Observation #1.  What size are churches? (Church Organization by Size Adapted from Gary L. McIntosh’s One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Bringing Out the Best in Any Size Church):

In the US and Canada, there are approximately 488,000 churches. Several observations about these churches:

• 80% of these churches average less than 200 in attendance each week. 20% average more than 200. So 4 out of 5 churches run 200 or less.
• 50% of churches average between 55 and 249 in weekly attendance. This is half of all churches.
• 15% of churches average over 250 in attendance each week (or 3 out of 20).
• Most churches are small or medium size.
• 50% of all attendees attend a church of 350 or larger.
• 50 is a major cluster point, and under 200 is dominant.

• Churches tend to show the same attendance distribution, no matter what the denomination or theology. Size does not seem to correlate with denomination or beliefs.

Observation #2.  Do all churches need to be large?

Absolutely not! This is true for many reasons:

1) For example, the church could be located in a small town or area, with limited population. Even if they had everyone, they would not be large.

2) Another reason might be their philosophy of ministry. They would rather plant additional churches in their ministry areas and give away part of their congregation. This is true of many organic church plants.

So not all churches need to be large, but all churches need to be Missional (that is externally focused) and Healthy (reflecting loving growing relationships and having a positive impact on their community).

Observation #3. Does growth or size prove health?

Absolutely NOT, again!

Growth or size of the church is not necessarily an indicator of health or effectiveness.

You can be large and unhealthy and you can be small and unhealthy. You can be large and healthy and you can be small and healthy.

Growth or Size does not prove health.

BUT, neither does lack of growth or size.

Observation #4. What changes occur as a church becomes larger?

Tim Keller has identified nine general trends or changes that result from a church growing larger. I think these are very helpful as we consider breaking growth barriers.

1. Increasing complexity

2. Shifting lay-staff responsibilities

3. Increasing intentionality

4. Increasing quality of production

5. Increasing openness to change

6. Losing members because of changes

7. Shifting role of the ministers

8. Structuring smaller

9. Emphasis on vision and strengths

What causes growth barriers and what do we do about it?

Barrier #1. The first and most significant major barrier is mission confusion.

Many churches think their mission is to:

• Preserve the past
• Maintain a certain style of worship
• Serve those already reached
• Maintain their theological distinctive
• Keep their culture

They have forgotten that the church belongs to God and He sets the mission.

A.  Being Missional Starts with Christ! (Christology)

• John 14:6
• Acts 4:12
• Acts 16:30-31

Being missional is NOT about preserving our

• Tradition
• History
• Or even our distinctives

Being missional is NOT a missions program or missions giving.

It is about Christ!

Christ is what makes us Christian!

It is living Christ’s life out before our world.

B. Christ’s Mission Determines Our Mission (Missiology)

What has Christ sent us to do?

• Luke 19:10
• John 17:18
• John 20:21
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Acts 1:8
• 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

C. What Is A Missional Church? (Ecclesiology)

Christ’s Mission Determines How We Do Church

The mission of the Church is that of its founder – Jesus Christ! The Church is to do the work of Christ in this world.

The question is not, “How big is your church?” BUT “How big is the impact you are having on your community?” For example, would anybody outside your congregation miss your church if you ceased to exist?

D. How does God want me to serve His mission? (Ministry)

Christ’s Mission is Redemptive

1. The mission involves living Christ’s life before others.

Matthew 5:14-16.

This is more than just “presence” as some would suggest.

2. The mission has a message – the Gospel

Acts 20:24

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Missional living means Loving God.

John 3:30

1 Corinthians 2:2

Galatians 2:20

Philippians 1:21

Philippians 3:8-10

Missional living means Loving others.

John 13:35

1 Corinthians 13:1

Matthew 5:46-48

1 John 4:19-21

Missional living means Sharing Him with others.

Acts 1:8

1 Thessalonians 2:8

Solution: Be Biblically Missional

Barrier #2. The second major barrier is the pastor and the church not understanding that the role of the pastor must change as a church grows.

The Solution to the second major barrier is to Grow as a leader and help your people understand why your role is changing.

