The 3 S’s of Creating Community

The 3 S’s of Creating Community

One of the primary responsibilities of church leaders is to create a sense of community among the people in our congregations, on our teams, and in our organization. Likely you won’t find this on any job description, but it is one of the most important functions a pastor plays. It is even more critical in a post-pandemic world. In this article, I will share with you the 3 S’s of Creating Community: being spiritual, being social, and being of service.

 

Congregations are not Necessarily Communities

First, a warning. Congregations are not necessarily communities. Just because a group of people gathers to worship God together does not mean they feel like a community or think of themselves as a community. As the leader, be aware that creating community requires more than gathering and keeping people together. The deepest sense of community comes when people feel connected to each other on more than one level. After all, the church is the web of relationships formed through Jesus’s teaching and ministry. And the only way to do that is through the three S’s. Let’s break down how being spiritual, being social, and being of service promotes connection within our congregations and builds the sense of community.

 

Being Spiritual

The first part of building a sense of community in a congregation is promoting spiritual growth. Spirituality is the deep, unique, and personal relationship between a person and their God. As a person awakens spiritually, they come to understand that they are more than physical beings, they are spiritual beings as well. Just as we must eat to nurture our physical beings, so we must cultivate an intimate relationship with God to nurture our souls. While worship, prayer meetings, Bible study, mission trips, and other activities of a congregation can open a person to spiritual growth, they don’t ensure it. Being spiritual is not a passive activity. It requires honesty and vulnerability with God and oneself. And a willingness to explore one’s inner divinity.

As leaders, we must focus on providing our congregations with opportunities to experience spiritual growth and connection. Cultivating deeper spirituality in your congregation doesn’t mean you, as a leader, need to go and create a bunch of new programs. But it does require moving the focus of what you are already doing to emphasize the spiritual. The simple practice of naming the intent in your gatherings will be enough to help people focus on the presence of the divine. Of course, the more attention you pay to your own spirituality, the easier it will be to create conditions conducive to spiritual growth among your people.

 

Being Social

Cultivating social connections between people is crucial when creating community. Events and gatherings that encourage fun is helpful. This isn’t just for youth groups, either! Fun and laughter among adults open the space for greater trust, and more meaningful conversation.

This can range from casual gatherings, like potlucks or game nights, to formal outings, like retreats or mission trips.

These social gatherings don’t have to be overtly spiritual. Sometimes connection comes from proximity; being physically close together can build trust and deepen relationships. As we look at the gospels, we get a snapshot of Jesus’ interaction with the crowds, religious leaders, and disciples. However, if Jesus’ public ministry lasted for three years, then certainly he spent a lot more time with the disciples than what is recorded. I am sure Jesus spent time socializing with them, sharing meals and laughter, getting to know their stories, and vice versa. Moments of levity often catalyze meaningful relationship growth.

No matter what type of event you plan, fostering an open environment where everyone feels comfortable talking with each other will help build relationships long after the event ends.

As I write in Forging a New Path, I used to think that churches being social wasn’t a high value; that it weakened their primary  identity as followers and ambassadors of Christ. I have changed my mind on that. Without social bonds, people don’t feel like they belong. If they don’t feel like they belong, it’s hard for people to feel the love of God, or to effectively be of service together.

 

Being Of Service

Finally, being of service is essential for creating lasting relationships within any community. The service offered doesn’t have to be huge. It could be as simple as encouraging people to look out for one another, and then giving them opportunities to do it. Lending support when needed will go a long way toward fostering an atmosphere of love and acceptance within your community.

While being of service doesn’t have to be huge to be effective, it is helpful for people to focus on others. All the feel good hormones increase when people undertake acts of service and generosity. Reach inside your community, and outside your community as well.

Think about ways your church or organization can give back. Could you sponsor a Habitat for Humanity house, make a local home more accessible for someone with a disability, or bake cookies for teachers returning to school? These examples are tangible ways to serve and build trust within a community.

The three S’s—being spiritual, being social, and being of service—are essential elements for deepening congregations into communities. Especially in the post-pandemic age.

By creating an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable connecting spiritually with God and one another while engaging in meaningful relationships through social activities and acts of service, we can make vibrant communities built on love and understanding rather than judgment or competition.

If you want to learn more about how to create a vibrant faith community amid the challenges of church culture, check out my latest book Forging a New Path. In it, I give practical wisdom on how to build the church into a transformational and inclusive community.  To further your learning and help put congregational and community renewal into practice, consider my three year group leadership program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®.

