Merging is an option many declining churches consider, especially when two or more churches of the same denominational family exist in the same urban landscape. In fact, it seems to be a growing trend. Some, like United Methodists, use mergers as a denominational strategy. Yet, rarely do mergers produce the expected results. Stories do exist of powerful instances where a merger was a saving grace, but these seem to be the exceptions, not the rule. More often than not, mergers end in disaster. The rationale for attempting a merger goes like this: If two declining, struggling churches can merge into one larger church, we will be able to do more ministry, have more money, add on to a decaying building, and build a larger membership base. In theory, it sounds like a good idea— in reality, it very rarely pays off. Mergers are tough. The belief that two struggling congregations will produce one strong, vibrant church borders on mythical. So, merging should be a last resort, if even that. In most cases 2 + 2 will still equal 2. If a congregation of twenty- five merges with another of thirty, it will not produce a strong body of fifty-five. After time, history has proven that the new congregation will settle between twenty-five and thirty. The success rate makes this a
high-risk option and one that only a specialist could accomplish. So, why do these mergers so often fail?
Three reasons why mergers fail
1. Unhealthiness.
While Bethlehem Baptist Church sought to change in a positive way, the underlying issues of unhealthiness were never addressed. In fact, neither congregation stopped to consider why they were in their present situation. The potential positive change was stymied by unchanged methods, mind-sets, and traditions. No matter how much positive change a congregation makes, if it does not address the underlying issues, progress will be halted every time. As mentioned earlier, once a church reaches the point of death in its life cycle, revitalization is possible, but not very likely. Even if one church has addressed these issues, more often than not a struggling congregation attempts to merge with another church in the same state of decline that has not addressed the underlying, unhealthy issues that brought decline.
2. Vision
The power of a unifying vision cannot be overstated or underestimated. Every church has a vision of a preferred future. But often two merging congregations do not articulate or communicate their unshared and unspoken visions. Mergers muddy the waters as it concerns vision and direction. A merger will often create a new church with multiple, conflicting visions. These conflicting visions will create tension and cause an unhealthy atmosphere in the church. Factions from each existing congregation will defend their model for ministry and set the stage for destructive conflict. For instance, one church may have been founded on the concept of social reform while the other was formed on the concept of building strong family-type relationships. While both visions are good, one focuses outward while the other is more inward focused. These conflicting visions may not be evident at first, but as the church begins to move forward in ministry, they become vehicles for contention. Even if the new congregation promotes a new vision, the old ones may linger in the hearts and minds of members. Why? Because the vision of each prospective church was probably what attracted the original members. Those who remained in each church did so because they believed in the vision and direction of the church. A merger will often give a congregation a short-lived illusion of shared vision, but in reality differing opinions still exist about the ultimate direction of the church. Never assume that people are on board just becasue they give a verbal "YES".
3. Control
Let’s be honest: two or three families in the congregation run most small churches in America. These families have either grown up in the church or were the original families who started the church. They have invested thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours of sweat-equity, and multiple years of their lives in the church. These controlling families, regardless of how right or wrong it may be, make most of the final decisions.
The problem arises when two or more congregations attempt to merge with these types of existing power structures in place. Inevitably the power brokers from each congregation will begin to vie for power in the new church. So, you can almost count on fireworks being a part of the newly merged congregation if these strong individuals are not willing to let go of their power. Tension of this nature will not help grow a church. Newcomers will sense the tension and never come back.
To pull off a successful merger takes a special person with strong leadership skills and an ability to bring a sense of control to a potential hotbed. Rarely do mergers ever produce the desired result. Statistically speaking, they are not a good bet.
Have you ever stopped to think what Paul’s ministry might have been like without a Barnabas? It is true; Paul was a driven man. Paul had go-go-go galore, and had he taken the church planter evaluation, he would have passed with flying colors. I’m sure, even without a guy like Barnabas next to him, he would have had a great impact on the culture, planted a few churches and even enjoyed a time of measurable success. Yet I have to wonder; did Barnabas play a role in the success of Paul’s ministry? I think so!
Paul needed Barnabas! Let me explain. By the time Paul was converted, he had a black reputation among the Jews. Paul, formerly known as Saul, was infamously known as a violent, hateful, murderous, persecutor of those that followed Jesus. Where the blood of new coverts was spilled, there was Saul, like a vicious predator, drinking in each death. Like a twisted and evil James Bond, he had a license to kill. Obviously, he was good at ferreting out new believers because everyone was afraid of him. As Saul, he was probably one of the most powerful Jewish leaders of his time. He describes himself as a Jew who was, “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:5-6 ESV). Paul was no small player!
Suddenly, Saul is converted, and he is claiming that none other that Jesus himself saved him. I’m sure this far-fetched story was met with a great deal of skepticism from his contemporaries. I bet Jews and Gentiles alike thought Paul was going undercover to get to the kingpins behind this budding religious movement. The Christians of that day were suspicious of Paul. They realized that if they allowed him into their inner circles and he turned out to be an imposter, their lives and the lives of their families might be snuffed out in the middle of the night.Would you trust Paul? I’m not sure I would. At any rate, the scripture helps us to understand that he wasn’t trusted. Most would have been quite comfortable to let Paul fend for himself.
Now let’s return to Barnabas. Barnabas was involved in the new Church, and he had a good reputation among converts. He was upstanding among his peers…and he accepted Paul.The Bible never allows us into this conversation or series of conversations between these two, but somehow, Barnabas was able to believe in Paul’s conversion. If it had not been for Barnabas’ belief in Paul’s intentions, it is likely that Paul would have never been accepted into the ranks of the converts, given their stamp of approval, and sent on missionary journeys by the church in Antioch. Barnabas was the key Paul needed to enter into his new life’s mission. God used Barnabas in a very important way. His trust propelled Paul’s ministry to a whole new level. Those who formerly distrusted Paul soon stood behind him, and like Barnabas, they too sought to elevate and support Paul’s calling to go forth and spread the good news.
So what is my point? Church planters are often treated like Paul, beginning their new position as outsiders. As they go about the business of planting a new church, they are viewed with suspicion, seen as competitors, misunderstood, and left to fend for themselves. In many ways, they have a tide of emotional stress that constantly threatens to pull them under. Too often, the personal and emotional support of a church planter is overlooked. The pattern of planting usually goes like this: “Here’s your training. Got it? Good! Here’s your money. Take care with that. Oh, here’s how much freedom you have to shape your church with. Understand? Good! Okay buddy, go get-em!” This all sounds good, but this leader goes out into the big bad world of church planting alone - alone with their mission, alone with the pack of emotionally stresses that will soon eagerly surround them.
Ministry, in general, can be lonely, and church planting, being what it is, has an enormous potential to amplify this loneliness. Many church planters I have spoken with over the years have felt isolated, detached, and misunderstood. Often dropped into a new city with no support structures, and no immediate friends, from which to draw strength pressure builds and a sense of loneliness can turn into, depression, or burnt out. Too make matters worse, many of those who lead new churches have a extra portion “rugged individualism” built into their DNA. Instinctively they push away those whom they need the most. These two factors combined create enormous potential for catastrophic failure – both in their personal life as well as in the life of the new church. Encouragement is an absolute necessity among church planters. The level of emotional support a church planter receives will ultimately play a huge part in the emotional well-being of the plant itself.
I have been rereading The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch. I would highly recommend this book to every pastor. Alan spends a great deal of time talking about the missional drive of the church. He gives us a stark reminder that if we don’t keep the main focus before us, we will quickly become an institution guided by rules and bylaws, rather than a movement driven by passion and vision. Hirsch’s description of a movement and an institution are worth sharing and considering. As you read these contrasting descriptions ask yourself where your church/organization fits and how you can make steps to change.
A Movement
Has pioneering missional leadership as its central role.
Seeks to embody the way of the founder.
Based on internal operational principles.
Has a cause.
The mission is to change the future.
Tends to be mobile and dynamic.
Decentralized network built on relationships.
Appeals to the common person.
Inspirational/transformational leadership dominant; spiritual authority tends to be the primary basis of influence.
People of the way.
Centered-set dynamic
An Institution
Avoids leadership based on personality and is often led by an “aristocratic class” who inherit leadership based on loyalty.
Represents a more codified belief system.
based on external legislating policies/governance.
Is the cause.
The missions shifts to preservation of the past.
Is the cause.
Tends to be more static and fixed.
Centralized organiztion built on loyalty.
Tends to be more elitist and exclusive.
Transactional leadership dominant; Institutional authority tends to be the primary basis of influence.
Having a good follow-up/assimilation strategy in place prior to your launch, is one of the most significant and important jobs to tackle. Yet, in all the church planting books on the market few, if any, address this enormous task. Failure to have this system in place will kill your momentum. Too often church planters allow their pride to get in the way of creating proper measures to re-invite first-time guests. What do we mean by that? Let’s just call it the “Field of Dreams” syndrome: “If I build it, and put the best of everything in place, everyone will flock to my doors.” Every planter feels that his or her church is the best thing in the world. Their band is second-to-none, the children’s ministry is the best thing since sliced bread, and their preaching skills, well, enough said. That kind of self-confidence is both a blessing and a curse. The very characteristic that drives them to launch a new work can also blind-side them and cause them to be so over-confident, they don’t follow-up properly.
Understand that people don’t come through your doors be accident. Everyone who comes to your church was drawn there by the power of the Christ. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…” Everyone who comes into the doors of your church is dealing with something. They are carrying baggage and searching for answers. First-time guests are “extraordinary gifts full of unparalleled potential” and Jesus has led them to you so make the “most of every opportunity” and think strategically.
How important is follow-up for the first-time guest? “A church must keep about 16 percent of its first-time guest to experience a minimal growth rate of 5 percent each year. Rapidly growing churches keep between 25 and 30 percent of their first-time guests. Declining churches keep only about 5 to 8 percent of their first-time guests…A church keeps about 85 percent of its guests who comeback for a second visit the week after their first visit.” Let that sink in a minute. Your new church needs to keep at least 16 percent of your guest to experience a slow and steady growth rate. The better you do at follow-up, the greater potential you have for retaining that first-timer. If by some chance you are able to bring them back for a second week, you will have an 85 percent chance of incorporating them into the body of the church.
It really amazes me how heated this battle seems to be. Honestly, I grow weary of the battle. Attraction, missional, incarnational, blah, blah, blah...
I think the assumption of those that watch attractional churches is that they are all about the numbers. Well, maybe so but who cares?
Honestly, I know of NO attractional style churches that have NO desire to preach the truth and win people to Christ! I do not know of ANY that have NO desire to disciple, and send people on mission. On the other side of things, I do not know of any anti-attractional churches that blame their lack of growth on preaching the truth. The “”truth, according to the scripture, both attracts and repels people.
Many of those in the organic church movement pride themselves in being “biblical forms of community” and yet from everything I read of the birth of the Church in Acts, a truly “biblical” community can’t stop growth! Read Acts and tell me about the small house churches without incorporating the phenomenal and rapid expansion of the church, (even in large settings). These two things don’t exist separate from one another, they go hand in hand. (Don't misunderstand me, I am not anti-organic church. I am pro Church! Whatever form it takes.)
Why can't we take into account that God uses certain people to draw big crowds? Could that be God's Design? Listen, If God truly "draws" people, then growth is God's desire when a church explodes on the scene. Right? God draws people not the craftiness of the planter. Let’s keep the movement of God’s Holy Spirit in its proper context.
Honestly, there are some who are “attracted” to the "organic" movement. Shall we not then label it “attractional” as well?
