 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3 There are many Pastors who are feeling the weight of of ministry and are likely beyond exhausted, physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. In the past month I’ve heard my pastor friends say these things: “I’m ready to quit.” “I don’t know how much longer I can keep going.” “If one more family leaves over ____________ I’m not sure our church will be able to survive financially.” “I’m not going to abandon the church now, but when this season is over, I’m planning on resigning.” “I’m depressed, discouraged and feel like a failure.” When I pastored I said similar things. When I led in difficult seasons I thought about them, regularly. We should acknowledge that some of our brothers and the churches they pastor are growing and thriving, we can rejoice and be thankful for that-we can also confess that many are not, in fact they may be the majority. Brother Pastor, let me encourage you to keep running and endure. The writer of Hebrews offers us a great exhortation to keep going, even when things are difficult. Consider the Example of Others History is replete with the stories of missionaries and pastors who labored faithfully over years, often at great costs and with great hardships, while not seeing great numbers of conversions. Consider the life of Adoniram Judson, who after four decades of ministry in Burma, could count, at best, twenty-five converts to Christ. In that same timeframe he buried two wives, six children, and eleven co-workers. By God’s grace, the gospel took hold and the number of converts tracing their faith to his work now number in the millions. Lay Aside Hindrances What are the things that hinder your joy, undermine your devotion and slow your ministry? Could it be an expectation or desire to be successful by a certain standard which now has you second guessing your call or feeling frustrated? Are you facing real emotional challenges that would benefit from counseling, medical examination or medication? Are you watching and listening to other Pastors and comparing yourself to them? Are you following the advice of consultants who peddle quick solutions for churches in crisis who have never led a church during a season like this? Do the work of prayerful reflection and set aside whatever things the Lord reveals are hindering your race. Mortify Sin Sustained discouragement in the life of a Christian, especially a Pastor can become an incubator for sin. Our desires can slowly over time skew toward self-we want to feel different, be happy, feel successful. Our desire to feel good, experience success, and enjoy personal fulfillment can become an obsessive quest. We each have sins that are prone to ensnare our hearts, minds and hands. Know the specific sins that could take you out and ask the Lord to deaden you to them. Run Your Race God calls each of us to the same ministry of proclaiming the gospel and making disciples who make disciples. But his call to each of us is unique to a certain context. I served in an affluent, highly educated, extremely progressive and gospel resistant city. You may serve in a sparsely populated conservative rural county. We each have a race that lies before us-one that is very different. I’m called to faithfully run mine and you yours. I may think your race looks easier and want to abandon mine-but I must finish the race God has laid before me. Keep Looking at Jesus I ran long distance on the track team when I was much younger, I did not run well at all. I like to say now that the only time I run is when I’m scared or in danger-which means I don’t run much! In my track days I struggled to run effectively because I was focused not on the finish line but my pain. Pastor, what are you focusing on as you run the race God has put before you? My experience reminds me that when I focus on the pain of my race and not on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of my faith, who successfully ran his race to the cross I will struggle and want to quit running. The race is not over brother Pastor, let’s keep running and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
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 IT BEGINS (AND CONTINUES) WITH SOMEONE
