1. How do we measure success?
In the church planting world, “ABC” stands for “attendance, buildings, and cash.” It is the traditional method of deciding if a new church (or a church in general) is fulfilling its mission.
Are we attracting more people to worship and other programs? Will we be able to purchase property and build our own facility? Are we receiving enough financial donations to make this project sustainable?
In and of themselves, none of those goals are problematic. Higher attendance means more people hear our message. A building provides many opportunities for various types of ministry. And of course, having plenty of cash on hand makes everything easier.
Or does it?
In this new era, we need to be asking ourselves if the focus on “ABC” has become a distraction from our willingness to embrace the Holy Spirit. In some contexts, is the mission to share the good news better accomplished with new ways of measuring success?
2. Should churches be in the real estate business?
In traditional church planting, it has usually been assumed that the primary goal is to attract people, raise money, buy property, and construct a facility. Then, the true ministry can begin.
In this new era, many leaders are rethinking those assumptions. Depending on context, many new faith communities are intentionally not entering the real estate business. Renting space or finding creative ways to use public space provides greater flexibility and ability to follow the Spirit.
In some contexts, the goal of a building may still be appropriate. In many cases, however, it limits or even prevents the ministry from fulfilling its mission.
3. Is bigger better?
When I tell people I'm a church planter, the first question is usually, "How many members do you have?" The question is benign in its intent, but it reveals an attitude that permeates both the church and the larger culture.
Is continually growing membership rolls necessarily a good thing for a new church? Again, the answer to this question is contextual. Some churches are called to view numerical growth as a primary means for sharing the Gospel. Other new faith communities, however, are discerning a different mission - where larger size can actually hamper the ministry.
There is a good reason Jesus only called twelve disciples to start his ministry. Maybe we should ask ourselves why.
4. Do we need full-time paid leadership?
At a recent meeting, I was encouraged to think about whether the financial realities of my new church would allow me to sustain a full-time salary for myself. It was an important question informed by genuine pastoral concern, but it also implied a priority that church leaders might be called to rethink.
Why are we in ministry? Is it a career or a calling? A little of both? Does pursuing personal success in ministry diminish the ability to follow new pathways the Spirit is creating?
When we shape new congregations based on what can maintain our own standards of living, the mission of sharing the Gospel is in danger of being subordinated. Jesus cautions that we cannot serve God and money.
The practice of bi-vocational or "tent-making" ministry is as old as the New Testament. Perhaps it is time we consider it not as a last resort, but celebrate it as one of many new directions in which God is leading us. In many cases, a pastor who is also working in the community in another capacity will discover exciting new opportunities for ministry.
One thing is certain: In the coming decades, less and less churches will have the option of a full-time paid pastor. Perhaps the Gospel is better served if we embrace and move faithfully into new models of leadership.
No comments:
Post a Comment