The following are the second of two parts taking a look at how churches can become unwittingly “stuck” in plateau or decline by getting off mission and missing the point for why they exist: glorifying God by making more and better disciples.

Positive healthy change requires recognizing there is a problem, labeling it, and introducing a revitalized approach to becoming what God has always desired His church to be: on mission with Him.

Do any of the following types of churches resonate with your experiences in churches of your past or present?  Do you see how “innocent” the problem can be?

I look forward to your perspectives and feedback.

Growing and searching with you …

“SQUARE PEG IN A ROUND HOLE” CHURCH

In this congregation, people are enlisted for leadership and service, not by their gifts or passions, but by other criteria.  You might hear, “We’ve got to fill this position.  Who can you think of that we’ve not already talked to?”  Someone else may suggest, “He’s here all the time.  Let’s make him an elder.”  Bankers automatically go on the finance committee, though they have the gift of evangelism or mercy.  People are all in their place, but it might not be the right place to help their church reach those around them.  The organization stifles the church’s impact.

“TIME-WARP” CHURCH

Somehow these folks have preserved, not just the tenets of the faith, but the positions, practices, and appearance of years gone by.  They may still have an “Intermediate” or “Junior” department.  They expect others to adapt and accept what they’ve grown comfortable with doing, and they give no thought at all to change.  The church doesn’t seem to attract people like it did before, but “If it’s good enough for me and my family, it should be good enough for them.”  This church was probably once very effective, but the community has experienced a major transition, leaving the church perplexed, wondering what it should do.

“TIDY” CHURCH

The members take pride in their church.  They’ve worked hard to get it and keep it in its present condition.  The buildings, furnishins, and equipment are well kept.  The materials are meticulously organized.  Everything operates smoothly until noisy youth or messy children begin to come.  As outreach efforts continue to draw more exuberant kids and their families, a greater sense of unrest develops.  The new growth is suddenly viewed as a threat, leading to efforts to contain it and to prevent further disruptions or damage.

“MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY” CHURCH

A number of the members in this church know how things ought to be, and are vocal – maybe even vociferous – in expressing it.  Thy like a certain kind of music.  Maybe guitars are out; anthems are in.  Or, choir robes are more appropriate than “street clothes” for worship.  Comments such as the following abound: “I don’t like to stand when we sing.”  “It’s always too hot (or too cold) in here.”  “I liked it better when we had the announcements in the middle of the service.”  “The attendance board has always been on that wall.”  “This is our room and we’re not about to move.”  No matter the issue, these people won’t be satisfied unless it’s done their way.  This is the stereotypical church wherein the senior adults are given the new van to use on their apple orchard trips while the student ministry is asked to drive the old van because “those teenagers are so messy.”  Young families get the message that their children are unwelcome.

“CHAPLAINCY’ CHURCH

The church hired its minister and expects the “chaplain” to be busy about meeting needs and making the church grow.  It’s not uncommon to hear a statement like “Preacher, you need to visit Mrs. Gray.  She hasn’t been feeling well.”  The members identify the needs and the prospects and expect their pastor to respond.  After all, they haven’t been to seminary, and that’s what he’s being paid to do.  Despite the fact that the church’s ministry impact is limited to the staff’s time and abilities, the church body remains committed to an employer/employee model.  They want a hired “chaplain,” not a leader.

“PLAY IT SAFE” CHURCH

Here, there’s little faith that God will provide.  Rather than enabling ministry and evangelism, it hinders them.  The church want to protect what it has.  As much money as possible is placed in a certificate of deposit.  But no plan is made to use it to reach others for Christ.  It’s a safety net that’s guarded carefully.  Members have little incentive to give.  This leads the treasurer and finance committee to conclude that they were wise to protect the “nest egg.”

Stetzer, Ed, and Mike Dodson. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can Too. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2007., pages21-23.

 http://www.comebackchurches.com/