In any group of people, be it a workplace, school, office or church there are some who initiate action or instigate change. It can come in the form of a suggestion; "Hey why don't we..." or "I wonder if we ______" and let's add, "I think we should......." These are the catalytic leaders among us, they see an opportunity, an inefficiency or injustice and rise to action, call for something different. They are movers and sometimes they shake things up. We need them, some who prefer status quo, resist their gift and work. PROGRESS REQUIRES LEADERS & FOLLOWERS It's not uncommon to get confused about leadership. In the late 90s and early to mid 2000s a lot of church conferences claimed that everyone is a Leader. Myriads of resources were created and foisted on Pastors and Churches-a lot were good, some were not. In reality, not everyone functions in the lead position. If we were all leading, no one would be following, and nothing would be accomplished. Let's tweak the now two decades leadership assertion to this-Leaders lead, others follow, those that follow lead out in the accomplishment of the mission. DIRECTIONAL LEADERS SET THE COURSE, DOING LEADERS MAKE IT HAPPEN A simple leadership principle-to go somewhere you have to actually go somewhere. Someone (the leader) has to determine direction-be it through declaration, relational influence or collaboration-a person has to begin the process of saying let's go here, let's do this. At that point, those around, who are part of the community have a decision to make-do we agree? Are we going to put in the effort to go there, to accomplish, to achieve the movement toward that direction? If yes, they engage in "doing" leadership. DIRECTIONAL LEADERSHIP MUST BE STEWARDED Our natural tendency is to start something and not fully finish it or see it through to completion. The task of the leader is to see it through all the way, even in the face of opposition, delay, challenge and lack of resource. Leadership: A called, qualified and committed leader navigates dangers, threats, challenges to the accomplishment of the vision-keeping the congregation united and focused and moving forward. In Nehemiah 2, we see a great example of stewarding the vision God is giving and shaping
GUARD AND GUIDE DIRECTIONAL LEADERSHIP I've read a leadership guru who writes that we should be "mean" about the vision. I get what he's trying to say, but I'd want to be careful to caution and encourage leaders "mean" doesn't convey you have to run roughshod over people to accomplish the task-don't be a jerk, tossing people disagree off the "bus." Simply communicate the vision, protect and guard it, encourage its adoption and implementation. Do this in every way possible, circle back to it regularly. Don't take time to debate critics who want to make you stop-just keep going. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Are you a Directional or Doing Leader? What are some supporting examples that informed your response? 2. Are you stewarding your leadership assignment well? 3. Is the vision under attack? How are you responding?
REPLANTING - DIFFICULT, JOYFUL WORK
Replanting a church is difficult, but it also can be a great joy. When we began our work at Sherwood Baptist Church we joined a church that had been long in decline. The few remaining members, many well into their more seasoned years, believed they had one more opportunity perhaps to see God work. They called me in a unanimous vote, we visited as many as we could and they said with one voice; "We need to change!" CHANGE IS WANTED, WHEN ITS NOT PERSONALLY ADDRESSED TO YOU The change we often say we want is not change for us but change for others. Or, it's change within a certain set of parameters that don't impact us. I'm okay if you have to change, but don't ask me to change. In our Replant we all had to change. Long time members had to surrender their preferences, I had to surrender my pride and anyone who knows anything about church renewal knows that we were in for a rough ride-every single one of us. CAN WE SURVIVE ALL THE CHANGE? Pictured above is Dottie, she was a day one member of Sherwood Baptist Church, she and her family helped found the church, she sang the very first special music, her husband was a deacon, her son did donuts in his car in the parking lot (and he got in big trouble) and she was there when my first day rolled around. She was and is sweet, but she didn't like the changes I felt led to lead. She let me know too, sometimes right before I was supposed to preach. DISPLEASURE IS NOT DISSENSION I had to learn that our older members were struggling with change, it was hard, difficult, and often undesirable. Their expression of frustration was more out of grief of things lost. To the untrained Pastor's ear, displeasure can be misheard as dissension-it could be, but often it's not. I've addressed this earlier, we don't like change, I don't like change. We needed to have a way to voice that and grieve together. But we needed to stay together, not divide as we voiced our displeasure and struggle. CHANGE IS COSTLY During the intensity of our season of change several long time church members left. I definitely could have led differently and avoided some of that but not all of it. Dottie's entire Sunday School class departed. She stayed, saying; "I want to stay and see what God is going to do, this is my church and I don't want to miss it." WE GREW TO LOVE DOTTIE (AND THE OTHER REMAINING MEMBERS) The scriptures tell us this; It (Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love flourished in great challenge and difficulty. In fact, we loved even more deeply because of our sticking together during hard times. DOTTIE