Trying to lead from the second chair is often frustrating, but can often be rewarding as well. Today we look at that through the lens of revitalization.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM CALEB
What are ways an Associate Pastor can help initiate a revitalization when the Senior Pastor (past retirement and not interested in retiring) isn’t very interested in engaging the community and is more focused on Inreach and doing the same things they did in the 60s.
Episode Highlights:
- Many pastors don’t feel the need to retire, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be better for some to move into another phase of ministry.
- There are no silver bullets in church revitalization.
- If you want to have a stronger relationship with your boss, you need to spend time with them.
- If you’re a pastor approaching retirement age, please don’t coast.
- The ministry area you supervise should be led in congruence with the vision of the church.
The six considerations for leading revitalization from the second chair are:
- It ain’t easy
- Will the pastor listen to you?
- Have you developed a strong relationship with the pastor?
- Have you demonstrated loyalty to the pastor?
- Are there areas you can lead in revitalization without threatening the pastor?
- If it doesn’t work, you may have to be the one to leave
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- No Silver Bullets
- 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.
