My lovely and talented love in life, my wife of almost 30 years, Janie and I, are selling our home as we transition to Tampa.  The biggest part of “getting into the heart” of a buyer is the instant “WOW factor,” as a great real estate consultant friend calls it.  We flew in this consultant for a couple of days from Omaha to do just one thing with our old house, make all changes necessary so that within approximately 3.7 seconds all who walk in our front door will be stunned and have just that one word to utter, “WOW!  This is OUR NEW HOUSE!” 

You too, as a leader-pastor-teacher are the architects of the WOW! factor in many contexts where you serve.  Not simply at weekend gatherings (may I suggest we have officially worn out the word “celebrations” – if any of us ever really achieved an actual “celebration” then great, but we have beaten that phrase to death and it is time for a new one – I suggest what most translations of Acts uses – simply “gatherings”) but every time you get with people and need to see Jesus show up in order for the kingdom to be advanced in your midst. 
-    leadership gatherings
-    board gatherings
-    strategy advances… you can take it from there

So how does one regain, re-engage or perhaps for the first time fire on all eight cylinders of your V-8 so you are approaching your God-given potential?  Consider…

A.    Thank Jesus for every single person he sends each weekend! 
There is a myth that is perpetuated by some seminaries still that a church can grow by planning… (uhhh, there is steam coming out of my ears now though you can’t see it…  In Acts and in all of Paul’s writings it is clear to anyone who can read at a third grade level that when God’s Spirit shows up the CITY shows up – not certain classes of people).  If you are picky about who you are “aiming” for – then just forget it.  Just be honest.  It’s not a church you are expanding but an empire – of those who make your people feel comfortable.  When Jesus shows up the cluster bomb of the Holy Spirit is ignited – and all manner of humanity comes with the anticipation they will be loved!  Go figure. 
B.    Pray like there is no tomorrow (there may not be!)
There’s nothing wrong with planning.  I am actually a big planner.  I can show you my plan for a number of areas of life, ministry, writing and areas with my family that run up to the year 2050 – yes, when I’m 95!  I’m taking my vitamins.  On the other hand, I constantly run into people that come with nothing short of excuses as to “why we can’t serve others…”  “We might be sued!”  “We might make people mad!”  “We might offend other churches…”  We can “we might” ourselves until we have ulcers upon our ulcers.  Ready, FIRE!, Aim.  That’s your new tattoo! 
C.  Lovingly and wisely be willing to remove all hindrances present at your current weekend gatherings that are keeping people away. 
Question:  Why is that when your weekend services start only about 15-20% are present (if you start on time!), but that by the time the message is given pretty much everyone is present? 
Answer:  This may be hard to swallow, but after talking to several thousand weekend attendees one on one, as a perceived “safe” outsider I have gotten the real scoop.  Very few of your weekend attendees like your current form of worship.

I know, I know, I know, you are now thinking, “He doesn’t know our church at all!  Our people come late for other reasons…”  Read this slowly.  “Oh no they don’t!”  They really don’t like the worship that you have so convinced yourself that they love.

There is no area in the Church scene in the U.S. where leaders are more out of touch than worship.  People, especially guys, can barely stand, what I have heard called many times, “Those incessant songs…”

Step back.  Listen to your people and Jesus.  Take courage.  God speaks to those who are listening!