I know what your thinking, “Why is he ranting about this? This is a stupid blog!” Exactly! Your right! But the battle rages on, and on, and on. Do we seriously have to find something else to fight about? In a speech to educators in 1985, former United States Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch stated, “The person who knows "how" will always have a job. The person who knows "why" will always be his boss.” In other words, to know “why” is always a higher calling than knowing “how”.
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus never spent his time telling the Disciple’s “how” to do ministry? He never told them which methodology was the best for reaching new people. He never told them how to hold a church service. He never told them how to ordain another priest or how to serve communion. In fact, you will be hard pressed to find Jesus telling us the “how-to’s” of anything, with the exception of prayer.
All of the debate in the church-planting world about how to plant a church has little value if the ideas behind why we plant churches do not take a primary role in the discussion. If we don't start with a good foundation, then our "how-to" methodologies of church planting won’t really matter.
We must clearly understand that the Great Co-mission is NOT an issue of traditional or contemporary. It is NOT an issue of attractional versus incarnational methodologies. It is NOT an issue of modern versus post-modern ministry philosophies. It is not an issue of organic movements over the traditional and established ways of doing church.
The bottom line is this: If you don’t fully understand “why” ministry is done, then “how” doesn’t really matter. The fact is, God blesses every form, every kind, every style and every method of church movement and organization that: puts Him first, is obedient to His word, and is doing the work they were commissioned to do
Paul made a statement in Phil 1:8 Paul writes "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice." As I see it we need more rejoicing as less battling. God will sort it out in the end.
Ever been in a situation where the Elephant in the room was obvious yet no one wanted to address it? If you have been in ministry for any length of time, the answer to that question is "YES"! So often we want to change things or to see things change but have little courage to face the Elephant head-on. We walk around it, ignore it, point in another direction or blindly walk into it time after time. Yet, we will not call it what it is or draw attention to it in any way.
Whether this elephant is one of a personal or professional nature, we feel as though it is easier to ignore its presence rather than face the brutal facts. Why? Because until you face the brutal facts about the elephant in the room, until you own up to the problem right in front of your eyes, you can never go beyond it. You will never be able to make good decisions about the future until you confront the elephant in the room.
The only catch is the hard work involved in facing the elephant. You may discover, as you process the brutal facts, that you are the problem, or that your best friend needs to go. You may discover that you have been going in the wrong direction and need to make a course correction. No matter what the situation, it will take courage and brutal honesty to move forward.
In a paid work environment, making decisions about the elephant is much easier than in the local church. Which is precisely the reason we rarely take a good look at the creature staring us in the face, call it what it is, grab a knife a fork, and eat the Elephant. (By the way, it doesn't taste like chicken. It tastes like crow!)
This is true even in our spiritual lives. We can never fully understand the grace and forgiveness of God until we are able to deal honestly with the true depths of our own sinfulness.
One thing you can count on in ministry is conflict. It seems to be the norm rather than the exception. In fact, conflict in the church is the number one reason for ministerial dropout, member bailout and visitor stay out. Whether a member or a leader, we all hope to avoid conflict in the church. Then out of the blue; “BAM”! Conflict arises and we spend endless nights trying to figure out how to avoid loss of members, disgruntled staff, or worse yet, a church split.
I dare say most pastors spend 70% of their time putting out fires. We fight like mad to heal the wounds, and build bridges across the chasms that have been created by conflict. Unfortunately, we tend to forget the fallen world in which we live and expect fallen people to be perfect. Here is a statement you can take to the bank: The Church will never be a perfect place as long as we lead it and as long as we minister to a fallen humanity.
Conflict comes in two basic forms. 1) Fallen Human stupidness -Some conflict happens because people are fallen and prone to fits of selfishness, immaturity and stupidity. 2) Demonic meddling –While some conflict may start out as an affect of fallen foolishness, Satan uses the immature conflict and moves it to another level. The human aspect of conflict we understand all to well, but we tend to forget we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. We forget that the real enemy is not the pain in the neck board member or deacon. Rather, it is Satan.
Keep in mind that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. I have a good friend who says every chance he can, "Satan hates church planters more than any in the ministry". He may indeed be right. Remember, anytime you attempt something great for God, whether a church planter or not, Satan will show up. But then what did you expect? Did you think Satan would just roll over and say, "Of course! Go right ahead."?
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Eph 6:12
If you are anything like me, you are a hard driving, passionate person who just wants to get stuff done. Often times that hard charging trait has put me in a difficult situation. Goal-oriented, task-driven leaders tend to love people, but would rather accomplish a given task and clean up the problems later. However, it is not always that easy to clean up.
One thing I really admire about Nehemiah is his patience and planning. “I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days, I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.” Neh 2:11-12 Wow! Nehemiah didn’t go in guns-a-blazin, he didn’t have the trumpet blowing and tell everyone he had arrived to be their savior. He didn’t’ even go into Jerusalem announcing that he was sent from God and was the answer to their problems. (Although, he knew God had sent him.) Nehemiah spent three days surveying the damage as discreetly as possible. He went out at night when he was least likely to seen and told no one what he was doing or where he had gone.
Nehemiah, I believe needed to familiarize himself with the situation. He needed time to get a better grasp on the situation. Even though he had an idea of to dire circumstances and had come to Jerusalem to lead them towards hope, he didn’t rush in on his white horse and proclaim the he was the answer.
However, neither did Nehemiah take forever to start the process. He didn’t take months to plan out, and think through the various problems and political ramifications of his actions. He didn’t call together a committee to investigate the best direction to lead. Once he had the facts, he acted.
There are times in our ministries when we have to slow down and do a little investigation before we act. There are also times when our prolonged investigation is a smoke screen to keep from facing the problems head on. You cannot afford to wait for perfect conditions. Goal setting is often a matter of balancing timing against available resources.
Good timing can turn a mediocre plan into something very successful. Likewise; bad timing can destroy your plans all together. No matter where lead, whether in the secular business field or in the Church, timing is everything. Unfortunately, most think timing is just dumb luck. Nothing can be further from the truth. It is a critical success factor and you can learn to use it to your advantage.
So, how can we master the issue of timing? The word T.I.M.E. can help.
Tame you desire to act too quickly. This will be harder for some. Don’t become reactionary to a given situation.
Inspect the situation from as many angles as possible. You don’t have to be so detailed that you leave no stone unturned, but you do need to try and get as much good info as possible.
Meditate on what you have found in order to determine the best direction. Again, this shouldn’t take months. Don’t overdue the thought process.
Engage the opportunity, situation or problem head on. You will never make a prefect decision! You will never have all the details. If you are not careful, opportunities are easily lost while waiting for perfect conditions.
Over the last two decades of my life as a leader, one of the labels I have consistently been given is arrogant. While I would never consider myself humble, I also would never consider myself arrogant. Unfortunately many, in the business and church world, mistake bold confidence for arrogance. Is there as difference? Yes!
Marcus Buckingham, a renowned business leader, author, consultant, and researcher says it best; “If you are going to lead, you better have a deep-seated belief that you should be at the helm, dragging everyone into that better future… Virtually nothing about a leader is humble. I’m not saying they are arrogant, but their claims are big.” Buckingham said successful leaders must find a “universal truth” to rally their followers. These universal truths stem from the basic human needs, fears and desires that unite all people, across all cultures. They also happen to be great tools for leadership. The chief responsibility of a leader, for example, "is to rally people for a better future. If you are a leader, you better be unflinchingly, unfailingly optimistic. No matter how bleak his or her mood, nothing can undermine a leader's belief that things can get better, and must get better. I believe you either bring this to the table or you don't.[1]
Having a bold confidence is living out loud. It is the ability to walk in the opposite direction instead of following popular opinion. It is quiet power and most of all, in the Christian world, a deep trust in God’s calling and direction for your life and leadership. It is easy to see how someone could mistake bold confidence for arrogance. When you know what you know, you don’t have to impress anyone. You understand how to just be. Nehemiah was such a man.
Nehemiah had a bold confidence in the calling God placed on his life. He walked into a very bad situation in Jerusalem and turned everything around in 52 days. His desire was to enact change in the midst of desperation and decay. Nehemiah had to have a bold confidence. No one would follow a man who had no confidence in the future and dogged determination that he could change things.
Think about it this way. You are about to go into battle and take a hill that no one has been able to take. Dozens of soldiers have already lost their lives trying to take the hill and now it was your turn. The Sergeant leading the charge is cowering behind the sand bags and turns to the troops and apologizes for getting them in this mess. He is uncertain, captivated by fear, and not sure he wants to move. What would your response be? Would it not mimic the attitudes of the leader?
Same scenario, different leader: He is fearful, but bold. He has a swagger and confidence that can be seen and felt among the troops. He has a belief that the hill can be taken, but is realistic about the cost. The major difference with this leader is his willingness to lead the charge and a winning optimism. Who would you rather follow?
Arrogance and confidence are not the same. Arrogance is a supreme belief in yourself, an attitude of superiority, self-importance and pride. Confidence is really more of a belief, a state of being, which involves faith and trust. Can confidence turn into arrogance? Without a doubt.
If we are to change our culture, whether it be business, or spiritual, we need leaders to step up to the plate and lead with a bold confidence. That confidence comes from a sober understanding of who you are, the calling God has placed on your life, and a dogged determination to guide people into a better future.
Let me leave you with three great quotes:
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.”--T.S. Eliot
“Remember, a dead fish can float down a stream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream."--W.C. Fields
“You need to play with supreme confidence or else you’ll lose again, and then losing becomes a habit.”--Joe Paterno, head football coach at Penn State University
[1]“Good Managers Focus on Employees’ Strengths, Not Weaknesses” http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1223
Leadership Principle # 6 – We Lead Through God’s Favor
Before you read this, stop right now and take a moment to read Nehemiah 2:1-9. One of the most amazing aspects of the story of Nehemiah is how he approached the King. Think about it, this cupbearer, the royal wine taster, pulled off one of the most incredible asks, I’ve ever seen. Not only did he ask for time off to go home and help his people, he asked his boss, this vicious Assyrian King, for safe passage, and the supplies necessary to rebuild the walls and gates his predecessors destroyed. His “ask” was, in fact, a slam on the foreign policies of the previous kings and request reverse and rebuild what this empire had destroyed. Nehemiah was either crazy or he knew something about leadership that we need to learn. He was able to accomplish something in 52 days that no other leader before was able to do. He led with confidence, he seemed to be intelligent and didn’t seem to mind taking a risk. Yet, I believe Nehemiah knew nothing he was able to accomplish was due to his own abilities. Nehemiah’s brief prayer to God was an acknowledgement of and request for His favor. Nehemiah knew that without the favor of God all his abilities meant nothing.
As leaders, I think we all too often forget that we lead by the only by the favor of God. We haven’t succeeded as leaders because we’re smart, good looking, creative, risk-takers, or add any of a dozen more concepts. We lead and are successful only through the favor of God. We have to keep in mind that the favor we enjoy with others is a gift from God and can be taken from us as quickly as it was granted.
Nebuchadnezzar was taught this very lesson when we grew prideful of all that he had accomplished. He spoke to those around him saying ““Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” Immediately, Nebuchadnezzar was driven into the wilderness to live like an animal for seven years. He stayed there until he learn this simple lesson, “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes…” Dan 4:17
Always keep in mind that we lead only through the favor of God. If we lose sight of that and think that we have accomplished everything by our own power, we are close to a wilderness experience. God’s favor is a gift given to us to help us accomplish the task God has called us to accomplish. He can take his favor away as quickly as he gave it.
Choosing a leader/Elder for your church is one of the most important decisions a planter makes. Yet, choosing a new leader is often one of the most difficult things to get right. In the life of a church plant, appointing leaders/Elders to guide the church is a “make or break” issue. If there is one thing experience has taught me, choosing the wrong person(s) to lead in a new church will destroy it quicker than anything I know. That's why I coach planters not to even think about permanent leadership structures for at least two-years.