TURNED 100 When I first met Dottie she was 88, she had just quit playing in a tennis league, she still drove, she never missed church (at least rarely) and she prayed and our church filled with young people and kids, every knew her and loved her and she loved us. Still does, and we still do love her. We traveled to St. Louis to celebrate her 100th birthday recently and she always wanted to ride in my convertible. We were able to make that happen. It was a great reunion of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. The Gospel does that, it makes people family. It makes enemies friends. It brings life back to a church that was once in decline. Love the Ms. Dotties in your church, even if they talk to you about what they don't like before you get up to preach-you'll get through it, so will they and something beautiful will happen.  NON-ACTIONABLE VISION IS A PIPE DREAM
I have opportunity meet Pastors, Church Planters and Renewal Pastors quite often. I enjoy hearing about their goals, plans and vision. Often I leave those conversations inspired, pumped, sometimes I'd consider joining them if I wasn't already committed to a local church. What causes me to feel that way? Actionable vision. They know where they are going and how they are going to get there. If you can paint a grand picture but can't articulate how you will accomplish making that happen - you're more a story teller than a leader. VISION IS ACCOMPLISHED IN SMALL STEPS I'm a big picture guy, I like to elevate and see where we need to go, to focus on the end goal or vision. I see what a church can become, what it can look like if the vision comes to reality. I'm less a detail guy-but I've had to learn, sometimes through pain, that every vision can and should be broken down into small steps, sometimes painfully small steps. FIRST STEPS = a set of clear actionable items/steps that will begin to lead the congregation toward fulfilling that vision. Nehemiah has served as our reference point, here's the next passage: “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me." Nehemiah 2:5-8 VISION IS WHAT NOW AND WHAT NEXT What is the first right step toward making your vision happen? Is it a meeting, is it several. Is it a conversation with a key gatekeeper? Do you need to get bids, price some things out? Do you need some time away to chart all of this on a giant whiteboard? Would it help to bounce it off a key mentor? Do you know what the lynchpin or keystone actions are which will get things moving in the right direction? VISION REQUIRES PERMISSION I want to be careful not to derail anyone's pursuit of their vision-you don't need permission from everyone, but you do need buy in from the influencers. Technically not permission but a "yes" from them nonetheless. When congregational influencers affirm the vision you have opportunity for progress, if they resist you're stuck until they come onboard. VISION REQUIRES PROVISION Every vision is a picture of a preferred future that is different from the state of what is right now reality. Moving anything, any group, church or people forward to a new reality will require resources of some kind. A building, a vehicle, a new website, additional staff, communication materials, volunteers, leaders all that costs something. Get permission for your vision and you'll have provision. VISION REQUIRES PERSISTENCE I'll get to this in detail in a future blog post but if you're not ready to communicate the vision multiple times, if you're not ready to pursue it when it looks like it won't happen, if you give up or are easily frustrated then the vision is in jeopardy. Dogged persistence to pursue the vision is one of the key ingredients to seeing what isn't yet, become what is. Questions for Consideration: 1. Have you listed out your vision in steps? Assigned timelines and due dates? 2. Who needs to "buy-in" to your plan or vision? Who are the influencers or gatekeepers? 3. What is the first actionable step? What are the next ten?  God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Psalm 46:1-3 TIMES ARE TROUBLING Another day and more trouble. Shootings, petty theft, political conflict, misunderstandings between co-workers, friends and family. My own struggle with sin…there’s enough going on each day to cause our hearts to melt, our emotions tank and our head to reason based on our feelings and experience that everything is ruined beyond repair. You’re not wrong-things are a mess. Depravity is daily on display in our world and in our own lives. There’s something that calls out in each of us, maybe quietly, maybe shouting - “It shouldn’t be like this!” But it is and we can’t escape it. WHERE DO I SEEK SAFETY Our human nature compels us to seek safety, security and stability. We were not created for chaos-but into chaos we were thrust when sin ripped us from the garden-the peaceful dwelling place God intended for us to live without care or concerns. So we seek safe harbor in other things….