• From leader of people to
• leader of staff to
• leader of a team to
• leader of leaders

3. The third major barrier is that not everyone wants the church to grow.

This can be for many reasons:

• They are comfortable with the size of church you now have.
• Socially and psychologically, they are uncomfortable in crowds.
• They have only known smaller churches, so a large church is foreign to them.
• They are worried about being lost in a larger church. They like being noticed.
• Or it could again be mission confusion. They think the church is for them and their needs.

The Solution to the third major barrier is twofold:

• With good “change leadership”, most people can break through these cultural and social barriers and go with you as you grow.
• But you must recognize that you will lose some if you grow.

As hard as this is, for the sake of Christ and His mission, you must be willing to stay on course, even if it means you will lose some people.

4. The fourth major barrier is that many people assume a larger church is just a small church larger.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

A larger church must change organizationally and culturally. Why? Because of the complexity and logistics more people bring.

Thus, a church of 400 needs 4 to5 times the structure of a church of 200 — not 2 times more.

Solution: Study churches that are one or two sizes larger than you are. Learn the organizational changes you will need to make.

So, What causes a church to grow?

CHRIST!!!!!!

… and His followers who engage in His mission.

Be Missional!

• Willie Nelson sing “You were always on my mind” or
• Ray Charles sing “Georgia” or
• Eric Clapton sing “Layla”or
• Louis Armstrong sing anything

We hear incredible giftedness. But none of them have the worlds best voices, but they have greatness.

I think we often fail to see that the sum is greater than just having the right parts. There are qualities that are hard to define or measurer that contribute to greatness.

In leadership this may include things like:

• Humility
• A sevant heart
• Trustworthiness
• Genuineness
• Clarity of commitment

May we move beyond the superficial into the true likeness of Christ!

Do we do what we do to bring people closer to God, or to be “relevant”, “contemporary”, or “cutting edge”?

Or because we want to know God better and help others to know him personally and relationally?

Mel

——————————–

Taken from http://www.thecolumbiapartnership.org/

=================================

April 5, 2010 Edition Copyright 2010,

Rev. George 1 Bullard, D.Min.

The Resurrection of National Denominations

Part One: Assessment

A Travel Free Learning Article

April 5, 2010 Edition

By

George Bullard

Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 803.622.0923, E-mail: GBullard@TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

In a previous article I talked about the coming death of national denominations. From the Christian

perspective, following death there is a resurrection. Might there be a resurrection of national

denominations at some point? Possibly. Do national denominations have to die for there to be a

resurrection? Probably. Do all national denominations need a resurrection? Not necessarily.

Not all national denominations have lost their way. They are thriving. A few national denominations who

had once their way are now thriving. They transformed. National denominations who have currently lost

their way need to transform in one of five ways depending on an assessment of their starting point.

National denominations who have lost their way may need Revision, Revitalization, Renewal,

Reinvention, or Resurrection. To understand which transformation pathway your national denomination

may need, begin with a clear assessment of your current situation.

Ten Assessment Factors

Ten factors, as a beginning point for dialogue, may provide an assessment for your national

denomination. Many more factors could be suggested. The metrics in these ten are subjective based on

my 50 years of experiencing denominations as an observer, 30 years as a denominational staff person,

and consulting and coaching with more than 300 denominational organizations in 50 different

denominations. Each factor looks at ten year trends in the life and ministry of a national denomination.

The first, and most crucial factor, is that of vision. All five of these pathways assume a national denomination is not currently captivated by an empowering vision of their spiritual strategic direction that is producing vitality and vibrancy throughout the denomination.

Second, is a commitment and successful track record of starting new congregations.

Third, are the financial trends of contributions from congregations, individuals, and various other funding streams.

Fourth, is the membership or number of adherents to denominational churches.

Fifth is the change in number of affiliated churches over the past ten years.

Sixth, is the new clergy under 40 years of age ordained into ministry in the denomination.

Seventh, is the percentage of growing churches.

Eight, is the percentage of churches under 25 years of age.

Ninth, is the nature and experience of national denominational gatherings whether they occur annually or every two to four years.

Ten, is the intensity of conflict in the national denomination.

Five Pathways of Transformation

Where a national denomination is assessed on these ten factors can vary significantly according to the

culture of the denomination, the perspective of the people doing the assessment, and the timing of the

assessment. Also, no national denomination is likely to fit neatly into a single pathway of transformation,

but there is probably one that is most like each national denomination. I invite you to think through these

factors related to your denomination.

Revision: A denomination ripe for a Revision transformation pathway has likely lost vision, focus, and

direction during the past five or so years. It has many good traits and may even be in a crescendo of the

quality of the programs, ministries, and missional activities experienced any time in the past 25 years. It is

starting each year new congregations at a rate of up to two percent of the number of currently affiliated

congregations. Its financial receipts at the national level are at least keeping up with inflation.

It has plateaued nationally in the number of members or adherents in its affiliated churches, in the total

number of affiliated congregations, and in the number of new, ordained clergy under 40 years old. At least

a fourth of its affiliated congregations are growing, and at least a fourth are 25 or fewer years old. [Note:

Some congregations fit both categories.] Its national gatherings are good although the delegates may be

in denial about the impending decline of the national denomination, and there is only a low and typical

intensity of conflict surrounding various issues.

Revitalization: A denomination needing a Revitalization transformation pathway has lacked vision for at

least five to ten years. It is starting a number of new congregations each year at the rate of 1.5 percent or

less of the number of existing congregations, and is thus plateaued or declining in the number of affiliated

congregations. Its annual financial receipts are flat and not keeping up with the rate of inflation. Over the

past decade it has experienced up to a three percent decrease in number of members or adherents in its

affiliated churches and in the number of new, ordained clergy under 40 years old.

Less than 25 percent of its affiliated congregations are growing. The rest are plateaued or declining in

attendance and other vital signs of participation. Less than 25 percent of its affiliated congregations are

25 or fewer years old. Its national gatherings have a tone of nostalgia about the past, plus some

disappointment about the present, and anger at leaders. Conflict is beginning to be expressed at a midintensity.

Renewal: A denomination needing a Renewal transformation pathway has lacked vision for more than a

decade, and has tried several fixes to restore past glory. None have worked for more than one to three

years, and each round has caused them to become weaker. It is starting a number of new congregations

each year at the rate of one percent or less of the number of existing congregations, which means the

number of affiliated congregations is in steady decline. Its annual financial receipts are down up to 10

percent in regard to the rate of inflation over the last decade.

It has experienced a net loss of up to seven percent in total adherents in its congregations, number of

affiliated congregations, and number of new ordained clergy under the age of 40. Less than 20 percent of

its affiliated congregations are growing in attendance and other vital signs of participation. As well, less

than 20 percent of its affiliated congregations are 25 or fewer years old. National gatherings focus on the

constant need to restructure something major in the denomination to see it if will work better. Legislative

processes and resolutions focus on getting the national church to take a stand of issues that are likely to

divide the national denomination. Conflict is a repeating pattern for the denomination.

Reinvention: A denomination needing a Reinvention transformation pathway has lacked vision for 20 to

25 years, perhaps more. It has attempted restructuring multiple times, but often this is more an

accommodation to decline than a repositioning for more effective ministry. It is starting a number of new

congregations each year at the rate of one-half of percent or less of the number of existing congregations,

which means the number of affiliated congregations is in significant decline. Its annual financial receipts

are down up to 20 percent in regard to the rate of inflation over the last decade.

It has experienced a net loss of up to 15 percent in total adherents in its congregations, number of

affiliated congregations, and number of new ordained clergy under the age of 40. Less than 15 percent of

its affiliated congregations are growing in attendance and other vital signs of participation. As well, less

than 15 percent of its affiliated congregations are 25 or fewer years old. National gatherings focus on the

constant need to be faithful to the denomination because while continually getting smaller and weaker,

the current understanding of the denominational ethos is important within the denominational family.

Dealing with issues surrounding regular downsizing, and dialogue about merging with one or more other

denominations are a regular part of the legislative process. Depression actions characterize the

expression of conflict.

Resurrection: A denomination needing a Resurrection transformation pathway has few strong, positive

cultural stories about the last time they were captivated by vision. It has run on the “being faithful”

pathway for so long it believes that is the vision. It is starting few new congregations; maybe none

intentionally. Perhaps the majority of these are started by accident through church splits, or by claiming

churches that affiliate with the denomination as new congregations—even if they were actually started

decades ago. Its annual financial receipts are down more than 20 percent in regard to the rate of inflation

over the last decade.