So, how do you choose a leader(s) to serve on a board or to become “Elders” of your church. Whatever nominclature you use for your leadership structures, principles remain unchanged. Let me suggest four actions for you, as the pastor/planter, and six characteristics to watch for in picking a new leader.
1. Prayer & Fasting
Choosing a new leader/elder for a church has become way to politicized and based to often on popularity. Little time, if any, is given to fasting a praying when making a decision to place someone in a position of leadership. Paul told Timothy “Don’t lay hands on anyone in haste…” (1 Tim 5:22) Why? Well he doesn’t tell us why, but it is very obvious isn’t it? Leadership in a church is a spiritual action and requires due diligence before appointing someone to serve.
If it is a spiritual action, then it needs a time of spiritual preparation. Choosing a church leader is not a simple political appointment. It should only be done after a time of prayer and fasting. I have seen too many pastors choose a leader to quickly and with no spiritual emphasis and it led to disaster.
2. Patience
Above all things, be patient! Don’ rush in where angels dare to tread. I have coached multiple planters who have felt pressure from those in the new church to appoint leaders/elders. Often by those who themselves want to be in charge. In my opinion, in a new church, a leader should not be placed into a place of permanent leadership until after year two. Why? That leads to the third action.
3. Observation
You need time to watch those who may be potential leaders for the church. Watch for what? First of all, watch for biblical traits of a leader. Spend time reading through Paul’s words to Timothy and the qualifications of a leader. Listen, it’s easy to sound good or look good. That is why interviewing a potential church planter rarely works. Past behavior is the only good indicator of future actions. Only time will give the firm foundation for determining who would make a good leader.
Secondly, look for these six characteristics: He/she:
Carries the vision of the church – (willing to fight to keep the vision focused, even in your absence.
Is respected by others
Has a proven track record of leadership
Has a teachable spirit. Takes counsel well and is willing to change
Understands that the church needs to remain relevant –(may require change of direction)
Has a servant attitude. Is willing to clean the toilets! (In fact, start them out here and see how they react. Their behavior and attitude will tell you everything.)
4. Listen
Listen to what others say. Paul told Timothy to look for someone with a “good reputation” (1 Tim 3:7), Sometimes it takes the counsel of others to get a good leader. Don’t trust in your own judgment alone. Here is a concept you can take to the bank: Some potential leaders act perfectly in your presence and yet others see them in a whole different light. If you have worked in the church for any length of time at all, you know this to be true. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” (Pro 11:14) take time to listen to those around you, they may know something you don’t.
I wanted to take a break from the leadership series to blog about an experience I had on Aug 21st. I have waited a few days in order to try to collect my thoughts about what happened.
Once you read this blog, forward it to someone. I would like to make this story viral. Sorry this is so long, but bear with me. I think you will find it worth the read.
On Saturday evening August 21st my wife and I, along with our two children, were walking down the streets of San Antonio, TX on our way to a meal with several church leaders. We only had 9 blocks to walk, but for some reason we decided to veer off the normal path in order to walk along the River Walk for a block or two.
About 40 seconds after descending down the stairs to the walkway below we noticed a very thin, poorly dressed man inching his way into the water on the other side of the River Walk. It was obvious, even from where we were standing, that he very intoxicated and more than likely one of the many homeless men that walked the streets of San Antonio. I grabbed my wife by the arm and told her we better not leave just yet. I was certain that he was not going to be able to make it across the channel.
A crowd began to develop rather quickly to watch this poor man struggle to keep his head above water. I was certain that a few of them had pulled out their phones to either take a picture or video his death. After watching him for several excruciating seconds he went down for the last time. I had already taken off my shoes and handed my wife my iPhone and glasses and prepared myself to dive in and rescue him. One man even hollered at me, “Aren’t you going to save him?” I wish I could say that I was super spiritual and let that roll off my back, but I was a little ticked that no one else was preparing to help him. I didn’t really want to get all wet. I was an hour away from any dry clothes and I was going to a meeting with church leaders.
However, without too much thought I dove in and did my best to find him under the murky river water. Fortunately I took lifeguard training when I was a teenager and that training instinctively kicked in. I grabbed the man across the chest and started to swim towards the walkway. While I was struggling to get the man to shore, my wife was scolding the men standing around watching. “I can’t pull him up on my own, some of you are going to have to help!” she shouted. Within a few seconds I reached the side of the retaining wall as several bystanders grabbed both of us and helped us out. I tell you this story, not because I want a pat on the back, but because of what happened once we were on dry ground and safe from harm.
The crowd pressed in to see if the homeless man, we will call him “John”, was alright. Once they realized he was breathing and safe the crowd dispersed as quickly as it had gathered.Several of the men who had witnessed the whole event came up to me and shook my hand and stated with a tone of surprise, “I can’t believe you did that! Way to go!” The constant encouragement from those who saw the whole incident frustrated me. Seriously, why all the fuss? Isn’t this what people are supposed to do? Isn’t this what we do for fellow human beings who are in need? In fact, I don’t count what I did extraordinary at all. I count it ordinary!
Here is where the real sorrow set in for me. When the local police arrived, they took one look at the man and said, “Oh, it’s just John. What kind of trouble are you causing now?” Later, after we were finished eating, we walked by the sub-station and asked an officer if John was okay. His response was both shocking and disappointing. “Are you the one who saved him?” he asked. “Yes, that was me” I responded. “Thanks a lot” he sarcastically shot back. As we walked away from the conversation one of my daughters said, “Dad, did they want you to let him die? Would they have been happier if you hadn’t saved him?” Her question made me cringe. “Some people just don’t see value in a person like that” I said.
Listen, don’t misunderstand, I am not trying to make those officers out to be monsters. I am very thankful for their service. They, and others like them, tirelessly and thanklessly serve our cities everyday. The problem isn’t with the police of San Antonio, it goes much deeper than that. It’s a cultural problem, a sin problem.
The attitude those officers displayed that night is not a sentiment particular to them. What is that sentiment? Simply this: If you have nothing of value to offer society, you have no value at all. If you can’t do anything to make life better for the whole, if all you do is take, you have little to no value compared to those who can and do. It seems as though we live in a society that has a very skewed view of the value of life. Our new health care system places value on the young and strong. Our laws allow for the termination of an unborn child, and euthanasia laws are just a decade away, if that long.
The difficulty for me is that this sentiment exists, not only in our culture, but that it exists within the walls of the Church as well. “God helps those who help themselves!” (1 Society 2:11) is a favorite pseudo scripture often quoted by those who call themselves, “Christian”. Sometimes we cloak this sentiment in punitive phrases, “He made his bed, now let him lie in it!” (2 Opinions 1:3)
Here is the question: What is the value of a life? How should we attribute value to a person? By what he/she can do for us, for society, for the church? How are we to determine the value of a homeless drunk like John?
In Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us create them in our image.” Later in verse 31 God looked at what he created and said, “It is very good!” God answers the question for us. Human value is not based on our contribution to society but bestowed on us from the maker. He created us in his image and said, “It is very good.” Because we are all created in His image, we all hold equal value. No one holds greater value than another in the eyes of God. Just because I am a preacher, and have been so for over 24 years, doesn’t mean I hold greater value to God than the bum on the street.
I know some of you reading this want to fight back and say, “Yeah but…” Unfortunately, there is no “BUT” Rom 3:23 “We have all sinned and fallen short…” and Eph 2:8-9 “It is by grace you were saved, not of yourselves, so that no man can boast.” Make is painfully clear that we are all in the same boat. And yet, while we were still in the filth of our life, He saved us! (Rom 5:8)
If that is true, then how should we now act? As a Christ follower, my response is simple. Love God with all my heart and in doing so, love others as myself. Treat everyone as Christ treated me. He rescued me, a filthy, stained, reprobate from drowning in my sin. My natural response to God is thankfulness. My natural response to society is mercy. “He has shown you, Oh man, what is good. What does the Lord require of us? Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before your God.” Micah 6:8
God has called us to go to the least, the marginalized, outcast, "widows and ophans" and minister to them. They are near to the heart of God. We must do a better job of looking at and treating all people with the dignity and honr they deserve. Natalie Grant puts it best in her song HUMAN.
Every life has a choice
To rise up to fill the void
Every heart has a mission
And we are called to be human
We gotta do better than this 'cause we only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this 'cause we only got
One life that we've been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It'll be what makes us different
It'll be what makes us human
I'm human, you're human, we are human
We are marked with His image
And we are scarred with indifference
Maybe now we should listen
Hear the cry of God's children
What do you think? What is the value of a human life?
I wanted to take a break from the leadership series to blog about an experience I had on Aug 21st. I have waited a few days in order to try to collect my thoughts about what happened.
Once you read this blog, forward it to someone. I would like to make this story viral. Sorry this is so long, but bear with me. I think you will find it worth the read.
On Saturday evening August 21st my wife and I, along with our two children, were walking down the streets of San Antonio, TX on our way to a meal with several church leaders. We only had 9 blocks to walk, but for some reason we decided to veer off the normal path in order to walk along the River Walk for a block or two.
About 40 seconds after descending down the stairs to the walkway below we noticed a very thin, poorly dressed man inching his way into the water on the other side of the River Walk. It was obvious, even from where we were standing, that he very intoxicated and more than likely one of the many homeless men that walked the streets of San Antonio. I grabbed my wife by the arm and told her we better not leave just yet. I was certain that he was not going to be able to make it across the channel.
A crowd began to develop rather quickly to watch this poor man struggle to keep his head above water. I was certain that a few of them had pulled out their phones to either take a picture or video his death. After watching him for several excruciating seconds he went down for the last time. I had already taken off my shoes and handed my wife my iPhone and glasses and prepared myself to dive in and rescue him. One man even hollered at me, “Aren’t you going to save him?” I wish I could say that I was super spiritual and let that roll off my back, but I was a little ticked that no one else was preparing to help him. I didn’t really want to get all wet. I was an hour away from any dry clothes and I was going to a meeting with church leaders.
However, without too much thought I dove in and did my best to find him under the murky river water. Fortunately I took lifeguard training when I was a teenager and that training instinctively kicked in. I grabbed the man across the chest and started to swim towards the walkway. While I was struggling to get the man to shore, my wife was scolding the men standing around watching. “I can’t pull him up on my own, some of you are going to have to help!” she shouted. Within a few seconds I reached the side of the retaining wall as several bystanders grabbed both of us and helped us out. I tell you this story, not because I want a pat on the back, but because of what happened once we were on dry ground and safe from harm.
The crowd pressed in to see if the homeless man, we will call him “John”, was alright. Once they realized he was breathing and safe the crowd dispersed as quickly as it had gathered.Several of the men who had witnessed the whole event came up to me and shook my hand and stated with a tone of surprise, “I can’t believe you did that! Way to go!” The constant encouragement from those who saw the whole incident frustrated me. Seriously, why all the fuss? Isn’t this what people are supposed to do? Isn’t this what we do for fellow human beings who are in need? In fact, I don’t count what I did extraordinary at all. I count it ordinary!
Here is where the real sorrow set in for me. When the local police arrived, they took one look at the man and said, “Oh, it’s just John. What kind of trouble are you causing now?” Later, after we were finished eating, we walked by the sub-station and asked an officer if John was okay. His response was both shocking and disappointing. “Are you the one who saved him?” he asked. “Yes, that was me” I responded. “Thanks a lot” he sarcastically shot back. As we walked away from the conversation one of my daughters said, “Dad, did they want you to let him die? Would they have been happier if you hadn’t saved him?” Her question made me cringe. “Some people just don’t see value in a person like that” I said.