No matter what you do, remember that long-lasting relationships come from creating a safe space where everyone can feel comfortable expressing themselves and connecting with others. So keep the three S’s in mind as you work towards building a thriving faith community!

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

How to Fail and Still Win

How to Fail and Still Win

All great accomplishments have one thing in common: failure. Discouraging, heartbreaking failure. Whether we’re talking about the amazing stories in the Book of Acts, the Wesleyan Revival of the 1700s, or the success of a regional megachurch, each one of these “successes” involved failures. Peter and Paul were embroiled in conflict in the book of Acts. John Wesley failed miserably in his work with the Native Americans and lost at love in his own life. Leaders of megachurches have had moral failings. But without these seeming failures, there would also be no memorable accomplishment. So let’s talk about how to fail and still win.

We tend to think of success as being defined by our accomplishments or victories, but it’s the failures that provide us with the wisdom necessary to succeed. The lie we tell ourselves is that the great leaders and movements of the past had it all together, while we struggle and fail. But every leader, movement, and person will fail at some point. That’s simply part of our humanity.

Failure gets a bad name. But failure need not be the end of the story. It is a necessary step to help us learn and grow in our faith journey. The Bible is full of stories of both failure and redemption, from Adam to Abraham, and from Sarah to Hannah, as well as Peter and the disciples. We would hardly call these heroes and sheroes of the faith failures.

As Christian leaders, it’s essential for us to understand how to fail and still win. In order to fail and still win, it’s important to understand the two types of failure. Knowing the difference can help you stay focused, motivated, and successful.

 

Passive Failure

The first type of failing is passive failure. Passive failure involves not trying or simply settling for the status quo. Passive failure does nothing to advance your goals or propel the Kin(g)dom forward. Rather, it keeps you stuck in a place of complacency where your potential isn’t explored or realized. It’s easy to fall into this type of passive failure because it requires no effort. But if left unchecked, passive failure can lead to stagnation and disappointment in your life and ministry.

We can all point to this kind of failure. We often use phrases to explain it, like, “They are just moving the deck chairs on the Titanic.” We know it when we see it. Worship is lackluster. Your mission projects are repetitive. You sense a congregation-wide feeling of apathy. You manage what you have without risking innovation or breaking new ground. If you are still doing what you did three or four years ago, you may be slipping into passive failure.

The effects of passive failure can be seen in churches: years of declining attendance, no new professions of faith, and a diminishing pool of volunteers. When the only course correction offered is trying harder at doing more of the same, that is a sign of passive failure.

It’s not easy to admit, but I’ve seen this type of passive failure in myself. When I hoped that things would change for the better but took no action to try something new. It’s a painful spot to be in.

 

Active Failure

The second type of failure is active failure. What sets active failure apart from passive failure is that rather than hoping things will get better if we simply try harder at doing what we’ve always done, we actively take risks. We give it everything we have—our total energy, focus, and commitment. Even so, we still miss the mark.

Yes, it’s still a failure. But this type of active failure brings hope by creating momentum. Even though the result might not have been what we intended, it’s still a win. By giving our best effort towards something meaningful, we will have created some new openings. Perhaps we operated from vision rather than fear. Or collaborated with new community partners. Or raised new funds and involved new people. Active failure is a win because it empowers those around us.

Active failure creates another kind of win: learning from your mistakes. The great thing about trying and failing is that you can figure out how to do things better next time. The same principle applies to us as Christian leaders. We may not consistently achieve our goals immediately or as expected, but failure often gives us the insights and wisdom to succeed.

Every great movie ever made, from Ben Hur to Star Wars to Mulan, includes a story arc of triumph over adversity. The hero fails multiple times before achieving the goal. In these stories, it is failure that helps shape and strengthen the protagonist’s character. This is true not only in the movies but also among the disciples, the early church, and even your church.

 

How to Get the Most from Your Failures

By understanding that there are two types of failure—passive failure and active failure—you can better prepare yourself for success as a Christian leader by embracing the art of active failing. If you fail but learn something new along the way, that’s a win! If you fail, but create openings for new action, that’s a win, too. So go forth boldly—trusting God—knowing that even if you fail this time, next time may be a huge success. After all, nothing ventured – nothing gained.

