It is a familiar experience. A congregation that had been growing in numbers and spiritual vitality reaches a plateau and then begins to decline. Most of the time, the plateau occurs long before the church arrives at the optimum number of members it hoped to attract. What has happened here? Why does growth slow down, stop, and then decline? The real question to ask, says Bob Whitesel, is why the church grew in the first place.
Most of the time young, growing churches make a series of decisions based not upon careful planning and analysis, but rather upon necessity and intuition....
It is a familiar experience. A congregation that had been growing in numbers and spiritual vitality reaches a plateau and then begins to decline. M...
Generational differences are nothing new in church. There have always been groups and subgroups within a congregation, divided according to age. Yet with the possible exception of their educational programs, congregations have generally practiced a "one-size-fits-all" approach to ministry and worship. Whichever group is dominant--generally the older members, although it can be the younger--sets the tone for musical styles, preaching emphases, and outreach focus. Frequently the non-dominant groups grow restless and dissatisfied, leaving the church to find better opportunities of service and...
Generational differences are nothing new in church. There have always been groups and subgroups within a congregation, divided according to age. Ye...
This practical guide is designed to be used by church leaders with their boards as a tool for negotiating needed changes effectively. The author compellingly makes the case that new methodology can and must be embraced without altering a church's beliefs or mission. He then offers a series of exercises to be undertaken jointly by church leaders that will result in the production of a master plan for managing change in the local church.
Your team will-- -Understand which changes threaten a church's identity--and which do not. -Identify the church's core values and nonnegotiable beliefs....
This practical guide is designed to be used by church leaders with their boards as a tool for negotiating needed changes effectively. The author compe...
