REVERSING CHURCH DECLINE
How to regain morale and momentum, if you're so inclined.
Ron Klassen
January 1, 1993
How to regain morale and momentum, if you're so inclined.
Pastoring a declining church can feel like trying to ski uphill during an avalanche.
On Sunday morning you see more and more empty spaces in the pews. The remaining members see it and try not to mention it, but you can sense their heaviness. Board meetings are consumed by bad news and difficult belt-tightening decisions. The fat has already been cut; now you're cutting into muscle.
Can anything be done to reverse the sense of futility, to bring new vigor to the demoralized?
I once became the pastor of a declining church. Nevertheless several years later, although the economy and circumstances of the area had not improved, our church had reversed its slide. Here are some of the factors God used to bring about the change.
Positively persevere
Our church had the blues. The previous pastor was asked to leave. The church had a reputation, and no one in the denomination had jumped at the chance to be their pastor.
When I came, I quickly realized we needed a strong dose of encouragement. In declining situations, gloom is a ghost that needs to be busted. Negative feelings, blaming, and ill will fills the air. These can only be overcome by joy. And that comes only from a constant supply of positive encouragement.
From the pulpit I told the people over and over how privileged I felt to be their pastor. Although we genuinely did love the church and community, the congregation found this hard to believe. Why would anyone want them? It took a few months of demonstrating my love for them before they started believing me-and believing in themselves.
I preached positive sermons. I don't think negative Scriptures should be ignored, but given the "downer" attitude in our congregation, it was ...
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