There are several things that pastors can encounter that will make them want to quit. Today, we cover five of them related to revitalization.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM TIM
I came on as pastor in my current church at the beginning of last year. The revitalization has not been easy, but I’m trying to persevere. What are some traps that I need to avoid to keep me from wanting to quit?
Episode Highlights:
- Pastors need to have reasonable expectations for church growth. Unreasonable expectations lead to frustration.
- Spend time with long term members and ask them what was going on in the church when it saw its greatest growth in the past.
- There’s always work to do in the church, but you have to watch for burnout.
- Stop thinking about what you can accomplish in one year; start thinking about what you can accomplish in three years.
- Spend time doing things in ministry that energize you.
The five reasons for quitting that we cover are:
- Unreasonable expectations on themselves and the church.
- Burnout.
- Family problems.
- Financial struggles.
- Failure to connect with others for mentoring, coaching, or networking.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchReplanters.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.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.