Listen, don’t misunderstand, I am not trying to make those officers out to be monsters. I am very thankful for their service. They, and others like them, tirelessly and thanklessly serve our cities everyday. The problem isn’t with the police of San Antonio, it goes much deeper than that. It’s a cultural problem, a sin problem.
The attitude those officers displayed that night is not a sentiment particular to them. What is that sentiment? Simply this: If you have nothing of value to offer society, you have no value at all. If you can’t do anything to make life better for the whole, if all you do is take, you have little to no value compared to those who can and do. It seems as though we live in a society that has a very skewed view of the value of life. Our new health care system places value on the young and strong. Our laws allow for the termination of an unborn child, and euthanasia laws are just a decade away, if that long.
The difficulty for me is that this sentiment exists, not only in our culture, but that it exists within the walls of the Church as well. “God helps those who help themselves!” (1 Society 2:11) is a favorite pseudo scripture often quoted by those who call themselves, “Christian”. Sometimes we cloak this sentiment in punitive phrases, “He made his bed, now let him lie in it!” (2 Opinions 1:3)
Here is the question: What is the value of a life? How should we attribute value to a person? By what he/she can do for us, for society, for the church? How are we to determine the value of a homeless drunk like John?
In Genesis 1:26 God said, “Let us create them in our image.” Later in verse 31 God looked at what he created and said, “It is very good!” God answers the question for us. Human value is not based on our contribution to society but bestowed on us from the maker. He created us in his image and said, “It is very good.” Because we are all created in His image, we all hold equal value. No one holds greater value than another in the eyes of God. Just because I am a preacher, and have been so for over 24 years, doesn’t mean I hold greater value to God than the bum on the street.
I know some of you reading this want to fight back and say, “Yeah but…” Unfortunately, there is no “BUT” Rom 3:23 “We have all sinned and fallen short…” and Eph 2:8-9 “It is by grace you were saved, not of yourselves, so that no man can boast.” Make is painfully clear that we are all in the same boat. And yet, while we were still in the filth of our life, He saved us! (Rom 5:8)
If that is true, then how should we now act? As a Christ follower, my response is simple. Love God with all my heart and in doing so, love others as myself. Treat everyone as Christ treated me. He rescued me, a filthy, stained, reprobate from drowning in my sin. My natural response to God is thankfulness. My natural response to society is mercy. “He has shown you, Oh man, what is good. What does the Lord require of us? Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly before your God.” Micah 6:8
God has called us to go to the least, the marginalized, outcast, "widows and ophans" and minister to them. They are near to the heart of God. We must do a better job of looking at and treating all people with the dignity and honr they deserve. Natalie Grant puts it best in her song HUMAN.
Every life has a choice
To rise up to fill the void
Every heart has a mission
And we are called to be human
We gotta do better than this 'cause we only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this 'cause we only got
One life that we've been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It'll be what makes us different
It'll be what makes us human
I'm human, you're human, we are human
We are marked with His image
And we are scarred with indifference
Maybe now we should listen
Hear the cry of God's children
What do you think? What is the value of a human life?
Leadership Principle #2 – Own your part of the problem
Have you ever played the “Blame Game?” Not me! Wasn’t my fault! We live in a culture that seems to expect us to play the game don’t we? We have learned to blame it on the environment we grew up in, or we blame the people we work with. We’ve learned to blame our parents, our children, even our genetic make-up. There seems to be no lack of blame to go around. I dare say everyone here has played the game at one time or the other.
I remember a time very vividly. I was 7 years old and living in Barkeyville, PA. at the time. My father pastored the local Church of God and we lived in the parsonage right across the street. It was a typical parsonage about 300 years old, ready to fall apart and surrounded by a cemetery on three sides. What a wonderful environment for a child to grow up in.
On top of being a pastor, my dad was working several jobs to keep our household afloat. One of his jobs was driving a school bus. Well, one bright Saturday morning my best friend came over to the house and we decided to take our BB guns and go out to the woods and shoot some tin cans. We didn’t quite make it to the woods. As we walked out the door of the house there stood a bright shiny yellow bus with dozens of sparkling glass windows. Billy pulled up first and shot a window. Man when that BB hit the window it created the most awesome pattern of shattered glass. So I decided to try my hand at it. By the time we were done. Every window in that bus had a beautiful spider-web pattern in it. It didn’t sink in, until every window was shattered, that this may not have been such a good idea.
When my dad got home a few hours later, I think the temperature of Barkeyville went up 25 degrees. I swear I saw smoke rolling out his ears. He looked at me and said, “Who did this?” I said “Billy made me. He started it.” Needless to say, blaming him didn’t get me off the hook.
It seems to be a tendency of the human condition to blame someone else doesn’t it? When things don’t go as we expected, or we find ourselves in a mess, we try to find a way of casting blame. Unfortunately, this game is as old as the world itself. Adam started it in Gen 3:12 “The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Here is a little tip, for married men; don’t try this at home! You may be tempted to blame your wife for your bad behavior, but it never seems to work out when you do.
One of the things that impressed me most about Nehemiah was his willingness to admit he was a part of the problem. While Nehemiah reflected on the problems Israel faced, he remembered the instructions God gave to Moses, “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations…” (Neh 1:8) Here is what impresses me. Nehemiah would be the one who would finally lead this discouraged and beaten people back to a place of restoration and wholeness. But before he could lead them, he had to lead himself. Nehemiah took time to reflect on his own poor behavior and how he had become a part of the problem.
I find it fascinating that Nehemiah, who was removed from the problem by time and distance, took it personal. He didn’t sin personally. He didn’t even live in Israel. Yet, he realized that if he wasn’t a part of the solution, he was by default a part of the problem.
The principle is simple; when you know the right thing to do, even if you did no wrong, and don’t attempt to make a situation right, you are complicit in the wrong action. That concept may not be very popular, but it is proper.
In the corporate world, CEO’s, leaders and managers of every kind have been complicit in the sins of the corporation and allowed good people to be hurt by the system. Knowing the system to be wrong or broken, many turn a blind eye and say, “It wasn’t my idea. It was passed down from the top. Besides, we have been operating this way for years and no one has tried to change it.”
In my world, the world of the church, it seems to be even worse. Outdated functional structures and systems, antiquated expectations and self-motivated leaders continue to perpetuate the problem. While these systems and leadership styles may have worked well in the 20’s or 30’s, they appear to remain the standard for daily business. Yet, the Church, at least in America, seems to be sliding into oblivion having less and less essential value in the culture.
Nehemiah’s state of mind was simple but profound. He owned the problem as his own. In his prayer he admitted that he was a part of the problem and sought God’s forgiveness. It would have been easy for Nehemiah, to take the memory of God’s words to Moses and use them as a justification to stay where he was. After all, they made their own beds... Fortunately for us, he showed us a better way.
Being a good leader in the midst of chaos requires an ability to own the fact that you may be part of the problem. One thing is for sure; you can never lead people beyond where you have journeyed yourself.
Leadership has it's challenges. Let’s get real, even though we would like to live in an ideal world where cute little bunnies hop happily down the street, flowers and sunshine fall gently from the sky and, no child is ever left behind, it just ain’t so. Life happens! The truth is, we live in a fallen world, full of drama, unexpected failures, hatred, racism, selfish self-seeking people and wickedness of every kind. Being a leader, in the midst of a world like this often means leading people through one crisis to another.
This constant stress in leadership will either make us or break us. Some call it the “crucible” where the dross of our life is burned off; others call it a defining moment. I just call it par for the course. Living in a fallen world has baggage. Anyone seeking to be in a position of leadership should never be surprised by the chaos that surrounds them, especially if you are in a growing organization. Some of the chaos we cause, and the rest just happens whether we are ready for it or not.
Nehemiah was a slave to the king of Persia during the reign of Artaxerxes I around 445 B.C. He was the royal food taster for the king. (Not someone you would think of as a natural leader!) He is not a man you would chose to be on the cover of Forbes 500 or “Man of the Year”. He was a humble, simple slave who served in the place of the king of a nation that had conquered his own. So, why take leadership tips from an expendable slave with seemingly no future? Because Nehemiah actually accomplished something extraordinary.
Through a series of I would call miraculous events, Nehemiah was allowed to leave the palace and return to his people in Jerusalem. He was thrust into the most chaotic environment imaginable and would ultimately accomplish the impossible. He was able to cast a vision for a new future, create enormous buy-in, organize an effective work force and generate a culture of “Can-do” that would encourage and calm a frightened group of people. He was able to turn around a bad situation and within fifty-two days do something that other had not been able to do in decades.
In my opinion, that is something worth investigating. Nehemiah, a lowly salve to a conquering king, became a great leader. Whether you are leading a corporation, small business, or a non-profit organization, the principles learned from this extraordinary leader have enormous value. If taken seriously, I believe these principles have the ability to radically change the way you lead and take you to the next level.
Peter Wagner stated some 25 years ago that "church planting was the most effective evangelistic methodology known under heaven". His statement still rings true today. New churches, by a large margin, are reaching new people with the gospel with far greater efficacy than their established counterparts. That may not be a very popular statement, but research has verified Wagner's assumption.
If that is true, then why aren't more churches intentionally focused on pouring their resources into new churches? Instead the typical church today pours the vast amount of its resources into taking care of the sheep rather than expanding the fold. In doing so, these churches lose their missional passion for the lost and soon drift into an era of plateau, decline and death. Typical church programming often steals energy and time from the original mission focus of the church.
I have always believed that "church planting" while never explicitly used in the Bible, was implicitly understood within the context of the Great Commission. In other words, every church should be involved in the process of evangelism through church planting. Imagine what might happen if churches caught the vision for evangelism through planting and started investing thier limited resources in new churches! But is this truly evangelism?
Tim Stafford says it best in his article, in Christianity Today: so follow this link and read this great article.
I have been reading through "A Christian's Secret To A Happy Life" by Hannah Whithall Smith. This is probably the fifth time I have read this book and every time I am amazed by her wisdom and understanding of spiritual things. The chapter on “Failure” is probably one of the most profound chapters on the power of God’s forgiveness and the power of secret sin. I am both overjoyed with God’s redeeming love and challenged to look deeply into my own life and uncover those things which, “so easily beset” me. (Heb 12:1) She says things so well, there is no need to repeat it. Here is an excerpt from chapter 13. I would encourage you to buy this book and read it for yourself!