It was my failures, not my successes, in local church ministry that prompted me to develop Creating a Culture of Renewal®. I wanted to know how to create a lasting culture shift that moved the church from maintenance to mission, from inward focus to outward focus, and from discipleship to apostleship. This powerful program equips you with all the ingredients necessary to shift the culture of your congregation, no matter the size, denomination, or location. Email Ann at ann@rebekahsimonpeter.com if you’d like to come to an Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

5 Simple Steps to Handle Conflict Like a Pro

5 Simple Steps to Handle Conflict Like a Pro

Conflict in churches is often seen as inherently negative. Perhaps conflict is a sign that we don’t love Jesus enough. Or that we don’t love each other enough. But what if it was just the opposite? What if conflict in church was a sign that people cared deeply, loved God fully, and were totally invested in the future of the church? The truth is that church conflict can be used as an opportunity for growth and progress. But getting there will take a shift in thinking, as well as embracing imperfections, discovering motivations, decoding conflicts, strategizing for success, and seeking deeper guidance. These are the 5 simple steps to handle conflict like a pro. Read on for details.

 

Step #1 Embracing Imperfections

At its core, the church is comprised of individuals who are all imperfect. This means that conflict is inevitable; we are only sometimes capable of putting aside our perspectives or finding common ground. That’s true not only of our church members but of ourselves as well.

When disagreements arise, it’s important to practice patience and compassion. These qualities, rather than being weaknesses, are strengths. Patience and compassion will help foster better understanding between different perspectives while also modeling grace. Even though it’s tempting to insist on being right, grace will take you farther in the aftermath of the conflict.

Remember that they are imperfect human beings, and so are you. That means you and your people will have moments when you say things you regret, step on each other’s toes, and let emotions run high. Even so, God still loves you, and God still loves them. God embraces your imperfections. Practice embracing your own, and theirs.

 

Step #2 Discovering Motivations

When working through conflicts in a church, it’s essential to understand what motivates people. What drives their decisions? What beliefs, goals, or fears are pushing them? When you can successfully discover motivations, you are on your way to successfully bridging differences.

The question is, how do you discover people’s motivations? I suggest that you begin by naming common ground. By finding out what people do agree on, you can begin to discern their points of difference. The truth is, if you listen well enough, people will tell you their motivations.

I have found that it’s often differing motivations, not necessarily divergent points of view, that are the greatest source of conflict in a church. For instance, conflict can arise when someone believes their feelings aren’t being acknowledged, or that their ideas aren’t being taken into consideration. You won’t know any of this, though, if you are talking instead of listening. Listening skills can help break down barriers even more than debating skills. You can only discover people’s motivations in moments of conflict if you really listen!

Also, practice listening to yourself. What are your motivations? Learn to hold them lightly so that you can be of greater service in times of conflict.

 

Step #3 Decoding Conflicts

Once you have identified the motivations driving people in conflict, the next step is to decode the conflict. Again, it may be divergent points of view that are driving the conflict. Even more likely, though, is that it’s behavioral differences. For instance, you might have someone who is highly conscientious about getting tasks done systematically, one at a time, before moving on to another project. That person may be “in conflict” with a fellow task force member whose enthusiasm propels them towards new programs and ideas quickly. Can you see the smash-up that can occur here simply because people prefer to work at a different pace?

But let’s say it’s not behavioral styles that are driving the conflict, rather an actual difference of opinion. In this case, acknowledge the differences that exist, the humanity of each party, and the love of God for all. Then look at the facts, analyze the data, acknowledge the feelings, and keep the conversation focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. Rarely is a conflict completely one-sided; it takes two to tango, and sometimes even more. As a leader, you must be willing to look at all sides of an argument and then facilitate constructive dialogue that leads toward resolution.

Also notice your own behavioral preferences or differences of opinion that can draw you as a leader into conflict. Be as careful and honest with yourself as you are asking others to be.

 

Step #4 Strategizing for Success

Once you have embraced imperfections, discovered motivations and decoded conflicts, it’s time to strategize for success. Create a plan for forward movement that includes tangible steps in which others can participate. For instance, create a time together for future dialogue, set up guidelines for frequent communication so hurt or frustration isn’t bottled up, and practice demonstrating respect even in disagreement. Most importantly, celebrate small victories along with the big ones. People need to know that their work makes a difference, and that the joy of community is worth the occasional conflict.

 

Step #5 Praying for Deeper Guidance

Finally, remember to pray for deeper guidance. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in trying to resolve things ourselves that we forget divine guidance is available to us. Tapping into God’s wisdom through prayer allows you to make better decisions as a team. As Christians, it’s crucial that we focus ourselves on higher, common goals instead of each insisting on having things go our way. With God at the center of all we do, we can move forward together in unity.

While you may not pray with your team at work, you can pray for wisdom and guidance to lead with grace, love, and understanding. Part of being a good leader is investing in your people. One of the greatest gifts you can give is to pray for them and their success.