DECLARE TO YOURSELF - I WILL NOT FEAR We spend way too much time listening to ourselves instead of instructing ourselves. In the Psalms these phrases regularly occur; “I will say to myself” “I will counsel my heart.” “I will declare.” These declarations are not merely puffed up positivism, the are based in the reality of the character and work of God. Note, verse 1 of Psalm 46; “God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid…. I don’t have to be afraid because of who God is and what he does. ALL WE SEE IS SHAKING AND CRUMBLING There’s no way to sugarcoat what’s happening in the world, particularly our immediate, known to us world. I stop watching the news, and everytime I dial back in, things seem worse than when I last checked out. New ways of doing wrong and evil spring up like weeds that can’t be killed. Trusted institutions becoming untrustworthy, laws that go unenforced are now easily broken and become meaningless. People on opposing sides can’t speak civilly or logically to one another. Power, slander and subterfuge are the currency of the day. CEASE YOUR STRUGGLE - SEE THE LORD We are fighting non-physical spiritual enemies whose battle tactics are beyond our ability to fully comprehend or curtail in our own strength. But we are not without hope or remedy. We have a God that reigns above the chaos. He is the exalted ruler over all the nations of the earth. He is with us. When the nations rage, the news is bad, the heartache and brokenness real, stop fighting and focus your eyes on the Sovereign, Strong and Secure Lord. “Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Psalm 96:11  CREATING CHANGE OPENNESS IN OLDER ADULTS - IT AIN’T EASY
I’m going to lead with a confession - I have arrived at the age where I’m not too fond of change. Not all change, mostly just change that inconveniences me. When my iOS pushes an update and changes the way my phone operates - I’m not happy. When my online accounts require or mandate a password change, I bristle. Yes, I know the axiom that the only thing that is constant, is change. If you say it repeatedly and even put it on a t-Shirt I still won’t like it, and may resist accepting the fact that change is a regular part of life. CHANGE REPRESENTS LOSS People cross a midline in life when they realize that most if not all things are downhill. We awake in the morning and ache, somehow having mysteriously hurt ourselves as we slept. Ordering from a menu in a restaurant at night now requires the use of the flashlight feature on our phones to see the selections. Hearing a conversation clearly in a crowded room now requires an intense focus in order to understand what’s being said. This creates a state of grief, a posture resistance and differing levels of emotional frustration. Together these can lead to a generalized resistance toward change of most any type-just because it’s change. THE CHANGE WE NEED - SPIRITUAL NOT SUPERFICIAL Local congregations may need new carpet, paint, and models of ministry. It's quite possible even a name change (see more here.) All of that is window dressing if hearts are not changed. Think white washed tombs and lipstick on a pig. On the deepest level we need hearts which are continually transformed by the gospel. We need saints who place their confidence in Christ, find their security in him, proclaim the unaltered message of the gospel who give up things that don’t matter. TWO QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER Baptist statesman Kenneth Hemphill led a webinar in 2020 (you might have missed it due to COVID) in which he asks two very important questions aimed at unlocking the hearts of older adults.