“And now, having shown the way of deliverance from failure, I want to say a little as to the causes of failure in this life of full salvation. The causes do not lie in the strength of the temptation nor in our own weakness, nor, above all, in any lack in the power or willingness of our Savior to save us. The promise to Israel was positive, "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life." And the promise to us is equally positive. "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it." The men of Ai were "but few," and yet the people who had conquered the mighty Jericho "fled before the men of Ai." It was not the strength of their enemy, neither had God failed them. The cause of their defeat lay somewhere else, and the Lord Himself declares it, "Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them; for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs upon their enemies." It was a hidden evil that conquered them. Deep down under the earth, in an obscure tent in that vast army, was hidden something against which God had a controversy, and this little hidden thing made the whole army helpless before their enemies. "There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel; thou canst not stand before thine enemies until ye take away the accursed thing from among you." The teaching here is simply this, that anything allowed in the heart which is contrary to the will of God, let it seem ever so insignificant, or be ever so deeply hidden, will cause us to fall before our enemies. Any root of bitterness cherished towards another, any self-seeking and harsh judgments indulged in, any slackness in obeying the voice of the Lord, any doubtful habits or surroundings, any one of these things will effectually cripple and paralyze our spiritual life. We may have hidden the evil in the most remote corner of our hearts, and may have covered it over from our sight, refusing even to recognize its existence, of which, however, we cannot help being all the time secretly aware. We may steadily ignore it, and persist in declarations of consecration and full trust, we may be more earnest than ever in our religious duties, and have the eyes of our understanding opened more and more to the truth and the beauty of the life and walk of faith. We may seem to ourselves and to others to have reached an almost impregnable position of victory, and yet we may find ourselves suffering bitter defeats. We may wonder, and question, and despair, and pray; nothing will do any good until the accursed thing is dug up from its hiding-place, brought out to the light, and laid before God. And the moment a believer who is walking in this interior life meets with a defeat, he must at once seek for the cause not in the strength of that particular enemy, but in something behind, some hidden want of consecration lying at the very center of his being. Just as a headache is not the disease itself, but only a symptom of a disease situated in some other part of the body, so the sin in such a Christian is only the symptom of an evil hidden probably in a very different part of his being. Sometimes the evil may be hidden even in that, which at a cursory glance, would look like good. Beneath apparent zeal for the truth, may be hidden a judging spirit, or a subtle leaning to our own understanding. Beneath apparent Christian faithfulness, may be hidden an absence of Christian love. Beneath an apparently rightful care for our affairs, may be hidden a great want of trust in God. I believe our blessed Guide, the indwelling Holy Spirit, is always secretly discovering these things to us by continual little twinges and pangs of conscience, so that we are left without excuse. But it is very easy to disregard His gentle voice, and insist upon it to ourselves that all is right; and thus the fatal evil will continue hidden in our midst causing defeat in most unexpected quarters. A capital illustration of this occurred to me once in my housekeeping. I had moved into a new house and, in looking over it to see if it was all ready for occupancy, I noticed in the cellar a very clean-looking cider-cask headed up at both ends. I debated with myself whether I should have it taken out of the cellar and opened to see what was in it, but concluded, as it seemed empty and looked nice, to leave it undisturbed, especially as it would have been quite a piece of work to get it up the stairs. I did not feel quite easy, but reasoned away my scruples and left it. Every spring and fall, when house-cleaning time came on, I would remember that cask, with a little twinge of my housewifely conscience, feeling that I could not quite rest in the thought of a perfectly cleaned house, while it remained unopened, for how did I know but under its fair exterior it contained some hidden evil. Still I managed to quiet my scruples on the subject, thinking always of the trouble it would involve to investigate it; a nd for two or three years the innocent-looking cask stood quietly in my cellar. Then, most unaccountably, moths began to fill my house. I used every possible precaution against them, and made every effort to eradicate them, but in vain. They increased rapidly and threatened to ruin everything I had. I suspected my carpets as being the cause, and subjected them to a thorough cleaning. I suspected my furniture, and had it newly upholstered. I suspected all sorts of impossible things. At last the thought of the cask flashed on me. At once I had it brought up out of the cellar and the head knocked in, and I think it is safe to say that thousands of moths poured out. The previous occupant of the house must have headed it up with something in it which bred moths, and this was the cause of all my trouble. Now I believe that, in the same way, some innocent-looking habit or indulgence, some apparently unimportant and safe thing, about which we yet have now and then little twinges of conscience, something which is not brought out fairly into the light, and investigated under the searching eye of God, lies at the root of most of the failure in this higher life.
All is not given up. Some secret corner is kept locked against the entrance of the Lord. And therefore we cannot stand before our enemies, but find ourselves smitten down in their presence. In order to prevent failure, or to discover its cause if we have failed, it is necessary that we should keep continually before us this prayer, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any evil way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Finally, let us never forget for one moment, no matter how often we may fail, that the Lord Jesus able, according to the declaration concerning Him, to deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, that we may "serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life." Let us then pray, every one of us, day and night, "Lord, keep us from sinning, and make us living witnesses of Thy mighty power to save to the uttermost "; and let us never be satisfied until we are so pliable in His hands, and have learned so to trust Him, that He will be able to "make us perfect, in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
In 1979 Neil Young came out with a song on his Rust Never Sleeps album called, “My, My, Hey, Hey.” Now, that song my not ring a bell with you, but out of that song comes a lyrical phrase that most have probably heard, “Better to burn out than to fade away.” That phrase became even more popular after it was found April 8, 1984 in the suicide note of Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana. In both cases, that lyrical phrase had to do with the death of a rock icon. The first was Elvis Presley, the second was Kurt himself.
No one desires to simply fade away into oblivion when they die. In fact, most spend a lifetime trying to build some kind of legacy that will last beyond their time on this earth. Local churches are really no different. Like individuals, most churches desire to leave a lasting legacy as well. Sadly, many churches have experienced vision drift and their original passion has faded away.
If you do a google search on the average size of the American church, you are likely to be frustrated by the facts. No one really knows for sure, but it is estimated that attendance, in 75 percent of American churches, ranges somewhere between 75 -100 or less on any given Sunday. To make matters worse, the median age of those attending church is on the rise while the median age of the unchurched, continues to decline. Many churches are quietly fading away with little to no trace that they ever existed.
Some mainline denominations are experiencing a major crisis due to the age of general membership. According to David T. Olsen:
“In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the average age of church members is 58. For United Methodists, 61 is the average age. Sixty percent of Episcopalians are over age 50; 38 percent are over age 60. The older the members of a church are, the slower the church grows. Why? Older members do not have children, so they do not help the church grow through reproduction. Older members also tend to adjust slowly to cultural changes.”
What is happening to these churches? They have lost touch with their original vision. The vision of their founders propelled them into the forefront of early American culture and helped them to gain a spiritual stronghold in a newly conceived country. The evangelistic drive that was once at the core of these churches and denominations has been supplanted by a new ‘vision’ of maintenance and comfort. But this is not only a problem for the established church. Too often a church plant can fall into the same pattern. In fact, in many ways, that pattern is to be expected.
The early years of a church plant are chaotic, to say the least. As the church begins to mature and grow, the church experiences greater financial stability, membership starts to climb and the chaos of the early years begins to fade. Many planters welcome this sense of calmness. It is often during these times that the planter must re-engage the vision. The planter or planting team will need to choose between change or stability; between being conservative or remaining bold.
Don’t be married to the church? What? Why would anyone ever blog about that? As a preachers kid I understand this problem in ways I wish I didn’t. As a pastor of 21 years I have not only experienced the effects of this problem in my life, but also helped to promote it in many ways. In my father’s generation, it was widely accepted that the church always came before the family. Why? Somehow his service, to the church, was considered an act of sacrifice and showed real commitment. Anything short of total life sacrifice simply wasn’t true commitment to the high calling of pastor.
I always remember my professor in seminary telling me; “God first, Family second, and Church third.” Sounds good in theory, but when I got into the real world, I soon discovered how truly difficult it was to keep that theory. The demands of the ministry are overwhelming at times. The pressure to succeed, the desire to grow, the need for more money, the promotion of church programs and the like put ever increasing pressures on the back of the pastor. Even our parishioners seem to have a level of expectancy for their paid pastor. Interestingly enough, the medical community has picked up on this phenomenon and labeled the profession of pastor as one of the highest health risks in the nation. Some of you may have learned how to deal with these pressures. However, I dare say the majority of pastors in the church today have not.
Now take the pressures of pastoring an established church and add the pressures of starting one from nothing. The stress and anxiety levels go through the roof. Many planters are goal driven and when their goals are not being met they naturally think; “if I work harder, pray harder and work longer, I will reach the pinnacle of success.” I many ways the planter commits a form of spiritual adultery and exchanges his relationship with his wife and family for a new marriage with the church. This new fledgling church, becomes for many their new mistress.
Donald Joy, a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, reminded me of this danger today as I was reading Men Under Construction. Joy said, “The church has one husband: Jesus. That’s enough! We can’t have bigamy scandalizing the church. Be the husband of one wife…and Jesus will affirm you for it, but don’t go flirting with His bride.” (page 108) I think that sums it up nicely.
Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing the gift of family with a a new mistress called the church. God’s call to you is to be a Christian first, a spouse and parent second (if married) and a pastor third. The consequences of getting this out of a proper perspective can be catastrophic in more ways than one.
In 1976 Sally Field starred in the Emmy Award winning movie Sybil. Sybil was a young adult who suffered severe abuse as a child and as a result developed a coping mechanism that enable her to disassociate with the reality of her pain. Over the course of her young life, Sybil developed thirteen different personalities. Some of these personalities made her appear psychotic; some of them made her appear as a sweet reserved little girl. One of these alter egos made her want to kill herself on a daily basis. However, as Sybil grew up and started to live in the adult world, her once helpful coping mechanism made it increasingly more difficult to be a productive person in society. Her different personalities became a barrier to maturity. No one knew the real Sybil. In fact, the noise of a dozen voices, made it hard for even Sybil to discover and make sense of her own identity.
As Jesus was traveling to the Gerasenes, as recorded in Mark 15, he met a man filled with a thousand voices. While we are never privy to this man personal life nor how he got into his present situation, one thing was made very clear; his condition was very severe.
“Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.” (2-6, NIV)
As this man came close to Jesus the evil in him cried out, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me.”
Jesus asked, “What is your name?”
The evil spirit answered, “Legion, for we are many.”
Imagine the inner turmoil of a thousand voices, each competing for his attention, each telling him to do something evil, cruel or harmful. Never a moment of rest, never a sense of peace, never an opportunity to think rationally. Each voice competing to be heard, each voice screaming louder and louder for his attention. Each one claiming to be right, each one offering suggestions and direction.
As I sit here staring at my bookshelf and I see dozens of church planting titles, by godly men and women over the last two decades. People like Bob Logan, Rick Warren, Peter Wagner, Lyle Schaller, Aubrey Malphurs, Ralph Moore, Ed Stetzer, Brian McLaren, Robert Webber, Alan Hirsch, David Garrison, and George Hunter. Each of these individuals are heroes of the movement. Each of them have forged new paths and opened new doorways that have propelled church planting to new heights. Yet, each of these authors and churchmen are distinct and teach varying degrees of what the church should be, do, and how it should be planted. I wonder, as I think about the future of church planting in the next few decades has the movement become fragmented? Is this movement taking on the characteristics of Sybil, or legion? Have we created a schizophrenic and confusing “call of a thousand voices” each competing for the attention of the new generation of church planters? Each voice competing to be heard, each voice screaming louder and louder for attention. Each one claiming to be right, each one offering suggestions and direction.
Since my book, Planting Fast Growing Churches hit the market two years ago; I have become more and more aware of the multiple controversies that exist in the church-planting world. While debate is very healthy in many ways, I fear these controversies are causing a rift in the church planting movement.
Just google "church planting" and you will discover endless pages with thousands of voices. Each discipline proclaims that their particular
Failure? Can we say that word? Isn’t it anti-spiritual to talk of failure when we speak about the things of God? While we may not come right out and say that, we think it! A few years ago I was with a group of pastors talking about how we should handle failure as leaders. After the session was over, one of the pastors cornered me and was quite furious that I could ever claim something of God could fail. "After all", he said, "God would never ask us to do something and then allow us to fail. If you fail, it's because you were acting against God, not with him." I asked, "What if God called us to fail so he could prepare us for te next phase of his plan for our life? What if God knew that we would have to be humbled by failure before we would be useful?" Needless-to-say, the pastor wanted nothing to do with it.
Christian leaders, and lay people alike, are notorious for using phrases and words to candy-coat something that didn’t work out well. Like; “It wasn't meant to be." Or better yet, we bring God into the picture and say, "It must not have been God's timing." That's an easy way out isn't it. Let's blame God. It seems to me that in our attempt to super-spiritualize or rename a flat out failure, we miss the lessons that we might have learned through simply admitting, “We failed!”
Why do we fight so hard to keep from admitting failure? I believe that we have formed a foolish idea in our minds that failure is an embarasment to God and so we have to save him from that possibility. The question you have to ask this: What would be worse, trying and failing, or never trying at all? What do you think God would celebrate? A quick look at parable of the talents will give us the answer. God never called us to be successful, rather He called us to be obedient. That great theologian, Woody Allen said, “If your not failing every now and again, it’s a sure sign you are not trying anything very innovative.”
Why all this talk about failure? Because anyone serious about leading a church towards growth, innovation and passionate outreach will fail from time to time. You will flat out miss the mark. Leadeing a church requires risk and risk involves the possibility of failure. Trying anything for the sake of God involves the possibility of failure. That is why so many leaders avoid trying anything new. Their egos/self-image is so wrapped up in success that they are afraid to attempt anything new for God.
Failure can become the church leaders greatest friend, if they leverage their failure. It is in failure that you learn the greatest lessons. Robert F. Kennedy once said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” We tend to think that failure is to be avoided at all costs, but often our greatest success is birthed through our failure. If you are never failing, you are probably not achieving anything of any great value either.
Church planting requires focus, and hard work. Never a dull moment and never a moment of peace. The demands grow greater as the church begins to grow and soon we find that every waking moment is spent "doing" something in the church. "It’s our baby and we have to make sure it survives and thrives." We have invested our lives into this work and so we get busier and busier trying to make it better and stronger. The fact is the harder we work the more buried, behind and busy we get. God has created us to have rest. Don’t live life in the fast lane.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like the day always ends about three hours too early. There are some days that pass me by and I’m wondering what happened. Dance lessons, ball games, music lessons, homework - before we know it, bath time and bedtime. Where does the time go on weekdays? We as adults are busy with these daily responsibilities in our fast-paced society. Microwaves help prepare quick meals, drive-throughs provide food on the run and while an occasional evening of "running" is okay, a lifestyle of being on the run can be very stressful. In fact life on the run exemplifies most families today.
I have been the National Missions Director now for two years. I have discovered, it’s not everything it was billed to be. Up early, on the road late, meeting hundreds of people and spending little time with family.
Does that resemble your life in any way? It does for millions of Americans everyday. Your day may not be exactly the same, but it’s just as hectic.
Here is what I am learning. I hope it helps you to avoid my pitfalls.
1. Constantly running at break-neck speed is exhausting in every aspect of life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our bodies can only handle so much activity and when we live a hurried life we will begin to see signs of this lifestyle become evident in our health. We suffer with personal illness and depression. Stress, heart attacks, constant illnesses of all kinds and chronic fatigue. Some of you here today are seeing doctors right now for things that are related to the constant stress which you allow in your life.
When Jesus was in the midst of His ministry he sent out the disciples to preach in the surrounding cities when they returned Jesus said to them. Mark 6:31-32 “Jesus said, come of by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest. For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.” (Message) Jesus recognized that the body will wear down if not properly rested. In fact this is not a new concept. In Gen 2 We see God putting his stamp of approval on one day for the purpose of rest. He called it the Sabbath. In the book of Exodus, as He was giving the law to Moses, He declared, “Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.” (NLT) God created this body and understands the effects of a hurried life. When we abuse our physical bodies because we are not treating them properly, it becomes a spiritual problem. 1Cor. 6:20 "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (NKJ)
2. Living a life without margins breaks down the family. I have found that my children suffer because I am not there to give them the full attention they need. Pro 22:6 says, “teach your children to chose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (NLT) Actions speak louder than words. If you want your children to grow up living the hurried life, teach them early and they won’t depart form it.
3. Life without margins causes Spiritual weakness. Living life in the fast lane has serious spiritual ramifications. If you are anything like me, by the time the day is over, you finally sit down and attempt to read the Bible you are almost too tired to do so. Soon you find yourself drifting off to sleep. The eyes grow tired and pretty soon we find that you’ve read the same verse ten times and we still don’t know what it says. When we are not feasting on the word of God our spirit’s are dying of malnutrition.
My challenge, as well as yours is to sit down and learn to set proper margins in your life. Proper rest, quiet time with God, fun with the family are all godly endeavors. Sometime, as pastors, we get it into our mind that the harder we work for God the stronger our spiritual life becomes. In reality that is rarely the case
Churches die. That’s a fact. Yet, many of us have bought into the idea that our church was meant to last until Jesus comes. That is simply not the case. Too often churches struggling to stay alive pursue the search for the fountain of youth. Many believe that if they can’t find that fountain of youth, the doors will close and they will be considered a failure. While we may mourn the passing of a great work, I think we need to correct our ecclesiology.
Understand that there is a big difference between "church" with a small "c" and "Church" with a capital "C". The Church (capital C) is eternal and will never die. But, the local church (small c) is community of believers. Those involved in these local community of believers age, move away, and eventually die. Churches have life-cycles. Some last longer than others and some are churches for a season.
If a church closing is a failure, then all of the churches of Acts were miserable failures. Realize not one of them exists today. However, what we do have is the legacy they left. The churches of Acts were springboards, stopping off points in history for the spreading of the gospel. They served as the foundation for future works. Your church is proof of that. Your church exists today because the churches of Acts were sending bodies that did not think about self-preservation. Rather, they thoughts about the multiplication of the kingdom and the spreading of the good news.
No church was intended to be around forever. The problem rests in the fact that many congregations see their church as a castle to protect, instead of a small part of God’s kingdom-building process. We are not called to be castle fortifiers, but kingdom builders. We need to come to terms with the fact that many of our churches will not last for another 15 years, but they might be a stepping stone in the history of God’s multiplying and spreading kingdom. Instead of fighting to keep a church on life-support, let’s celebrate what God has done. Let’s have proper funeral and throw a party for their faithfulness.
Can you imagine what might happen if churches fighting to stay alive, where celebrated, closed and the assets where used to plant another vibrate, growing church? What kind of a legacy could that church leave for future generations?
Why even talk about such a fatalistic issue? Why bring up such a difficult subject? Because the Church in America is in a severe crisis. Watch this video from David Olsen. If the video peaks your interest visit The American Church and order his book.
Every church planter, or even pastor for that matter, needs to ask three big questions about their ministry.
1. Why do people need Jesus?
I know that is a simple question, but it strikes at the very heart of our faith. Your picture of Jesus will in large part determine how you answer that question. Why do we need Jesus in the first place? Why do we need what he has to offer? Why can’t we be good without God?
Receiving Jesus is more than neat thing to do, it is crucial. The scripture tells us that without Jesus there is no hope. "I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father.” John 14:6 There is no other way. Jesus Christ is the only solution to the deepest longings of the human heart. He is the only answer to the problems that plague our society. Without Jesus, their life will be lost, not only now, but forever. Only he can change us and offer us hope and wholeness?
2. Why do people need the church?
People need the church, it’s not optional. It is essential to God’s plan for our lives. It’s the only place where God has designed for us to worship, fellowship, grow through His teaching and serve others. Being a part of a healthy congregation is a source of great joy and a means for personal growth in the life of a believer. Heb 10:25 “We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some of you are doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other even more as we see the day of the Lord coming.”
3. Why do people need YOUR church?
This is really the "Big" question! There are so many other churches in your city, why do people need yours? What is unique about us? What do we have to offer? How are we uniquely equipped to reach this community for Jesus? What is our calling in the city?
If you can not answer this question then maybe God has not placed a vision in your heart. You may be simply looking for a way out of the establshed church. This is an important question. You must be able to answer.
Every flourishing church has something in common. It has a group of people that understand that the local church is the only hope for the world. Not a hope. Not one of many hopes, but the only hope.
Because of that conviction, they are courageously, passionately and sacrificially giving their time, talents and resources. They are tirelessly pursuing those who don’t know Jesus in order to tell them that only Jesus can heal their brokenness and make them whole. Without that deep conviction and commitment a church will flounder and eventually become powerless and ineffective.
The church has been uniquely designed to do a job on this earth and the future of the world depends on how well the church does what it’s been designed to do. The unique power of the church is that it holds the key to the transformation of the human heart. No other entity in the world has this potential. Nothing else has the ability to change the world like the local church. If we don’t believe that, then nothing we do really matters.
Churches operate through volunteers. That is a fact! If a church doesn't have a good base of volunteers to run its every day and weekly activities/ministries the church will not function well. This isn't simply true of the church, but also true of any non-profit organization, polictical campaign and para-church organizations.
Here is a question to ponder. While volunteerism is imporrtant, is it accomplishing what we intend for it to accomplish in the church? We ask people in the church to become volunteers so they can become servants in the church. In every organization of this kind th volunteer serves the organization. I know that some of you are wanting to push back here and say; "No! They serve God by serving the church." I'm not sure this is true.
We all believe in the giftedness of believers. We all understadn that the church is to help our people discover how God has created them to serve. We all believe that becoming a servant is crucial to the Christian life. But is serving the pinnacle of our calling as Christians? 1 Peter 2:5 "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Our volunteers are used to serve the church and help it's ministries function. That is not a bad thing, but is serving the church, the right direction to help our people find meaning? It is a means, but not the end.
Let me explain before I am crucified or burned at the stake. Our calling, as leaders, is to call our people to become missionaries, not volunteers. You may think; "That is just splitting hairs." But is it? Or use of language can be profound. Helping our people understand that the high calling of the Christian life is to become missionaries in their culture encompasses volunteerism, than vice-versa.
Bottom line is this. We need to call people to volunteer in the church, but within the framework of being a missionary in their community. Calling your people ministers or missionaries has much more meaning than calling someone a volunteer. Any organization cn have volunteers. We have missionaries. I think that the change of name can aid the change of our philosophy of ministry and release our people to become more than mere volunteers, serving the church. Rather, they become missionaries, serving their community.
What is a church-planting movement? This is a question that I have been wrestling with for quite some time. In fact, I am not the only one. Many people smarter than myself are asking the same question. People like Ed Stetzer, David Garrison, Alan Hirsch, Neil Cole, Bob Roberts, and the list goes on. Each one of these leaders share differing nuances about what this “Movement” would be. What does a church planting movement look like, and how do we know if we are experiencing one?
Even Webster’s Dictionary has multiple definitions of what the word “movement” means. I think the one that fits best, at least for this discussion, is “abundance of events or incidents”. I think that is what everyone is driving at.
Bob Roberts wrote “We want to see a movement that will transform societies similar to what has happened in the past and is happening in the East.” (The Multiplying Church, Zondervan 2008) American Christians are hungry for something, maybe a revival of old, to happen in our country. We want to see the Spirit of God sweep across our land in a powerful way as it is in China.
But here is the rub for me. As we look at movements across the world, as we look at what is happening in India, China, South Africa, and how the Gospel is taking these nations by storm, we have to put it all in its own cultural context.
We are not Mainland China where Christianity is openly persecuted. We are not India where a house church movement is maintained as a way to keep the church flourishing in an openly oppressive (against Christianity) culture. I believe we have to be careful as we describe what we see taking place elsewhere, as prescriptive of what must happening in every society, culture and place. What a movement in the U.S. looks likes, I believe, will be radically different from what one looks like in the East. With one exception, God shows up!
The book of Acts reveals a great mixture of both an indigenous, explosive , movement, led by lay-people as well as a more “professional Apostolic” movement, led by the likes of James, Phillip, Peter and Paul. The missionary journeys of Paul reveal to us that he went to places where believers had already been meeting as well as places where no movement of God had been seen. How God determines to move in any particular setting varies.
As I look at my own country, I want what I see across the ocean to happen here. But it won’t look the same. We may not see the widespread movement of God that I believe is being generated by persecution and hardship. (Nothing like persecution to get the church moving.) But we cannot discount that, as has been reported, we are for the first time planting more churches every year then we are closing. True, the state of the church and American Christianity is at its worst in our history, but I believe that we are seeing the early stages of a genuine Church Planting movement in the United States. Will it look as it does in another cultural context? No! Nonetheless, God is showing up all around the country. We are, as Malcom Gladwell put it, at the “Tipping Point”.
What excites me more than ever is that churches are starting to get the point. Even in our own group, many are starting to believe and own the vision. Instead of simply sending money they are now doing it for themsleves. Will it look the same? No! Even around the U.S. our cultures and structures differ. There is no one way to plant a church. One thing is for sure, if we are to see a movement pick up speed, it has to begin with the local church.
Have you ever felt like Abraham? Called out to an unknown place, sure when you've arrived, and uncertain what the future holds? Yet, Abraham left knowing that God was in control. I am sure many of you have found yourself in that kind of a situation a few times in your life. For me, however, this is a first. Through 23 years of ministry I have always known where God was leading. It was always very clear what he called me to do. Now, I find myself in that awkward position of Abraham - A man without a country.
Over the last two weeks I have been in a focused season of prayer and personal reflection. God had been stirring in my heart for quite some time but through the events of the last few weeks He has forced me to take a time to focus my thoughts. On Friday, April 23rd, I started a weekend of fasting and by Sunday afternoon God calmed my heart and said, "Trust me. I will lead you where you need to go." Not exactly the awe inspiring, detailed, and perfectly laid out information I was looking for, but nonetheless I knew God was leading towards something new. What that "something" is I do not know.But I do know this, God is in control and I trust Him leading.
For know I will carry on in the office as the Director of National Missions until the end of August. I will be preparing document, finalizing information and laying out the processes of National Missions for the next Director whoever that may be. Pray that God will reveal himself to me and guide the process of those entrusted with the task of finding a new director. These are interesting days for the General Baptists and I pray that God will bless all they do.
As for me and my family, well we will see what God has in store.
Church planting requires focus, and hard work. Never a dull moment and never a moment of peace. The demands grow greater as the church begins to grow and soon we find that every waking moment is spent "doing" something in the church. "It's our baby and we have to make sure it survives and thrives." We have invested our lives into this work and so we get busier and busier trying to make it better and stronger. The fact is the harder we work the more buried, behind and busy we get. God has created us to have rest. Don't live life in the fast lane.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like the day always ends about three hours too early. There are some days that pass me by and I’m wondering what happened. Dance lessons, ball games, music lessons, homework - before we know it, bath time and bedtime. Where does the time go on weekdays? We as adults are busy with these daily responsibilities in our fast-paced society. Microwaves help prepare quick meals, drive-throughs provide food on the run and while an occasional evening of "running" is okay, a lifestyle of being on the run can be very stressful. In fact life on the run exemplifies most families today.
I have been the National Missions Director now for two years. I have discovered, it's not everything it was billed to be. Up early, on the road late, meeting hundreds of people and spending little time with family.
Does that resemble your life in any way? It does for millions of Americans everyday. Your day may not be exactly the same, but it’s just as hectic.
Here is what I am learning. I hope it helps you to avoid my pitfalls.
1. Constantly running at break-neck speed is exhausting in every aspect of life physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our bodies can only handle so much activity and when we live a hurried life we will begin to see signs of this lifestyle become evident in our health. We suffer with personal illness and depression. Stress, heart attacks, constant illnesses of all kinds and chronic fatigue. Some of you here today are seeing doctors right now for things that are related to the constant stress which you allow in your life.
When Jesus was in the midst of His ministry he sent out the disciples to preach in the surrounding cities when they returned Jesus said to them. Mark 6:31-32 “Jesus said, come of by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest. For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.” (Message) Jesus recognized that the body will wear down if not properly rested. In fact this is not a new concept. In Gen 2 We see God putting his stamp of approval on one day for the purpose of rest. He called it the Sabbath. In the book of Exodus, as He was giving the law to Moses, He declared, “Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.” (NLT) God created this body and understands the effects of a hurried life. When we abuse our physical bodies because we are not treating them properly, it becomes a spiritual problem. 1Cor. 6:20 "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's” (NKJ)
2. Living a life without margins breaks down the family. I have found that my children suffer because I am not there to give them the full attention they need. Pro 22:6 says, “teach your children to chose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.” (NLT) Actions speak louder than words. If you want your children to grow up living the hurried life, teach them early and the
Excuse #4 - We are suppose to be different from the world.
Of all the excuses I hear from pastors, this is probably the most common. Here are two verses used to support this thought.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.Therefore come out from them and be separate’, says the Lord.” 2 Cor 6:14-17
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom 12:1-2
What does Paul mean when he tells us not to be “conformed to the world”? What his point when he quoted Isa 52:11 as a called to be “separate”? More importantly, what are we to separate ourselves from or avoid being conformed to and in which areas of our lives do these verse apply?
I won’t go into a huge diatribe about these two verses because it would take too long and I would lose you as a reader very quickly. However, here is my thought: Why is it that these verses only apply to what we do inside the walls of the church? Those who use these verses as proof texting for why they won’t move to a more contemporary format in their services don’t use the same measure for their “other” life. I say “other” because it seems as if many have been able to compartmentalize their “Sunday morning life” from the rest of their “day-to-day life”. While the insides of their churches look like something from the last century, they still drive up-to-date cars, watch TV on their new HD TV, (and mind you many shows that are not very appropriate) use the latest appliances and live life to the fullest in century of which they are a part. I find it interesting that these leaders and their members are not personally committed to live separate or non-conformist lives, as least to the level they require on Sunday morning. Doesn’t that seem odd to anyone else? Isn’t that a real definition of hypocrisy? I fear many are using the church as a place to create a sense of comfort rather than commissioning. I fear many have elevated comfort as a higher value than the call to do the Great Commission work?
Maybe I am over simplifying, but it seems to me the Biblical calling to be separate or not to conform has to do with a calling not to live an ungodly, Christless, sin-filled life. I don’t believe “stuff” or methodologies of ministry were even a thought in Paul’s mind when he penned these verses. Besides if they were, then even the traditional church of today would be worldly to Paul because it looks nothing like the church of his era.
Excuse #3 – If we preach it, they will come. Since they don’t they are not really interested. It’s not our fault.
Remember the Kevin Costner movie, Field Of Dreams?Costner plays the part of an Iowa farmer, Ray Kinsella, who is down on his luck.The farm is about to be foreclosed and the family has no way out. One day “Ray” hears a voice in his cornfield whispering, "If you build it, he will come." So, he builds a baseball field on his farm, and the ghosts of multiple baseball players show up and play a game of ball. Hundreds come from around the area, pay to watch the game, and VIOLA the farm is saved! If it were only that easy!
Yet, it seems as if many in the pulpit today have bought into that notion. In fact, it is a popular excuse for way many congregations remain small. The idea goes something like this: The Word of God is powerful and all we have to do is preach the Word. Those who live in our community know where we are located and if they really want to change they will come and hear the word. We don’t have to do any of that fancy stuff to get people in our doors. If we simply preach the Word of God faithfully, they will come. If they don’t, well then, that is their fault not ours. I don’t mean to sound so harsh, but I can’t tell you how many times I have heard those very words.
I do agree the Word of God is powerful. Hebrews 4:12 makes that very clear, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” However, where does the Great Commission state, “STAY”! Where do we find the lackadaisical approach to ministry in the Word? Where does it tell us that ALL we need to do is preach the Word?
Any realistic look at Scripture will reveal that we have a pursuing God who asks us to follow his lead – to go out into the “Highways and byways”. We cannot allow our lazy pursuit of those caught in sin to be something we attempt to justify through God’s Word.
Excuse #2 – Our size is simply a sign of the times.
Without a doubt there will be a time of great apostasy before Jesus returns. The Bible warns of this great falling away at the end of time. 1 Thess 2:3 “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first…”. So, we should expect nothing different. However, never was this statement, by Paul to the church of Thessalonica, intended to be a used as an excuse to sit back on our laurels and simply accept as a matter of fact, “this is the way it is.” Nor should we quote Matt 7:14 “broad is the road to destruction and narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” as a justification for inactivity.
Some, well-meaning leaders have used 2 Tim 2:2-4 “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” as an excuse for poor functional systems, bad planning and no evangelistic direction. Make no mistake, the scripture is clear that many will not receive God’s word regardless what we say, but that fact cannot be a justification for our smallness or lack of growth. We must not use scriptures of this nature to “proof text” our behavior.
Who knew the condition of mankind better than Jesus? He understood the hardness of men’s hearts and what the end of time would hold. Yet, he was urgently driven to share the Kingdom of God with all who would listen. Jesus told the truth every time he opened his mouth. What was the response? “Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.” Matt 4:25. Did many reject him? YES! But many also followed.
Bottom line is this: We can never, and should never accept that fact that our church is not growing as a “sing of the times.” As people of grace, we should be compelled by love and driven to share with all, whenever and wherever we can. Will we be rejected? YES! But every no brings us closer to a “YES” for the glory of God’s kingdom.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal 6:9
Over the last few years I have had the privilege of traveling around the United States, meeting all kinds of leaders and working with many different churches. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet with churches of all kinds and sizes. Yet, one thing seems to be a constant among many (not all), plateaued/declining churches, they all have what I call “Sanctified excuses” for their lack of growth and kingdom mindedness. Many of these sanctified excuses are couched in scripture in order to give justified reason for avoiding the call to the Great Commission. What even becomes more disturbing is how many churches in this situation wear their situation as a badge of honor. It’s almost as if the lack of growth is a sign of true faithfulness to God’s word. What are these “sanctified excuses”? Well, to start with, the blog would be too long to handle them all at once so I will share them over a four-part blog.
Excuse #1 – The truth of God’s word is offensive to the unbeliever. So, if we really preach the truth, many will be offended and leave or not come at all. A few scriptures used to defend this excuses; Matt 7:13, John 6:60-66, John 15:18-21.
While it is true that many turned away from Jesus when he preached hard things to the people, it is also true that Jesus attracted large crowds when he spoke these hard truths. Truth is what turned the Woman at the Well around to become a follower. Truth is what caused Paul to become a follower. The truth of the sayings of Jesus is what drew people to him. He wasn’t afraid the share the truth in way that people understood. Truth drove many away, but it also transformed many.
Think about this: If smallness, decline or plateauness (New word) is a hallmark of true spirituality and faithfulness to God all churches would be empty as proof of our faithfulness. Sounds silly I know, but among many, anti-church growth advocates, that is the ultimate conclusion.
The question remains; How do you deal with the explosive growth of the Church in the first decade, century, or millennium after Pentecost? What do you do with the Great Commission? How do you explain the thousands of people who came to Christ when the Holy Spirit showed up on the scene? How do you explain the fact that Jesus never told people not to come and hear him in such big crowds or that he never denounces, nor prescribes the proper size of a church in the N.T.
Let me leave you with this one haunting thought: Rev 3:1-2 “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.” God offers no insight into what “reputation of being alive” means. Could it be that many of our churches have fallen asleep believing that they are alive? After all, they have a building, they sing hymns and listen to a pastor preach every Sunday. They hold prayer meetings, bible studies and give to foreign missions. Non-growth is not a sign of faithfulness to God. Rather, it is disobedience to our calling to grow HIS Kingdom.
Too often small churches struggle to grow. The reasons for this struggle are multiple. Small churches, while effective in some ways, tend to be more family oriented and do not allow visitors to feel at home as readily. Lyle Schaller refers to churches under the two hundred mark as “Collie” churches. “Some people tend to wonder why these churches remain on a plateau in size or why church shoppers often do not return after that initial visit. Collies tend to have strong affection for members of the family, but they often bark at strangers”. When any church falls into this mode of operation, growth becomes almost impossible. Myriads of books and articles have been written about the growth problems of the small church. The key to avoiding these problems for a new church is to reach the two hundred mark quickly. New church plants that do not grow rapidly will develop a “Collie” mentality, stifling their ability to reach out and impact the community. Planting new churches should be an attempt to overcome growth problems, not emulate them.
