Enduring Churches Podcast with Alan and Trent

Episode 31: Statements that Break Enduring Momentum

 

I’m just not being fed.

 

Problem: its a spiritually immature statement

 What’s under it?

• Unrealistic expectations
• Personal laziness

 

We don’t want those kind of people here

 

Problem: its goes totally against the Bible’s teaching

What’s the reason behind the reason

• A loss of loving lost people
• Fear of losing a comfortable environment 

It’s just not my gift

 

Problem:  A reason people use to avoid uncomfortable church jobs.

 

What’s the reason behind the reason

• self over organization 
• Bad practical theology 

 

We've never done that here before

 

Problem: Won't let go of the past

 

Reason behind the reason

• were very comfortable in the past
• things will be different and uncomfortable
• I won't be in control if things change

http://www.imdinternational.org

Episode 30:When to Cut a Program

 

Questions to ask yourself:

 

How many do you have? Are you killing your people?

 

Is it inward focused or outward focused? (Hint: you need both, but keep more outward) Example Sunday school/small groups can be either.

 

Is the cost and benefit in line with your budget?

 

Is another tool a better choice?

 

Are people passionate about the program?  Usually folks are on fire for a year or two but after that it usually cools significantly

 

Everything that you do in church or business needs to be evaluated  - tough love

 

Even if you keep a program - evaluating keeps it in line and meeting your vision

Sacred Cows make the best hamburger!

More about pastoral care in Colorado

Episode 29: Invisible Leadership

 

Key: If you are going to last in ministry you are going to have to develop a sense of transparency.

 

Acknowledge your weaknesses in leadership

 

Share that you struggle in your spiritual walk

• You don’t have to share everything publicly, but share some

 

Develop the ability to apologize

• We all make mistakes, own them

 

Learn the boundaries surrounding your pride and your humility

 

 

Learn to laugh at yourself.

We hope you enjoyed our interview with Luke Heirendt about worship in the local church.

You can contact Luke at luke@creekside.cc

Worship Team contract

 

 

living in your strengths

managing your weaknesses

 

I wish my daughter Jacque could be on with us today.  This is her ministry with Pastors and their families.  

 

You're not good at everything - so what are you really good at?  

ask yourself these questions -

What parts of my job really invigorate me?

• What do you think they are?
  • areas
    • preaching
    • teaching
    • admin
    • visioning
    • Pastoral care
    • Evangelism
    • relationships
• What do others think they are? - ask some trusted friends what they see are your strengths and weaknesses.  Listen - Listen!

 

What parts of my job suck the life out of me?  

 

 

God called someone to your church who is better at somethings than you are

This may sound counter intuitive but in order for our churches to grow - the pastor has to do less.

 

always be growing

•  especially in your strengths
  • Tend to put ourselves in cruise control

 

always be giving away ministry

• Investing in others
  • Hard work

 

Leaders won't stay if they don't have a real job.

 

 

Be humble, hungry, and smart (Patrick Lencioni, The Ideal Team Player)

Types of receipts

1. general or undesignated
2. Designated - discourage designated
3. Special offerings

 

Best way to measure is per person per week.

 

Budget

1. Do you have one?
2. do you control it or does it control you.
3. How do you put it together?
4. Is it complete
5. Deferred maintenance 

 

 

Important thoughts:

1. make a “tithe” a priority in your church does your church tithe? from your general receipts 10% to missions
2. Give back to your church
3. Share stories and reasons to give
4. Keep  it visible
5. Celebrate faithfulness 

 

 

Your role as pastor or as a church member has an effect on your perspective on the things that are going on.

 

Pretty obvious things…but some of our thoughts on these trends.

 

1. Diminishing ability to hire additional staff.
2. Struggles with music.
3. Disappearing traditional Sunday schedules.
4. Changing dynamic of midweek activities.
5. Changing worship times.
6. Changing nature of children/youth.
7. Technology aware but not having the expertise to run it.

Episode 25: Ministering in a Declining Area

All over the country, smaller communities are dying as more and more people move to cities, and in some cities, even some communities are changing to business centers so that the number of people is diminishing.

1. Is it a factual decline or apparent decline…demographics?
2. Your people might not recognize the reality.
3. Most declining communities are aging communities.
4. Accept that there is a life cycle for churches.
5. Love the people; reach all you can.
6. Consider partnerships.
7. Allow a church to die gracefully.