80%--really?

There are so many different little truisms that involve 80%. One of the most prominent is the Pareto Principle, that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. You don't have to pay PMI on your mortgage if you only take a loan for 80% or less of the purchase price. And then, of course, there is the 80-20 Rule band. Not one of my favorites!

In church work, there is a notion out there that you can't average more than 80% capacity of a room over a sustained period of time. This one has been around awhile. The thought is that if a family of five guests walks in, where are they going to find a place to sit together without walking all the way down front or sitting in the wings somewhere or crawling over 8 pairs of legs that won't move. If getting a seat is uncomfortable or difficult, they probably won't come back. You want to make sure that those with the least commitment have the easiest time finding parking and seating.

I'm wondering if it hasn't changed; if it really should be 60-75%. If it has changed, that makes a considerable difference on how you do your planning for growth. We went to three services on March 29th because we were over the 80% mark in our 11:00 service most Sundays. So when we opened up another time, we added another 500+ folks! Out of the clear blue!! Now we are at 45-50% in the 1st, 75% in the 2nd, and 65% in the 3rd--and it's summer! Instead of trying to get us up to the 80% mark before we plan a new service, we're going to do it sooner. Maybe 70%.

It's challenging. But I like the challenge. The biggest challenge always is getting those who have been around the longest and (hopefully) have the highest amount of commitment to make the most sacrifice so that those who are new and have lowest commitment feel welcomed and provided for. Think about it.