A church in the city, which never reaches the 200 barrier, could have a very limited ministry future. Why? Because 200 “is the minimum number of adults needed, in a metropolitan setting, to provide the services people want in a church”. A church plant is no exception. It, like all churches, will experience a plateau in its attendance. If the church plant experiences a plateau below 200, its effectiveness in delivering the gospel through multiple ministries will be severely hampered.
Several difficulties will need to be overcome if a church plant doesn’t grow quickly.
Ministry Options
We live in a culture that loves choices. In fact, we live in a culture that has come to expect choices. If you go into any convenience store looking for pop, how many choices do you expect to find at their fountain? Two? Unthinkable. Four? Probably not. I’m guessing, but I bet most have at least eight different spouts to choose from. The same idea of choice holds true in today’s church.Once a church plant finds itself limited by low attendance and resources, it will inevitably be limited in what services it has to offer a community. Limited choices and services will make further church growth very difficult to accomplish. By contrast, if a church plant can reach the 200 mark quickly, it will be better able to provide multiple ministries quickly and avoid losing the momentum needed to continue effective ministry. So, if a new church isn’t able to offer multiple ministry options quickly, it will find itself unable to compete among the myriad of already established churches that do. PPPTo some degree, every church struggles with this problem, but the church plant is even more vulnerable. While an established church may be able to do adequate ministry with an average attendance of less than two hundred, over an extended period of time, a church plant cannot. Established churches have differing advantages that baby churches do not.
Credibility
Most established churches have buildings that give them visibility. Established churches also have been able to build credibility over many years in their community. In some case, these older churches have become a community institution. They have a proven staying power and an accepted reputationa new church hasn’t had time to build. Too often, church plants are viewed with suspicion and even labeled as cultish. Rapid growth of a new church can create enough “buzz” on the street to help give it the credibility it needs.
Finances
Established churches have had time to build a loyal membership. Often, this loyal membership consists of extended families that have invested themselves in the history of the church. This loyalty creates a stronger financial foundation. Members give because they have always given or because Mom and Dad gave. Many established churches take for granted the material possessions they have gained over years of existence. The church plant rarely has the advantage of traditional and institutionalized tithe. A church plant almost always starts out with a smaller number of attendees and thus, is limited by their financial resources.The acquisition of little things, like tables, chairs, sound systems, computers, and things that will be needed to grow can become huge financial issues for a church plant.
Corporate Esteem
Of all the problems that new church experience, this may be the most difficult to overcome. Crowds attract crowds. Think about it. The last time you were in an unfamiliar town and needed to choose a restaurant to eat at, didn’t a part of your selection process include counting the number of cars in each parking lot? I bet you turned to your spouse and said something like, “Wow, that barbeque joint sure is busy. I bet they’re good.” Whether you realized it or not, you were attracted to the size of the crowd, not their sign or their building’s façade. To create new missions that break out of the mold of the self-serving, survival-minded, family-run organizations, leaders must find a way to plant churches that can pack out their pews and parking lots in a very short period of time. When a church is able to grow rapidly and gain momentum, this will create a healthy attitude among the members. “A primary difference between growing and declining churches is their attitude. Growing churches feel they have something worthwhile to offer to their community. Their high level of self-esteem provides the energy and strength to share the gospel of Christ with people in the community”.
Church plants that do not grow beyond the 150 average attendance mark within a few years will lose momentum and fall into the small-church trap that will result in a low sense of congregational morale. Church plants are infused with a heightened expectation for success. Very often, these new congregants are driven by an exciting desire to change the world.This desire and expectation make them more vulnerable. When the young churchgoer’s experience is not met with immediate success, a palpable discouragement can set in.This can be a fatal blow for the young church.
The members involved in an established church usually possess fairly level attitudes and expectations. Most have settled into a routine way of “doing” church. Members may pray for, expect, and hope to grow, but the level of expectation for dramatic and rapid changes is not as high as in a new church. In contrast, the expectation of those involved in a church plant is one of rapid growth within a short period of time. When expectations are not reached at the level anticipated, a sense of failure is certain.
Once an attitude of defeat settles into the hearts and minds of the church planter and the new congregation, they can very easily begin to view themselves “as small, weak, unattractive, powerless and frustrated with a limited future”. Unfortunately, this attitude is the state in which many church plants find themselves. If conventional wisdom is true, two-thirds of church-planting attempts will begin to develop asmall-church self-image. In essence, church plants need to reach the two hundred mark quickly or face a myriad of problems.
In Feb 09, my new book Full Disclosure: The F-Words of Church Planting, will be releaed from ChurchSmart Resources. In this book Barry Smith, my co-author and I speak about the dangers of "Fade-Away." What is fade-away? It is the constant and unfortunate fading of vision, most churches suffer. Below is an expert from this book. If you like what you see, you can pre-order the book in the store.
"In 1979 Neil Young came out with a song on his Rust Never Sleeps album called, “My, My, Hey, Hey.” Now, that song my not ring a bell with you, but out of that song comes a lyrical phrase that most have probably heard, “Better to burn out than to fade away.” That phrase became even more popular after it was found April 8, 1984 in the suicide note of Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana. In both cases, that lyrical phrase had to do with the death of a rock icon. The first was Elvis Presley, the second was Kurt himself.
No one desires to simply fade away into oblivion when they die. In fact, most spend a lifetime trying to build some kind of legacy that will last beyond their time on this earth. Local churches are really no different. Like individuals, most churches desire to leave a lasting legacy as well. Sadly, many churches have experienced vision drift and their original passion has faded away.
If you do a google search on the average size of the American church, you are likely to be frustrated by the facts. No one really knows for sure, but it is estimated that attendance, in 75 percent of American churches, ranges somewhere between 75 -100 or less on any given Sunday. To make matters worse, the median age of those attending church is on the rise while the median age of the unchurched, continues to decline. Many churches are quietly fading away with little to no trace that they ever existed.
Some mainline denominations are experiencing a major crisis due to the age of general membership. According to David T. Olsen:
“In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the average age of church members is 58. For United Methodists, 61 is the average age. Sixty percent of Episcopalians are over age 50; 38 percent are over age 60. The older the members of a church are, the slower the church grows. Why? Older members do not have children, so they do not help the church grow through reproduction. Older members also tend to adjust slowly to cultural changes.”
What is happening to these churches? They have lost touch with their original vision. The vision of their founders propelled them into the forefront of early American culture and helped them to gain a spiritual stronghold in a newly conceived country. The evangelistic drive that was once at the core of these churches and denominations has been supplanted by a new ‘vision’ of maintenance and comfort. But this is not only a problem for the established church. Too often a church plant can fall into the same pattern. In fact, in many ways, that pattern is to be expected.
The early years of a church plant are chaotic, to say the least. As the church begins to mature and grow, the church experiences greater financial stability, membership starts to climb and the chaos of the early years begins to fade. Many planters welcome this sense of calmness. It is often during these times that the planter must re-engage the vision. The planter or planting team will need to choose between change or stability; between being conservative or remaining bold."
As most everyone knows by now a massive, 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12th. The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of deaths is estimated, by the American Red Cross, to be upwards of 50,000. World Vision, a Christian humanitarian charity organization, is on the ground rushing emergency supplies to survivors of this catastrophe.
“We would be very concerned about a quake of this magnitude anywhere in the world, but it is especially devastating in Haiti, where people are acutely vulnerable because of poor infrastructure and extreme poverty,” said Edward Brown, World Vision’s relief director in the United States.
I believe it is times like these that the church can step up and show the love of Christ in a big way. It is our Christian duty to help in this time of need. Any gift you are able to make now will help distribute life-saving relief supplies – including food, clean water, blankets, and tents — to children and families devastated by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.
Here are a few sites and contacts to help you find a way to give:
The Lone Ranger is a piece of American entertainment history. On Feb 2, 1933 the Lone Ranger episodes were launched on the radio. On Sept 14, 1949 it air for the first time on ABC and aired until 1957. Throughout this run, Americans all across the nation tuned in to see their favorite masked hero, take on the bad guys. Every episode ended with this lone figure yelling out a hearty “Hi-Yo Silver Away!” while his horse reared up and they rode off into the wilderness. Americans loved The Lone Ranger because he stood for truth, justice and the American way. The Lone Ranger, riding solitary and into the sunset, became an American icon and a symbol for the rugged individualism that built this great nation.
Today, the phrase “lone ranger” is used by many preachers to denote what may be a spiritual loner or an outcast who doesn’t seem to fit neatly into the body of Christ. Ironically, most pastors fit this bill very well and sadly, most pastors feel a lot like The Lone Ranger. These lone ranger pastors feel deeply that they are expected, by their congregations and denominational leaders, to embody the rugged, individualistic spirit of a self-made man. They are expected to ride in, save the day and ride off into the sunset while onlookers whisper amongst themselves, “Who was that masked man?” This expectation has cause an epidemic of health problems, burnout, infidelity, and depression among pastors in America today.
While the American pastor may suffer from this syndrome, church planters are even more susceptible. Many church planters tend to be the rugged-individual type. Their natures tend make them willing to take on the world and their problems through their rugged, solitary will. It might even be that they prefer to take on every challenge alone. And as it stands, our current mode of operations surrounding church planting, encourages this sort of methodology.Church planters are sent out to do the work like The Lone Ranger. Most don’t even get a Tonto.As leaders I think we must ask ourselves: Issending out our church planters without any shoulder-to-shoulder or personal support even biblical?
In the sixth chapter of Mark, Jesus sent his disciples out to minister in groups of two. A quick read through the book of Acts will show that the early church sent their missionaries out in groups of two. Come to think of it, whenever I watch the television show COPS, even they are sent out in groups of two. Like law enforcement, ministry is dangerous business. Don’t we need to take some precautions? There is strength and safety in numbers! It’s time to bring this biblical concept back into the arena of church planting. It’s hard enough planting a church, let alone, planting it solo.
Instead of one entrepreneurial planter going out to start a church on his own, why not send a team? In his book Planting Missional Churches, Ed Stetzer explains that a church-planting team provides “a division of gifts, and a strong leadership base”. Church plants that start off with a team and share the workload stand a much better chance of reaching the two hundred mark quickly.
But, does the data back that up?
Yes!
One of the most significant discoveries in the study of church plants (Planting Fast Growing Churches) has to do with "Lone Ranger" leadership.Each planter involved in the study was asked if they planted the church on their own or if they started with a church planting team. A whopping 88 percent of the fast-growing church plants had a church planting team in place prior to public launch. By contrast, only 12 percent of struggling church plants had a church planting team. That is a difference of 76 percent between these two groups! Ouch—did I just hear the Lone Ranger take a bullet?
Team planting does have a positive impact on the growth of a new church, and it is a major factor that distinguishes fast-growing church plants from the comparison plants. Before the results came back to me, it was my belief that a team approach to church planting would produce a synergy unlike anything else. Because of my own experience, I already knew in my bones that those who attempted to plant a church in true Lone Ranger fashion had a much greater likelihood of struggling.
What I found even more interesting, perhaps even disturbing, was the degree of loneliness and isolation that those leading struggling church plants found themselves subjected to. Each planter was asked to indicate how many unpaid volunteer staff they had. The results were eye opening. Not only did the majority of solo planters have no paid staff, it is significant to note that 73.1 percent of leaders involved in struggling church plants indicated that they had a grand total of zero on their voluntary staff. By contrast, a majority of planters leading fast-growing church plants, 65 percent, had at least one or more volunteers to rely on.
