Product Details
Investing more resources seems like a reasonable solution to turn around a declining situation, but is it? Practical examples lead you through this thought-provoking topic.
To download this summary, click here.
Introduction: Do you find that some of the things you’re doing just don’t seem to provide any results? It could be that you’re investing in projects or programs that aren’t aligned with your gifting as a church. Churches, like people, can waste time and effort on areas they think they should be working on, but they aren’t good at those things. Instead, step back and evaluate honestly where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Listen for ideas about deciding where your church should be actively working.
Summary:
Money, effort, and time gets sucked into a “we should” program and there are no results. When you see that happening, step back, and assess your strengths and weaknesses. Quit wasting time, money, and energy on weaknesses and start focusing on your strengths.
- Find the positive characteristics of the makeup of your congregation and use those as strengths.
- Look for areas where the people in your church are excited, where they are working with joy.
- Consider the physical strength of your congregation—are you on a corner? near a school? Let those things help you decide on future plans.
When you notice burnout, let that be a warning signal that the task is probably worth passing on.
Thought Starters:
- When I look at the people in our congregation, what are the characteristics I see? How could those be strengths for us?
- When I see where people are serving with joy, how can I build on those areas?
- How does our church fit into our community? Where do we have strengths that can make a difference?
Resources:
- The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts by Luther K. Snow
- Who Broke My Church?: 7 Proven Strategies for Renewal and Revival by Kent R. Hunter
- Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement by Will Mancini
- FiveTwo Network (www.fivetwo.com) helps to find strengths and start new ministries
