
Take a few moments to craft an elevator speech that reflects what matters most to you. When your message grows out of your own experience and convictions, your words will sound more natural and genuine.
A strong personal message can briefly explain:
Who you are and your connection to St. Luke’s.
How our church follows Jesus through service.
What we believe about God’s love.
Who is welcome in our community.
Here is my elevator speech.
“Hi, I’m Henry Zaborniak, and I’m part of the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church community. We seek to follow Jesus by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, and clothing those in need.
We believe that God loves everyone—without exception. Whether your faith is strong, you are searching for meaning, or you simply want to learn more about Jesus, you are welcome at St. Luke’s.
We will greet you with radical hospitality and love, because you are enough—just as God created you. Come and see!”
Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden