In This Issue:
Make Numbers Come Alive
Preparing for Transitions
Make Numbers Come Alive
Last Sunday was the third anniversary of The Shore Church. The pastor gave a State of the Church report to highlight the major events of the past year. Average attendance for the past year was 291, an increase of 100 from the previous year. When reporting the mission and outreach giving he held up a bottle of water. He said to consider it to be $100 invested in reaching and serving others. He then had three guys start carrying in cases of water, piling them up on the stage. When they finished he shared the total invested had been over $71,000. The visual was great but it was just the beginning. Then he started talking about the number of baptisms, rededications and professions of faith. To both highlight and celebrate the last number, confetti cannons had been distributed around the worship space (in a school cafeteria). The bangs rang out and the confetti rained down for a long time as over 50 were shot off. The atmosphere was festive, the priorities of the church were clearly demonstrated and the people were energized.
Celebrating is something we often do not do well in church. Even in challenging situations there is almost always something to celebrate. And with focus on the most essential things there can be even more to celebrate in the future. Get creative. Make a mess. Use props. Be loud. Incorporate visuals. Do what it takes to help the congregation (1) know about the good things that are happening, (2) celebrate what God is doing, (3) understand the priorities of the church and (4) focus efforts on the few things which are most likely to help more people become disciples of Jesus.
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Preparing for Transitions
I received a call from a pastor who is going to be retiring this year. The pastor wanted to talk about how to end well. This is a good thing and on the minds of many who are soon to transition from where they are to someplace else (retirement, another church, etc.). There is some important work which needs to be done towards the end of a pastorate. These include getting the records in order, scheduling an audit or rigorous financial review, dealing with any staff which need to be let go, tying up emotional loose ends, clarifying your lack of availability once a new pastor is in place, helping the church extend a gracious welcome to the new pastor, making any needed repairs at the church (and parsonage, if there is one) and more.
This pastor also wanted to talk about how to help the next pastor be successful. This is great and something often overlooked. Taking care of the issues mentioned previously will be of great assistance to the new pastor. Help them by taking care of old issues so that they can focus on new issues. Work with the leaders so they can clearly articulate their ministry passions. Invest in leadership development so the team is both large and deep. Make sure the church has the tools needed to do ministry in your setting (this could be a new AC/heat system, up-to-date computers, a better sound system, a repaired sign, an updated website, new tires on the van, etc.). The pastor who called me wanted to talk about providing a coach for the new pastor. This could be a wonderful gift.
Transitions can be make or break events. It is important to make them as positive as possible.
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