Post on 01-Jan-2016
description
Why Study Comeback Churches?Why Study Comeback Churches?
The statistics on churches are alarming– Many churches are
flat to declining
109.5
10 109
We want to help churches “come back” after a decline
Using biblical principles
Learn from the experiences of others
The Study MethodThe Study Method
The BIG question:
What principles from Comeback Churches could guide pastors and churches down the path of revitalization?
The Study MethodThe Study Method
Examined 324 comeback churches–That experienced
renewed growth after a period of decline
– Increased membership and increased baptisms
The Study MethodThe Study Method
Using surveys and phone interviews
Criteria for a “comeback church”:– Experienced 5 years of plateau
or decline – 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 ChurchesBiblical Churches
Scriptural authorityBiblical leadershipPreaching and
teachingOrdinancesCovenant
communityMission
Missional ChurchesMissional ChurchesDo what missionaries do,
regardless of the context–Join God on His mission–Study and learn the culture–Proclaim the good news–Be the presence of Christ–Contextualize biblical life
and church for that culture
Spiritual ChurchesSpiritual Churches
What are some barriers to spiritual growth?
–Self-focused leaders and churches
–Experiencing God’s discipline
–Lack of radical faith/reliance
–Doing instead of being the church
–Watering down the gospel/truth
Spiritual ChurchesSpiritual Churches
What are some barriers to spiritual growth?
–Distracted from our first love
–Ineffective disciple-making
–Irrelevant ministry
–PRIDE
Why Become a Comeback Church?Why Become a Comeback Church?
“We don’t want our church to die. We’ll do what it takes.”
A church needs… If it is…
Refocusing Stagnant in size (needs a clear focus on outreach)
Reenergizing Declining in size (deal with internal issues and begin to reach its community again)
Restructuring Experienced substantial decline (large internal changes and a new outreach strategy)
Restarting Near death (restart with new leadership or become a new church)
Cha
nge
Less
Mor
e
““Dirty BakerDirty Baker’’s Dozens Dozen”” Churches Churches
1. Institutionalized
2. Voluntary association
3. Unintentional
4. “Us four and no more”
5. “We can’t compete”
6. “Decently & in order”
““Dirty BakerDirty Baker’’s Dozens Dozen”” Churches Churches
7. “Square peg in a round hole”
8. “Time-warp”
9. “Tidy”
10.“My way or the highway”
11.“Chaplaincy”
12.The “company”
13.“Play it safe”
Staging a ComebackStaging a ComebackThe people have to be part of
the turnaround - Acts 6:1-5
Decide on a course of action–Nehemiah 2:11-18
Proactive leadership–1 Timothy 3:1
Rising with LeadershipRising with Leadership
Comeback leaders took the initiative for change
Challenge excuses
Pray Matthew 9:37-38 Regularly & Passionately
Rising with LeadershipRising 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 LeadershipRising with Leadership
Give away non-ministry tasksUse time intentionallySpend more time on “people” stuffCommunicate a clear and
compelling visionComeback leaders multiply
themselves
Three Faith FactorsThree 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.