Why They Follow: Lessons in Church Communication from That One Lost Sheep

by Matthew Warner

Americans are drifting away from the Church in record numbers. At the heart of this crisis is a failure in communication. With over ten years of experience working with over ten thousand churches as the founder of Flocknote, Matthew Warner offers church leaders a practical guide to leading their flock somewhere truly meaningful―no matter their church role! You’ll ▪ Why some people listen and others don’t ▪ How to get them to open (and respond to) your messages ▪ Why most church websites and apps don’t work ▪ How to ask for money (and why it should be fun) ▪ Mistakes most church leaders make ▪ Why people should even follow you in the first place ▪ Where to find the time for all of this ▪ And so much more!

Genres: Catholic

236 pages, Hardcover

Published July 5, 2023

About the author

When critic Feo Amante gave Matthew Warner’s first novel, The Organ Donor (2003), a five-star review and labeled it a “straight-on modern classic of horror,” the praise went straight to Warner’s head. He wrote several more things, such as the novel Eyes Everywhere (2006), which Publishers Weekly described as “disturbing … compelling and insightful,” and a radio play and stage play premiered by theaters in central Virginia.

His opinion column, “Author’s Notes,” ran for five years on the Horror World website and consisted of a blend of commentary, autobiography, and tutorials about the writing craft. Guide Dog Books collected a portion of those columns into its debut non-fiction title, Horror Isn’t a 4-Letter Word: Essays on Writing & Appreciating the Genre (2008).

Blood Born (2011), is an apocalyptic monster novel set in the Washington, DC, area where he grew up. His first urban fantasy novel, The Seventh Equinox (2013), is set in a fictitious city inspired by his current home of Staunton, Virginia. Dominoes in Time (2015) collects sixteen years of horror and science fiction stories.

Other works include screenplays for Darkstone Entertainment and the novelization of their film Plan 9 (2016). His most recent novel, Empire of the Goddess (2018), depicts a nightmare version of modern America. Yes, one even worse than the actual America.

Warner lives with his wife, the artist Deena Warner, and sons, Owen and Thomas. In 2007, they opened a print and website design business, Deena Warner Design, serving the publishing industry. He’s a member of the Horror Writers Association and an enthusiastic practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

“One of the bright stars of today’s constellation of speculative dreamers.” — Keith Minnion

Reviews

[Revesk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Warner, founder of flocknote, gives practical, faith-filled strategies for effective evangelization and increased engagement within a parish or congregation. One of my favorite ideas is that everything your group does should be done in a spirit of love, be directly linked to the mission, and should be shown to be linked to the mission. If it is not, don't do it. I gave my copy to our pastor after reading Why They Follow. This book can be useful to any ministry leader, lay or ordained. At the time of this posting, the book is sold out, but I was able to obtain a "like new" copy.

[Grant Whitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A “must read” for Church communicators, pastors and leaders. I work for the church in communications and use flocknote weekly. So many good lessons in this book. Very practical and rooted in a deep love for Jesus and the mission of the church.

[MonkeyBusiness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for parish leaders and clergy, but the same principles and suggestions are easily applicable at work or in organizations. Thought-provoking summary questions after each chapter. I'll be reading this book more than once.

[Matthew Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Warner identifies the most pressing communication issues for the modern Church. There is an inspiring and meaningful message, but is it communicated properly? Who is our target audience (might be everyone, might only be a certain group)? Most importantly, do we smell like our sheep and have we gained the shepherd’s trust? Although the Church is 2,000 years old, the communication methods do not have to resemble the papyrus and stone tablets of the early Church. It is time to move forward practically with the technology that is ever-changing. Warner provides easy to implement techniques that any Church can adopt.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice here on how to best communicate with a parish. Should be required reading for all parish staff.