The DNA Update for United Methodists, May 2016 - DNA Coaching - Dr. Don Nations for Sunday, 1 May 2016

 The DNA Update for United Methodists, May 2016 - DNA Coaching - Dr. Don Nations for Sunday, 1 May 2016

The DNA Update for United Methodists, May 2016

The DNA Update for United Methodists
Dr. Don Nations, May 2016
In This Issue:

• If Your Church Is In Decline . . .
• It's Your Time!

If Your Church Is In Decline . . .
You are not alone. The majority of mainline churches in the US are not growing. I met with another one last week. They are desperately seeking people to rent out part of the church building so that they can pay the basic bills of the church (insurance, upkeep, utilities, pastor, etc.). Having worked with a number of these churches, allow me to offer a few observations.
Counting pennies will do little to help. The leaders in these churches often find themselves making a lot of little cuts in spending - $10 here, $50 there, perhaps $100 in another line item. These might help in paying the bills this month but they will do almost nothing to turn around the situation and get the church growing again. You cannot cut your way to success.
Too many programs hurts, not helps. Most of these churches are quite busy. There are men’s and women’s group meetings, a clothes closet or food bank or some other community outreach effort, annual rummage sales and BBQs, a variety of studies, seasonal services, a lot of committee meetings and more. It is better to do a few things very well than putting a bit of effort into a lot of things. We make a bigger impact when we are more focused in our efforts.
Clarify your purpose and target audience. When the church is clear why it exists then it can focus its resources and more carefully choose the things in which it invests. No church can reach all people equally well so it is important to identify those people you want to make feel especially welcome. There will either be guiding principles leading the church or the wants and preferences of a few leaders.
Get a coach. Turning around a church is no easy task. The leaders of a church in decline often do not know what to do to change their reality. They often have little experience with or exposure to churches which are growing and reaching new people. Combine what you know about your church and community with what a coach/consultant can bring to the table and you may find a pathway to new vitality.
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It’s Your Time!
Remember the plague of frogs which afflicted the Egyptians in Exodus? Pharaoh wants the frogs gone. Moses asks him when he would like them gone. Pharaoh’s response –tomorrow.
Tomorrow?? How about today!! When there are negative circumstances in our life, don’t we want them gone today? When things are not going as we had hoped in our churches, don’t we want them to start getting better today? Why wait until tomorrow when you could act today and begin to create a better future?
I believe churches and pastors are helped when a coach/consultant comes along side of them. My life and ministry have been changed significantly by those who poured into my life, sharpened some of my skills and spoke the words I needed to hear (even if I did not particularly enjoy hearing them). I want all churches and pastors to have this kind of assistance.
Now is the time for you to explore how a coaching relationship could benefit you and the church you love. Are you ready? If so, hit reply and let’s get started. If not, please hit reply and tell me why (perhaps you already have a coaching relationship with someone). Either way it is great to hear from you.
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