Yes, the challenges are there:
- 32% of practicing Christians have stopped attending church
- 14% of practicing Christians have switched churches
- Giving to the church is in decline
- Leaders do not have a plan
- Operating expenses have increased
In spite of the increasing difficulties, meeting ministry funding needs is achievable. However, the days of one size fits all strategies are long gone.
The advice of defining values, following passion and discovering purpose still help in moving forward. We might still be asking what these concepts actually mean, and how can they be used moving forward? Values are the foundation for passion and purpose. Passion is what drives the exploring and engaging in activities that align with those values. Purpose is a broader and more profound concept that encapsulates how those values and passions come together.
Leaders can make even rigid bureaucracies more flexible, innovative and adaptive. They can make the world of ministry more exciting and satisfying. They can make everyone feel some sense of participation as leaders at some level.
Leaders make risk safe, as paradoxical as that might sound. They turn experiments into learning opportunities. They do not define boldness as primarily go-for-broke, giant-leap projects. More often than not, they see change as starting small, using pilot projects, and gaining momentum. The vision may be grand and distant, but the way to reach it is by putting one foot in front of the other. These small, visible steps are more likely to win early victories and gain early supporters. Of course, when one experiments, not everything works out as intended. There are mistakes and false starts. They are part of the process of innovation. What’s critical, therefore, is that leaders promote learning from, and building upon, these experiences.
ER Associates 