I travel for work. I’m on the road 2-3 days a week sometimes. I average 28,000 miles a year. I travel. A lot. In my travels, there is this gas station I stop at a lot. It’s the only “good” gas station on a 60 mile stretch of interstate here in Louisiana. Technically, you could call it a truck stop, because it offers multiple diesel pumps and the inside is fantastic. Sit-down food options, plenty of caffeinated beverages, and all the other things you might want. But it is a horrible GAS station. There are 6 normal car pumps and rarely are all working. It’s also a tight spot so maneuvering to get into one of those pumps can be interesting. Since it is fuel stop around, it stays busy. Cars are sometimes woven all around the parking area waiting for a pump. If the material necessity for a gas station is to provide gas, it might be meeting its goal 3/10. So Chad, if it’s so frustrating, why is it there? Because it has to be there. Remember, it’s the best option on a highly traveled interstate. It’s one of three gas stations on the road between two major cities. This gas station can get away with a lot of ill-functioning because it has to be there. The location almost guarantees profitability. Many of our churches end up doing the same thing. Why is the church in the neighborhood? Because it has always been in the neighborhood. For those who are used to it, it seems perfectly fine. But for those who are in the community and need to experience Jesus through the life of the local church, it can be frustrating. This is the easy side of vitality.
I know this list seems basic, but I’ve been through enough places to tell you it isn’t. A gas station might think they don't need to worry because customers will always come. Similarly, a church that assumes it will always exist without focusing on its mission and outreach is in a risky situation. Churches often struggle because they assume they don’t need to focus on their core mission. This mission is to reach new people with Christ's love. Chad
|
I steward Productive Pastor, a podcast and community of ministry leaders focused on how productivity and strategic ministry in the average church. I write about practical approaches to ministry productivity. I also write emails about church stability/development and my own theological musics in our current social moment.
Hey Friend - Last email, I shared a story about a workshop conversation. A participant worried that their church, focusing on reaching new people, would leave older members in the dust. I've heard it before, but it made me start thinking about why it is a common worry. This sort of conversation is more complicated than we realize. The fear of being left out is real. The need for a missional priority for reaching new people is real. Church leaders have to navigate both of these fears. I shared...
What walls are standing in front of you right now? Ministry walls are barriers that inhibit moving forward. Personal walls are based on leadership. Organizational walls limit your church's ability to live fully into your mission. There are all sorts of walls. If I wanted to define the idea of ministry walls, I’d put it this way. A ministry wall is some outside force, appearing to be beyond natural control, which sets a defining boundary of effectiveness. Let’s dig into that definition a bit...
Let me share a recap of a workshop session I led this spring. I was in Louisiana and teaching a session on engaging new visitors to the church. A good friend was bringing several people from his church and warned me to be ready. About halfway through the table conversation, one of his leaders said: “It’s all good and fun to talk about reaching new people, but what about the seniors who have been at our church for decades?” Honestly, it wasn’t the first time I'd heard this comment, but this...