Pastors come and pastors go, but the people tend to stay – and quite often for long periods.
The primary word for the church in our New Testament is the Greek word, ecclesia. It came – during the first century – to be used to describe groups of believers. It means ‘called out ones’. In short: we are the church!
Pastors are spiritual leaders who are called, appointed or in some cases founding pastors! I’m a strong believer that leaders lead! Change will take place most effectively when a pastor initiates – or supports – the change! However, lay people can be a powerful influence when they cry out together for change!
If your church has become complacent
Or is
shrinking,
Or is
only seeing transfer growth,
Or is losing
members [and therefore is dealing with financial struggles],
Then it is time for remaining members to move into
action!
You don’t need permission to pray together,
To meet
together and strategize,
To read
about how to revitalize a church,
Or to
visit growing, vibrant churches to see what they’re doing differently!
A group of people – even a small group – can make a difference and become a catalyst for change!
Express your concerns to your pastor and share your thoughts with her/him! Don’t do this on a Sunday during the greeting time! Make an appointment and speak to him or her privately [or in a small group]. Tell your pastor what you’d like to see happen and what your concerns are. Don’t, in any way, threaten a pastor or gang up on him/her! Show authentic concern! Most pastors are not content to see decline or a lack of growth. Hopefully, your pastor will welcome your thoughts and ideas and cooperate in aligning for change.
REGARDING VISITING OTHER VIBRANT CHURCHES
1.
Don’t visit mega-churches in your area! Visit growing churches that are similar in
size [or slightly larger] to your church!
2.
Make notes about what you notice, what you
liked, what you didn’t like.
3.
Arrive early and observe!
4.
Stay in your seat a bit after the service ends
and observe the interactions of the people.
I visited a large, multi-site church I visited a large, multi-site church in my area. When the service ended, the people left their cushioned, theater seats and walked straight out the door to their cars. They didn't even know one another! This is NOT an admirable trait!
5.
Notice things like:
o Greeters
o Parking
aids/signs/entrance markings
o Welcoming
systems
o Order
for worship
o How
does the service flow?
o Is
the altar used?
o What
kind of music is being used?
o Did
people engage you/greet you/welcome you?
o Was
the message engaging? Relevant? Understandable? Biblical?
Take your notes home and get together with like-minded
friends to discuss these things.
REGARDING READING
I am retired, so I am not reading as much as I did when I
was leading the church. However, some
good timeless suggestions follow:
o
RADICAL by David Platt
o
CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan
o RADICAL TOGETHER by David Platt
o
CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH KINDNESS by Steve
Sjogren
o
MAKING A GOOD CHURCH GREAT by Steve Sjogren
o REVOLUTION by George Barna
For specifically cultural growth and understanding,
consider:
o
Unchristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons
o
THE NEXT CHRISTIANS by Gabe Lyons
Don’t feel overwhelmed!
You don’t have to read them all!
Just get one and read it! Discuss
it with other concerned friends. Let what
you’ve read light a fire in you for forming your church into one of significant
influence!
REGARDING MEETING TOGETHER
Don’t be clandestine!
Let your pastor know what you’re doing.
If s/he is willing, involve him/her in your process! Invite others to engage as well! Don’t meet during church services! Don’t compete with your own church! Don’t be critical of current leaders! Be positive!
Look for ways to improve how your church operates, worships, reaches
out, and engages community people! Don’t
be a thorn in the flesh, be a catalyst for growth!
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!
WORK, WORK, WORK!
THEN – STAND BY AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD! [Exodus 14:13]
Good thoughts!
ReplyDelete