I think you’d have to be pretty hard hearted to answer in the negative. Yet, I’ve actually heard in a church consultation someone say; “I’d rather our church die than for us to do that.” I’m not even kidding a bit, sad I know. SOMEONE HAS TO LEAN ON THE FENCE POST, HARD If you’ve ever tried to remove a fence post fixed deeply in the ground you know that it’s gonna take time and a lot of effort and a lot of sweat. Yet, after you rock it back and forth, after a lot of time pushing and pulling you’ll see it loosen. Hearts don’t often change in an instant-of course Jesus can do that, crisis can do that but I’ve not seen a pastor accomplish that in one meeting with one word (or several) or even a really good powerpoint presentation. It’s gonna take effort and wisdom and persistence over time. But keeping pushing and pulling. PREACH, PRAY, LOVE AND STAY When I served on the Replant team we grabbed this phrase from a church (with their permission) and began heralding it across North America. Preach God’s word-it can change hearts. Pray-the Spirit can accomplish what we can’t and give us wisdom and endurance. Love-this is a difficult one but let Christ’s love flow through you to stubborn change resistant folks. Stay-if you don’t, the cycle will repeat itself, pastor comes, advocates for change, meets resistance, leaves. Once a group of controllers know they can simply pitch a fit and win-they’ll be emboldened and the rest of the congregation becomes hostage to a few carnal or unregenerate bullies who don’t want to change. Questions to Consider
 If you’ve been around church life at all you’ve probably heard Proverbs 29:18 quoted by a Pastor or leader, rising to speak in a way that motivates the church, calling them to a point of action or decision.
From the King James version…Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. The intended desire - is this: highlight the importance of the role vision plays in the lives of people, organizations and in this instance, the Church. Exegetically this passage has more to do with the law (God’s law) being a guiding force for happy and fruitful life if it is obeyed and followed than a church ministry vision for the coming season. Nonetheless…. WHAT IS VISION EXACTLY? When it comes to defining vision it’s important to understand how it interrelates with mission and values or convictions. One of the best clarifying frameworks or definitions that I’ve seen comes from the great book: Turnaround by Jason K. Allen. Allen writes; “your convictions are what you believe, your mission is why you exist, your vision is where you are going.” Allen adds this important qualifier; “If such matters are unclear in your own mind, they’ll be altogether confusing for those you lead.” For our purposes, in considering how vision plays a part in the change equation vision is defined like this: Vision: A clear and compelling God given picture of the unique call placed upon a local body of believers to bring glory to God by obeying his leadership. VISION CAN BE RISKY AND DANGEROUS Let’s go back to our case study in Nehemiah…. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.” Nehemiah 2:5 After spending time before the Lord in brokenness, Nehemiah is given, by God, a compelling vision to return home and rebuild the city. This would be an enormous task, it would be difficult, requesting leave from the King was a dangerous ask… Nehemiah was the king's cupbearer-he was the chief food taster, he sampled the King’s food to ensure that it was not poisoned, the king's life depended on the faithful work of Nehemiah and here he was now asking to be freed to pursue rebuilding the city of his fathers… Every God given vision has inherent risks that make it a matter of faith. KEY INGREDIENTS FOR VISION If you’ve ever had popcorn without salt (or required to partake that way by a doctor) I’m sad for you. You know that something is missing. Facing the prospect of downing an entire bowl of salt free popcorn means you’ll likely give up after a few bites. Vision is the same, without several key ingredients, it comes across bland, it doesn’t capture the heart, it incites no passion, it will not persist. Here are a few key ingredients for any vision. VISION MUST BE CLEAR Articulating a clear vision is easier said than done. It helps if there are few words, it’s best if those words stand on their own. If you have to say the vision and then unpack what you just said, or if the words leave people wondering or asking additional questions-you probably haven’t arrived or formulated your vision clearly just yet-go back to the white board. VISION MUST BE COMPELLING You want me (or us) to do what? You may not have to unpack every detail or logistic, there will be time for that, but if your vision doesn’t capture the heart, engage the mind and motivate me to be willing to sacrifice for its achievement-go back to the white board. VISION SHOULD BE GOD GIVEN (INSPIRED) Let’s add a few qualifiers here so as to not venture off into dangerous territory. I’ve seen many leaders descend from their office, return from a retreat and declare their vision for the next season of ministry-and I’ve watched it fall flat, I’ve seen people respond unenthusiastically. Vision in those cases sounded like a few good ideas or something that wasn’t fully worked out and needed further development. All truth has been given to us in Scripture, its revelation is complete. Vision in this case is not “new” revelation but a specific call to live out the already revealed truth of Scripture in obedience to God through your church or organization. VISION SHOULD BE UNIQUE Your church is where it is for a reason, as some say; your church address is no accident. It is incumbent upon each congregation to know its context and call - where you are and what you are there to uniquely offer in the name of Christ. Labor at this, study your community, pray and assess your strengths and passions as a church. Don’t try to be the church you admire-be the church being shaped by God for your context. VISION SHOULD BE GLORIFYING TO GOD A wise man in one of my prayer groups said this as we were discussing vision and mission and its role in our church; “God doesn’t share His glory.” If the objective of our vision is to build our name, our kingdom, our platform, our reputation-it’s dead before it even begins. We are called to live for God’s name and glory not our own. If your vision is driven by ambition, pride, fear, or jealousy-get in the prayer closet and then go back to the whiteboard. Questions for Reflection
 Your Church Newsletter, Duty, Necessity or Waste of Time?
