Determining what to do is secondary to deciding it’s time to do it. The recognition that change is needed is the first decision.
7 Questions to Assess Your Ministry Model:
- When was your current strategy first instituted?
- What specific changes have been made since this initial installment? The specific changes are necessary to name. It’s too easy to say, “we’ve updated and changed along the way.” But, if your updates are mostly tweaks, you may still have an old model that looks new.
- Are we pleased with our ministry results?
- In our ministry, what must be true a year from now?
- If you were starting over, how would you design the ministry strategy?
- How are newer churches or church plants operating? Where do you see significant differences?
Be honest with your answers. If new churches aren’t starting with your core ministry model, perhaps there is a reason. If other churches are growing or experiencing the results you desire, examine what they are doing.
Realizing your model is outdated is an exercise in humility. If you designed and implemented the model, even more humility is required to admit the gaps.
If I can be honest, I believe (from my experience with many, many church leaders) pride is the primary reason so many churches die or remain significantly underutilized. Great leaders care more about the mission than their personal preferences or pride.
With that in mind, let me offer one more question:
#7: What do you desire to see in and around your church the most?
If your answer is “life change,” then do whatever is required for that to happen. Whatever.
Change your ministry model. Listen to younger leaders. Hire some younger leaders. Hire a consultant with fresh eyes. Interview church planters. Examine what other successful churches are doing. Read books that push your boundaries. Go to a leadership conference hosted by “that” church or denomination that you’re always looked down upon.
Here’s what I know for sure:
- There are problems in your community.
- Some problems are as old as time. Some are new.
- Regardless, evolving cultures need new solutions to both old and new problems.
- Your church can become the solution to these problems.
- Change is required.
- Pride will be your obstacle.
I believe you have what it takes to adjust your solution. I’ve seen many leaders do it. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen many prideful leaders blame the culture, their community, and worldliness. It’s always easier to look through a window and blame others than to look in a mirror and take responsibility.
You can’t spread the gospel in your community if you spend your time blaming your community.
This article about assessing your ministry model originally appeared here, and is used by permis