During the past decade or so it has experienced a net loss of more than 15 percent in total adherents in

its congregations, number of affiliated congregations, and number of new ordained clergy under the age

of 40. Less than ten percent of its affiliated congregations are growing in attendance and other vital signs

of participation. As well, less than ten percent of its affiliated congregations are 25 or fewer years old.

National gatherings focus on an acceptance that they are a much smaller denomination than they once

were, and wondering how many more years they will exist. Clergy hope it will exist until they retire; as

does denominational staff. Attendance is declining as fewer churches can afford to send their delegates.

Many, if not all, of the various institutions started by these denominations have been closed, sold, or

given their freedom so they might survive.

Questions

Which one of these five pathways best fits your national denomination? What ranges or metrics would

you change to make one of these fit your denomination better? What additional factors occur to you that

ought to be added to the list of ten I have used as a jumping off place? What other comments would you

add? I would welcome your comments to me at GBullard@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.

Answers

“OK, George. You have given us the assessment. What are the answers?”

I would like for you to ponder the assessment for a while before we move on to the solution. This part one

article is being posted on Monday, April 5, 2010. I will seek to post a part two article with some solutions I

see some time in the next seven to ten days.

Important Things to Know

George Bullard is a Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership. He is also General Secretary [executive director]

of the North American Baptist Fellowship of the Baptist World Alliance. The Columbia Partnership is a non-profit

Christian ministry organization focused on transforming the capacity of the North American Church to pursue and

sustain Christ-centered ministry. Travel Free Learning is a leadership development emphasis. For more information

about products and services check out the web site at www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org, send an e-mail to

Client.Care@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, or call 803.622.0923.

Mel

http://columbiapartnership.typepad.com/the_columbia_partnership/2010/03/the-coming-death-of-national-denominations.html

The Coming Death of National Denominations

A Travel Free Learning Article

By George Bullard, Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership

Voice: 803.622.0923, E-mail: GBullard@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Many national denominational organizations in North America are dying. The causes and signs of their demise are obvious, but few are choosing to make wise decisions to morph into 21^st century denominations. Too many are choosing to recommit to old patterns or suicidal patterns of denominational life.

The death of national denominations is not imminent; it is not coming in the next five to ten years. However, if current trends continue some national denominations could reach subsistence level within 25 years. The death of national denominational structures does not necessarily mean the death of the denomination itself or its regional or middle judicatory expressions. These latter expressions may thrive in some locations.

Here is a beginning list of things national denominations are failing to do or succeeding in doing to drag themselves down. What would you add to this list?

Denominations are dying because of their failure to do the following things.

First, they are failing to renew themselves, and sustain vitality and vibrancy, by being catalysts for the starting a number of new congregations each year equal to at least three percent of the number of congregations affiliated with it at the beginning of the year. Without a high priority focus on new congregations, national denominations are missing two factors.

1. Sufficient numerical growth in affiliated congregations and adherents to offset the loss of congregations and adherents through congregations who are dying, declining, or dis-affiliating.

2. Increased vitality and vibrancy throughout the denomination that comes through the excitement surrounding new congregations and the challenge they offer to existing congregations to be more intentional about their ministry.

Second, they are failing to help their leading edge of faithful, effective, and innovative congregations to soar and fully express their spiritual gifts, strengths, and skills. These congregations are generally 10 to 15 percent of the total number of congregations affiliated with the denomination, but may account –along with new congregations—for at least 50 percent of the new adherents in the denominations.

Denominations assume these congregations do not need or want their help rather than realizing they want high quality peer learning experiences than the vast majority of denominations are offering. They would love to help their denomination soar, and they yearn for their denomination to understand and celebrate their situation.

Third, they are failing to help only those congregations who are ready and eager to transform to go through transformation processes. Instead they are trying to help any plateaued and declining congregation who asks for help regardless of their capacity to benefit from the assistance or their readiness for transformation. Further, they define transformation as a healthy, faithful congregation rather than one that is also effective and innovative in fulfilling their mission and vision and thus becoming more vital and vibrant. Thus, they have lowered their expectations of congregations. Faithfulness has become a euphemism for mediocrity.

