Three Questions to Ask if Your Church Isn't Growing

Church Growth 101.2

Why do you want to see your church grow? Most growing churches are criticized for growing for all the wrong reasons. Yet as I’ve met many pastors of growing churches and ask them about their story. I discover men who are very humble, have sacrificed greatly, endured many hardships, and lived out the great commission. I hear no pride in their accomplishments, growth, and buildings they’ve built, or things they have created. To most of these pastors, these are just by-products of a fruitful ministry to people. What I do hear is a passion to see people come to Christ, a love for their city, a desire to care for the disadvantage, and a belief that the church is the hope of the world.

So what if your church isn’t growing? There may be many reasons you are not seeing your numbers grow. Issues include lack of leadership, unclear vision, an undeveloped discipleship plan, inadequate facilities, loss of key people, or the wrong staff members. Some churches are in a difficult season, and relational issues become roadblocks for growth. And before you seek to grow, check your heart and make sure you have righteous motives.

1) Have you looked outside your walls? Yes, there is a hurting world out there. My friend in Pennsylvania asked, “what causes do the people in my community care about?” Then he joined in. This has led his church to be a source of inspiration, offering leadership development for non-profit and business leaders throughout his city. And people are coming to Christ. Our church partners with our city by tutoring refugee children, and serving in urban renewal projects. It’s a great way to serve our community, build our church community, and share the gospel.

2) Is it time to re-evaluate your discipleship? Our church is Salt Lake is trying to overcome this hurdle. Nearly four years of conversations, and baby steps are now bearing spiritual fruit. We are plugging holes in our discipleship pathway, making efforts to train our leaders better, and reorganizing our staff to be prepared to make more and better disciples.

3) Is your facility adequate? Be honest, is your facility inviting? Is it easy to navigate? Does it give you the best use for the ministries you offer or want to offer? I’ve been on staff in 4 churches, and not a single one could answer that question “yes”. One church entrance had a long dark hallway between a Gym and the sanctuary, and always had puddles of water collecting in it. Yet each church did make efforts and strides to either update, or physically move into a better-use facility.

Check your heart and your motives on the “why” you want to grow. If you’re struggling, pray for God to give you wisdom. What you must remember is that God is on your side. He has created you in his image to be in the location, community, church and neighborhood at this time for this season. Take a look around for opportunities to meet the needs of your community, re-organize if you have to, and if you must, move!

Wherever you live, If I can be of any help, please contact me. Dave.elshaug@intentionalchurches.com

by church leaders //
for church leaders
intentionalchurches.com

Three E’s of Great Leadership: Encourage, Equip & Empower

Leadership 101.2

If you are reaching spiritually lost people with the Gospel, then your staff is in the spiritual fight of their lives. And you better be aware. Recently our staff has been engaging this subject intensely and upping our commitment to prayer, and care for one another. We live in a state where only 2% of the population attends a gospel-centered evangelical church. There is both a spirit of religion and anti-religion that pervades our culture. Our staff has experienced spiritual attacks in many ways, but the most devious of all is the lie of the enemy, telling each of them that they have no business leading in the kingdom. As we’ve been authentic and acknowledged it to each other in staff meetings, the enemies schemes are being rendered powerless.

What are you doing for your leaders to help them fight spiritual battles?

There’s three words people throw around in leadership development that I’ve seen in a new light recently: Encourage, Equip, and Empower.

Encourage your leaders: Don’t just pat them on the back, tell them they’re doing a good job. Although these are great things, they are weak in comparison to the the enemy who stabs them in the back at the end of the day and tells them they are a loser. EnCOURAGE by giving your staff Courage! Tell them you are with them, stop in their office and pray for them, ask them how they are doing, and then listen. Give them time, give them courage!

Equip your leaders: I’ve been guilty of needing a staff position, hiring someone and telling them, “here’s your job description, now good luck!” Often times this has left individuals feeling ill equipped to do their jobs. Remember when Saul gave David the shepherd boy his armor. Sure, it was great for Saul, but too big and encumbering for David. Find ways to give your leaders the EQUIPment they need do the job. Get them to read the best books and discuss them in small groups of peers. Find a local ministry training, or online course that will give them the right weapons to fight with.

Empower your leaders: I have also been guilty of delegating jobs to people without empowering them. to empower really means to give POWER. Our ultimate source of power comes from the Holy Spirit. So as a leadership team, pray with and for each other – often! Don’t let that slip. Then when you give someone a task or job, give them authority to do it! Stand by them in the beginning, have their back always, and be ready to invest time giving feedback in truth and grace. Show respect. Don’t trump their decision. Coach them to learn from mistakes, and re-empower them when they feel like failures.

In doing all these things, you will have a team that is strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power.

dave.elshaug@intentionalchurches.com

by church leaders //
for church leaders