I remember staring at the blank screen of my laptop on many occasions struggling to figure out what I was going to write for the weekly church newsletter. I’d rack my brain, scan the web to see what other churches were putting out and then try to slam something together just to check the box on my to do list. People Aren’t Reading it Anyway I love and hate this quote from, Smart Brevity; “Most people read our headlines, and some read our first few paragraphs. But it was only friends and family who read the whole thing.” Yup, true and double true. (If you are still reading this you gotta be a friend, a family member or you’re still reading looking for justification to kill your newsletter.) People Are Overwhelmed With Information This isn’t a difficult case to make. My guess is that your inbox is pretty full, if not your work inbox at least your home or personal inbox is overflowing. I ignore so many messages, even one’s that I agreed to receive. Take into account texts, social media, podcasts, billboard advertisements and in person conversations and we’re full up with info. Less Might Be More The book I referenced above states in short that we can win when we write a “tease” headline, say why it matters, add a few more words after bold headings and then give the reader a choice to go deeper or delete. Write Differently Because People Read Differently Most of us are not Lawyers, we’re not composing PhD. tomes nor are we writing instruction manuals-but we use SO MANY WORDS. Stop, stop it now. Try This Instead (this is smart brevity in brief)
Why I Broke The Above Rules I had to, I couldn’t find a way to shrink it - at least not during the time I gave myself to put this post together. Writing less requires more time-economy of words is effective but it’s not efficient to you-at least not at first. After you develop some writing muscle memory you'll get the hang of it and your readers will reward you by - reading. Questions for Reflection
What do you think?  YOU CAN TRY TO COMMAND CHANGE - BUT IT WON'T WORK
Leading a group of people to accept something new, to rise above their inaction, objections or apathy can be one of the most challenging endeavors. Experts in organizational leadership have spent years studying groups and those who lead them to discern key strategies that work - they also discover many strategies that fail their intended results. Church leadership is challenging in many respects. There is no real leverage to use to compel others toward a certain action or decision. Bosses of employees can leverage paychecks, performance reviews and the threaten demotion or loss of employment. This does not mean Pastors or Christian leaders are without resource. YOU CAN CREATE A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE What can aid in creating the initial desire or openness to move, adjust or change? What actions can set the stage for the Spirit to create Holy Discontent? AFFIRM GOD'S WORD God's word provides a perfect picture of what he desires-in the world, in us and in our churches. Holy Scripture reveals God's character and His will in both command and in narrative. One of the ways we create momentum is by clearly declaring God's word in our gatherings. ACCURATELY ASSESS YOUR CORPORATE CONDITION The power of scripture proclaimed accurately diagnoses our thoughts, our hearts, it reveals our motives. The word of God functions like a surgeons knife, slicing the flesh to reveal the sickness in order to restore health. It will leave scars, it could be painful but it is our remedy for life. Making sure to include corporate applications with the guidance of the Spirit's wisdom may be painful but ultimately purifying. ANNOUNCE GOD'S GRACE The liturgy in our church's gathered worship guides us to confess our sin and need of grace and then after confession is made we hear and receive the assurance of God's grace. Exasperated leaders often let their flocks have it, sharing more from their frustrations in the hopes that they will respond with a different action. Some are motivated by negative information, most are motivated by a positive message of grace and love. Faithful obedience and following Jesus come more readily from a message of grace than one of condemnation. I love my friend Mark Hallock's book: God's not done with your church -it's a hopeful message of