Fourth, perhaps worse than ineffective service to congregations is the diminishing of an emphasis on serving congregations, or helping to create and sustain more vital and vibrant congregations. Over the past several decades numerous denominations have decreased their efforts through staff, budget, and resource materials that focus on church planting, church growth, and church transformation. Some national denominations have one office or department that seeks to handle all three of these emphases. Denominations are forgetting that congregations are their basic building block and why they exist in the first place.

From another perspective, national denominations are trying to serve congregations through old concepts that assume national denominations do for congregations what congregations cannot do for themselves. This is a gapology approach that no longer works. The number of things congregations are dependent on their denomination to do are less and less.

Fifth, they are failing to jettison their institutions from core denominational financial support and ownership through trustees appointed or elected by the national denomination. Over the past five decades many, if not most, colleges/universities, seminaries/divinity schools, benevolent institutions, and other institutional entities have developed multiple funding streams and are not longer dependent on the national denominational budget for their survival and vitality.

Wise national denominations are withdrawing core operational funding and creating partnerships with their institutions in strategic areas of need for the denomination, and funding those on a renewable project basis. Institutions that cannot survive without funding from the national denomination for core operations may not need to exist in the 21^st century.

Denominations are dying because of their success in doing the following things.

First, many national denominations are demanding loyalty rather than earning loyalty. Congregations who respond to the call for more loyalty tend not to be the growing, vital, and vibrant congregations, but rather are the plateaued, declining, and passive congregations. Dying denominations are successful in reinforcing the myth that congregations exist to serve the denomination.

Second, many national denominations are professionalizing, formalizing, and centralizing their clergy education, credentialing, and support systems in an attempt to achieve a purer and more effective collection of clergy leaders. This approach certainly provides more control and creates more dependency among the clergy leaders, but is does not necessarily produce purer or more effective clergy leaders. It may also result in a lack of sufficient new clergy leaders, as persons called into clergy ministry seek out denominational families with a more open and flexible system.

Third, some national denominations have become experts at dividing and driving away congregations and adherents by badly addressing explosive moral and theological issues. The big ones these days focus around sex—homosexuality, promiscuity, and pedophilia. When national denominations combine with sex the issues around clergy ordination and discipline—or lack thereof—it creates an “ensmallment” movement within the denomination.

Fourth, many national denominations believe that restructuring themselves or re-tasking national agencies is the same thing as renewing the spiritual, strategic direction of the national denomination. No consistent evidence exists that restructuring national denominations alone leads to the renewal of these denominations. Restructuring actually is a step in preparing for another restructuring within five to ten years. Restructuring fits in the same category as rearranging the chairs on the Titanic.

Fifth, many national denominations continually reallocate their core funding stream receipts from congregations rather than looking for innovative ways to increase the generosity of adherents and congregations. They have a basic funding stream or two that they have had for several decades rather than an innovative plan involving at least 12 funding streams. The reallocation is in response to a decreased buying power of the funds coming from congregations, and like restructuring leads to the next reallocation.

Important Things to Know

George Bullard is a Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership. He is also General Secretary [executive director] of the North American Baptist Fellowship of the Baptist World Alliance. The Columbia Partnership is a non-profit Christian ministry organization focused on transforming the capacity of the North American Church to pursue and sustain Christ-centered ministry. Travel Free Learning is a leadership development emphasis. For more information about products and services check out the web site at www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org, send an e-mail to Client.Care@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, or call 803.622.0923.

In the course of our time together I thought Jim made several insightful comments:

• “We need to see evangelism as a spiritual practice of relationships, not a program”
• “If we filter our approach to evangelism by doing only what we would want done to us, we will find more authentic ways to share our faith”
• “A better measurement tool for a churches evangelism is how many people are in a real relationships with pre-Christians than only how many are saved”

He also shared three skills to the spiritual practice of evangelism:

1. We must learn how to notice people. We get so busy and insolated in life we often fail to see the people and their needs around us.

2. We need to pray behind people’s backs. That is, we need to pray for the things we notice in people’s lives.

3. We need to ask “How are you?” and then listen.

If we do these three spiritual practices, God will open the right doors to authentic conversations.

Ten years ago when we returned to the Northwest Ministry Network to lead the area of Pastoral Care & Development, we felt the role God was calling us to involved being on the road most of the time. Feeling like it was not healthy for us to stay in motels day after day, we considered buying an RV. A total new thought to us.

