Transcript The Comeback Churches Presentation
10 9.5
Why Study Comeback Churches?
10 9 10
The statistics on churches are alarming
–
Many churches are flat to declining
We want to help churches
“
come back
”
after a decline
Using biblical principles
Learn from the experiences of others
The Study Method
The BIG question:
What principles from Comeback Churches could guide pastors and churches down the path of revitalization?
The Study Method
Examined 324 comeback churches
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That experienced renewed growth after a period of decline
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Increased membership and increased baptisms
The Study Method
Using surveys and phone interviews
Criteria for a
“
comeback church
”
:
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Experienced 5 years of plateau or decline
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Followed by significant growth over the past 2 to 5 years
•
Membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1
•
At least a 10% increase in attendance, per year
Biblical Churches
Scriptural authority
Biblical leadership
Preaching and teaching
Ordinances
Covenant community
Mission
Missional Churches
Do what missionaries do, regardless of the context
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Join God on His mission
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Study and learn the culture
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Proclaim the good news
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Be the presence of Christ
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Contextualize biblical life and church for that culture
Spiritual Churches
What are some barriers to spiritual growth?
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Self-focused leaders and churches
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Experiencing God
’
s discipline
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Lack of radical faith/reliance
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Doing instead of being the church
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Watering down the gospel/truth
Spiritual Churches
What are some barriers to spiritual growth?
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Distracted from our first love
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Ineffective disciple-making
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Irrelevant ministry
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PRIDE
Why Become a Comeback Church?
“
We don
’
t want our church to die. We
’
ll do what it takes.
” A church needs… Refocusing Reenergizing Restructuring Restarting If it is… Stagnant in size (needs a clear focus on outreach) Declining in size (deal with internal issues and begin to reach its community again) Experienced substantial decline (large internal changes and a new outreach strategy) Near death (restart with new leadership or become a new church)
“
Dirty Baker
’
s Dozen
”
Churches
1. Institutionalized 2. Voluntary association 3. Unintentional 4.
5.
6.
“
Us four and no more
” “
We can
’
t compete
” “
Decently & in order
”
“
Dirty Baker
’
s Dozen
”
Churches
7.
“
Square peg in a round hole
”
8.
9.
“ “
Time-warp
”
Tidy
”
10.
“
My way or the highway
”
11.
“
Chaplaincy
”
12.The
“
company
”
13.
“
Play it safe
”
Staging a Comeback
The people have to be part of the turnaround - Acts 6:1-5
Decide on a course of action
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Nehemiah 2:11-18
Proactive leadership
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1 Timothy 3:1
Rising with Leadership
Comeback leaders took the initiative for change
Challenge excuses
Pray Matthew 9:37-38 Regularly & Passionately
Rising with Leadership
See the harvest — Matthew 9:36-38
Model evangelistic passion
Share the ministry
Make choices about how to invest your time
Rising with Leadership
Give away non-ministry tasks
Use time intentionally
Spend more time on
“
people
”
stuff
Communicate a clear and compelling vision
Comeback leaders multiply themselves
Three Faith Factors
What happened spiritually to impact such change?
Comeback leaders know that change takes place as the church is renewed spiritually.
Three Faith Factors 1. A renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church, 2. A renewed attitude for servanthood, and 3. A more strategic prayer effort.