Revitalization in the shadow of a megachurch can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Today, we discuss six reasons why.
This Week’s Question:
FROM JOE — I am the Associate Pastor at an above average size church (180 in average attendance), but not a mega church. I have a number of request about what we need to do. Many of those request come from ideas members get when they travel and visit mega churches. I came to this church from a mega church. While I like the way the church I was at before functions, our town is not even as big as that church. We don’t have the technology, money, or staff that a mega church has. The church was once triple the size that it is currently, and most of us desire renewal. Can you offer some advice on how to keep our expectations real, and how to achieve those realistic expectations based on who we are?
Episode Highlights:
- A consumer mindset by churchgoers is a major issue in churches today.
- Often, what attracts people to a church is what keeps people at a church.
- Make decisions in the church that are grounded in reaching people, not in keeping people.
- “Pastors, your job isn’t to attract a crowd—it’s to make disciples.”
The six keys that we cover are:
- The issue is the consumer mindset versus the servant mindset
- The more people are involved in ministry, the less likely they will expect the church to serve them
- Your church has all the resources it needs
- As a leader in the church, set the example
- Equip others to set the example
- Keep the focus outwardly
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchAnswers.com
- RevitalizeBundle.com
- ChurchReplanters.com
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Submit Your Question:
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.