God gave us a great friend in Ron George, who owns an RV business. Ron was a leader in the Church we pastored in the Tri-Cities. We told Ron about our ministry vision and he helped us get our first motor home. We were not RV people, but it seemed a wise move. Many times Martha and I have commented on  what wonderful advice and guidance Ron shared with us. Because of buying a motor home, we were able to spend over half our days on the road in the NWMN making big loops around the network doing cohorts and LEAD Seminars.

Then it seemed like our travel pattern changed and we sold the motor home and started using motels much more.

This past year we felt like God was leading us to be back on the road much more. But this time instead of moving every couple of days, like when we had the motor home, we will be staying in an area about a week at a time. We again called on our friend Ron George for advice. As has always been the case, he knows so much more about RV’s than we ever will, he recommended a fifth wheel for this phase of ministry.

So this past summer, we sold our Honda truck and bought a one ton Dodge diesel. Next Monday we pick up the new 5th wheel trailer. We will spend over 110 days in it just in the rest of 2010. More days in 2011.

I am so grateful to have a spouse who is willing to make major adjustments in life (like not living in our home over 1/3 of the time), because of the mission God has given us. I am also grateful for Ron and Shirley George who have been a great help to us in ministry.

I hope I am always willing to make changes based on the direction of God.

There are two major types of Christian coaching:

• Individual Leadership Coaching (sometimes called executive coaching or life coaching) and
• Organizational Coaching (sometimes referred to as church or revitalization coaching).

Let’s look at each major type separately.

I. Leader, Life or Executive Coaching

This approach is typically done with a coach and an individual. It usually focuses on helping the leader identify his or her strengths and abilities. Within this major type of coaching, there are several distinct approaches. (NOTE: Coaches from this major approach would usually not be the best coaches for organizational or church coaching.)

Non-directive life coaching

In this approach, the coach listens to the client and by the use of listening skills and good questions helps the client think through their issues. You would want this type of coach if you would like help processing issues and questions you are facing. A good example of this approach would be coaches certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) (http://www.coachfederation.org).

Directed life coaching

In this approach, the coach leads the client through a process to help them establish key competencies. You would want this type of coach if you want to establish key life and leadership competencies. A good example of this approach would be Ministry Coaching International and their “Core4” system (http://www.ministrycoaching.org). Like most coaching organizations, Ministry Coaching International has a coach’s certification program.

Examples of Life Coaches:

• Bobby Clinton
• Greg Salciccioli
• Terry Walling
• Steven Covey

II. Organizational or Church Coaching

Now let us consider Organizational or Church Coaching. In this approach a coach works with a church or organizational leadership team, and almost never with only a leader or individual. Organizational coaching focuses on helping the organization identify their weaknesses and design a plan to strengthen them. Within this style of coaching there are also several approaches. Most organizational or church coaching providers offer coaching certification in their approach (NOTE: Coaches from this major approach would usually not be the best coaches for life or executive coaching.)

Church Directive Coaching

In this approach, the coach has a specific point of view and helps the church or organization apply their approach. You may want to consider this type of approach if you just need some system to follow. It is critical if you use this approach, that it match your philosophy of ministry, for it does not encourage you to consider other approaches or alternatives. It is a little bit of a cloning approach. An example of this would be Nelson Searcy Coaching (http://www.churchleaderinsights.com/coaching). Another example of this would likely be the Acts 2 model currently being developed by the AG.

Church Process Coaching

In this approach, the coaches lead the church leadership team through a process to help the church discover their own ministry direction. You may want this approach if you want to discover your church or organization’s unique DNA. In this approach, the coach will guide you through a process sharing with you options that you might consider. Then your team will consider your theology, philosophy and context and identify the approaches you feel would be best to accomplish your full kingdom potential. An example of this would be the Leadership Development Resources (LDR) process (http://www.ldrteam.com/ldr.html). Obviously, as a founding partner of LDR, I think this approach has the most potential for church transformation.

Church Consulting

In this approach, which is closely related to coaching, the consultant does an extensive assessment and then recommends action steps. You may want this approach if you feel you need a specific plan of action that is customized for your church, but are unable to develop it. An example of this approach would be the Society for Church Consulting (http://www.churchconsultation.org/).

