Even if people do stay, they will not become disciples. It is the truth that sets people free. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds. Consequently, the disciple making process depends on half-way decent teaching. I have attended a number of church growth conferences.
Speakers never talk about the importance of preaching and teaching loudly enough.
Humility forbids them. Yet when I hear Bill Hybels preach, I know his preaching skill is a huge factor in Willowcreek's growth. There is a reason they sell 300,000 tapes a year. Some will object that I am not casting a high enough vision. Some have told me that we should ask for better than half-way decent teaching, that we want excellent teaching.