God's goodness and patience with struggling churches. GUIDE THE CONGREGATION FORWARD I've long had a prophetic bent easily declaring, even accurately, the current condition or circumstances of a group or congregation. What's been in short supply in my own leadership is declaring that there is a hopeful future and a way forward. This is where vision comes into play. And that's where we'll head next. Questions for Reflection 1. Do I seek to influence in a demanding or harsh way? How so? 2. Am I a good steward in proclaiming God's word accurately? Do I trust it to do the work only it can do? 3. Have I announced a message of grace and pointed the way forward for those I'm responsible to lead? How can I do that today?  Your Church Wants to Help? Great! As my good friend Mark Hallock says; “We can’t do this alone, which is why a replanting movement must be made up of churches, pastors, and denominational leaders who practice humble, radical cooperation.” Churches help renew, revitalize and replant other churches by sending people, resources, and sharing expertise. Increasingly we are seeing more formal and official partnerships like fostering, adoption and campusing which are aiding churches to experience new seasons of vitality and growth. Even if you are not ready for a formal step, there are opportunities for a congregation of any size to help a sister congregation Before jumping in, answer these questions. Have You Checked Your Motives? This step may seem less than necessary and unimportant but it is one of the most important first steps. I have seen partnership conversations breakdown because motives aren’t clearly evaluated. Are you engaging to help or rescue? Do you want to extend your church’s name or brand more widely? If you want to help a sister church out of a genuine desire to enable Kingdom advance (read God’s Kingdom - not your church’s kingdom and influence) then you’re likely ready to take a step toward partnership. What Types of Partnership Are You Offering? I love baseball, and one of the truisms is that every pitcher has to know his pitch. He can’t throw everything-he likely specializes in one or a couple. Do you know what kind of partnership God has equipped and called your church to provide? Some of the best partnerships are short term, Church Fostering, Coaching and Resourcing. These are great ways to “test” out partnership before jumping into more permanent models like Adoption and Campusing. Are You Ready to Go Slow? Declining and struggling churches are often fearful. They know they need to change but fear the potential impact any change could have on the few remaining attenders and members. This means they’ll likely have a zillion questions which they will need answered more than once. They’ll want time to think and pray, rethink and pray again which means helping churches have to hold to timelines loosely. Patience is key here and slow ends up being faster than you think. Do You Need the Credit? The reality is simply this, when a church is renewed, revitalized or replanted the one who deserves all the credit is God. Sure, you may have been invited to play a part in the work of renewal but you didn’t renew a cold and callus heart-God did. You didn’t cause someone to cross the line between spiritual death and life-God did. You didn’t breakdown preferences, prejudices and traditions-God did. If you’re ready to give all glory to God-you might be ready to help a struggling or declining church. Can You Walk Away? On average it seems that three out of ten churches who engage in some sort of conversation or renewal process actually end up experiencing renewal. That’s not great - but it’s also not bad. Sometimes a church has to make several runs at renewal before finally hitting the breakthrough point. If you aren’t ready to engage, experience resistance and push back and rejection, if you’re not read to disengage and walk away and allow a church to season and warm to the Gospel and change-you might not be fully ready to help. Questions for Reflection 1. Why are you or your church interested in assisting other churches? 2. What does your congregation have to offer? How can you help? 3. Are you ready to go slow or even walk away if necessary? Check out more principles on partnership in this resource:  |
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