Examples of Organizational coaches:

• Lyle Schaller
• Bill Easum
• Gary McIntosh
• John Ewart
• George Bullard
• Mel Ming
• Steve Mills

Recommendations and conclusions:

1. Only use a coaching approach for what it was intended to accomplish.

Do not use a “life coach” for a church or organization. A life coach would not be the best for a church revitalization or development process.

In the same way, you probably do not want to use an “organizational coach” to help you develop life skills.

2. Various groups have their own certification, but the certification is for only their approach.

There is not any one certification for all types of coaching. Each approach has it strengths and weaknesses. The real issue is the coach’s impact on those they coach, not the paper on the wall. Look at their references for proven success.

3. For Church or organizational coaching, be sure they are coaching the leadership team, not just the pastor or leader.

I know of no legitimate church or organizational coaching that works only with the pastor or leader.

Coaching can be a great help to a church or leader. Find a coach that matches your needs.

Mel

Check it out and see what you can learn from this parable.

Mel

To know Him and make Him known,

Mel

LENT 2010 from Life at the Ridge

Easter where we remember Jesus 40 day fast in the wilderness and join him in a time of fasting for spiritual growth and intimacy.  Many people choose to fast or “give something up” during lent.  I did not grow up with the regular tradition of practicing lent but I have found over the past years that lent is not only a very meaningful time for me but it has also proven to be very powerful in realigning my heart with the heart of Jesus.

Over time, lent for many has become a time to give up something bad.  I would argue however, the intent behind lent is less about giving up something and more about having something to gain.  By following Jesus in fasting, we choose to make our fleshly desires second to our spiritual desires.

I encourage you to consider fasting for lent this year.  Here are a few tips on how I choose what to fast during the lent, I hope you find them helpful.

1.  Don’t fast anything that is purely for personal gain. i.e.  “I will give up sugar and also lose a few pounds.”  Jesus is paying attention to your heart, he get’s it when your fast is selfish in nature.
2.  Choose something that you will feel.  Discomfort reminds of the intent behind the fast and our mission to know, love and follow Jesus.
3.  Examine your life for addictions and dependencies.  Is there something your body or mind is addicted too?  This is a great place to start.
4.  Think about what you stand to gain through the fast.  If you give up Starbucks then you will end up with money.  How could you give that money instead of spending it on yourself?  If you give up television, what will you do with the free time you create?  Consider these resources to be invested into spiritual growth and serving others.
5.  Be honest with yourself and sincere with Jesus.  Again, he wants to grow your heart and its capacity to love more than yourself.

Let me know if you are joining me in fasting for lent this year.

On the mission,
Josh

LENT 2010 Kaleo Church Spokane

Lent: A Heavy Wait Edging Toward Hope

Last night Kaleo hosted an informal yet focused gathering designed to help us enter the season of Lent together.  Our observance of this season, while informed and tethered to centuries of practice by faithful Jesus followers, is not rooted in a desire to appear more spiritual, earn righteousness, etc.  Instead, we recognize the value and need of preparation.  Many among us have demonstrated this through a regiment of bodily exercise focused on an upcoming performance such as Bloomsday.  Others have done so by going back to school in order to prepare for a career that vibes with who they’re made to be.  There are countless examples of how we believe in preparation, and therefore orient our energies accordingly (at home, at work, at school, etc.).  And so the season of Lent is quite fitting, seeing as how it is a preparation for fully engaging the most important event, reality and hope in the history of everything, Easter.

So here is a little resource that we put together (from various sources) to help us enter the season of Lent.  Each day has a suggested exercise intended to help us come to grips with our own sin and struggle, as well as God’s good redemption enacted by Jesus and distributed through the Holy Spirit.  The reason for this is because the Lenten season is closely identified to Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness where he was tempted and overcame the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).  You’ll also notice that each Sunday suggests reading through the story just mentioned, and then enjoying the day.  The reason for this is because throughout Lent Sunday’s serve as days of feasting, as days made to remind us of what’s coming in just a few more Sundays.

So download the resource, honestly confess, repent and believe the Gospel, and let’s walk through this season, “a heavy wait edging toward hope,” together. (And feel free to share your experiences with the calendar resource, and the season in general in the comments section.)  For in our fasting we learn to feast.  In our confession we learn to celebrate.  In our preparation we learn to become, more fully, the good news in the places we’re planted.LNETLEMN

Justin