 

Take the Next Step

Being a leader is not easy, but with the right tools and guidance, you can be a successful leader who is capable of resolving problems effectively and turning conflict into opportunities for growth. Remember that every situation has a solution. Even if you can’t see it at first. When you employ the 5 simple steps to handle conflict like a pro—embracing  imperfection, discovering motivations, decoding conflict, strategizing for success, and praying for deeper guidance—you will have the tools to lead effectively.

I will be sharing more tools and solutions in my upcoming course, 3 Steps to Engage Conflict Productively. This course is designed to grow your emotional intelligence in conflict, and help you become a less reactive person. It will not only provide you with best practices for success but also reveal your conflict style. All participants will receive an Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict Profile, Productive Conflict Reference Guide, a copy of one of my latest books, and a great learning community. Conflict can be challenging, but you can make a difference with the right tools and insight! Register here.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

5 Ways to Create a Spiritual Epiphany

5 Ways to Create a Spiritual Epiphany

Epiphany is the ancient Christian observance of the visit of the Magi, otherwise known as the Wise Men, to Jesus in Bethlehem. Epiphany, from the Greek meaning appearance or manifestation, marks the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the world. Epiphany has another meaning: sudden insight or awakening. For many Christians, Epiphany is associated with spiritual growth and discovering our true identity in God. In anticipation of that sacred event, I’m excited to share five ways to create a spiritual epiphany. While none of us can guarantee the date or time of a spiritual awakening, these five practices will ready and prepare you for that time.

 

#1 Be Open-Minded

An open mind is essential when it comes to having a spiritual epiphany. Allow yourself to explore new ideas without prejudice or preconceived notions. Accept that the world of the spirit is real and active in all aspects of life. This may seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is that many of us are closed to the idea of a spiritual experience with God. We are more accustomed to relying on our intellect and experience to direct us instead of trusting that God can speak to us, guide us, or prompt us on a moment by moment basis.

In what ways can you open up your mind to the possibility of a spiritual epiphany? What are some of the preconceived notions you may need to let go of to be open to a spiritual experience?

Try this as an Epiphany Affirmation: Today, I let go of what I think I know, and embrace the surprising power of a willing spirit toward God.

 

#2 Ask Honest Questions

Honesty is key to creating a spiritual epiphany. Ask yourself honest questions about your beliefs and values and be willing to accept whatever answers come up without judgment or fear. This can be difficult since we are used to hiding behind the masks of what we think we should be. However, honestly, is essential for engaging in true self-reflection. Also, be honest about what’s working and what’s not working in your life.

This new level of honesty will help you clarify where you’re at so that you can move forward in your journey toward spiritual growth and transformation.

Epiphany Affirmation: If I’m honest with God, real change can happen!

 

#3 Name Your Intention

Give yourself permission to experience more of the divine presence in your life, and trust that this will lead you towards greater understanding and transformation. Name your intention to create a spiritual epiphany and be willing to surrender to the process. This is not about a “Name it and claim it” theology but rather about clearly naming our intent that God is moving in our lives. So often in our faith, we don’t expect much. When we engage God, we get precisely what we expect: nothing. Naming your intention to have an epiphany is a way of inviting the manifestation of Jesus into your life in a new and powerful way.

Epiphany Affirmation: Today I declare God is working within my life and wants me to know this!

 

#4 Take Time for Reflection

Taking time for reflection is essential to creating a spiritual epiphany. It allows us to step back from our daily lives and take stock of our current situation, thoughts, and feelings. Use this time for self-reflection to evaluate what’s working, what isn’t, and what changes need to be made to move forward in your life with greater clarity and understanding. In our busy lives, we stay so distracted that we cannot hear the voice of God in our lives. Taking quiet time can empty enough space to allow us to hear God and discover what God is calling us to in this season of life.

Epiphany Affirmation: In silence, I hear God and glimpse my true identity!

 

#5 Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude helps us stay connected with our inner divinity by recognizing the abundance around us daily. Expressing gratitude helps us appreciate what we have, which leads us towards greater joy and contentment in life overall. We also need to say thanks for God’s divine presence in our lives.

God’s presence is not just limited to the incarnation of Jesus; it is daily reality in our lives as we realize that God resides within each of us. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, light bearers made in God’s image. The same Spirit in Christ Jesus lives in us. Take time to let this in, and to thank God for being a living presence within you. It’s a joy to recognize all the ways God is blessing your life and revealing your inner divinity.

Epiphany Affirmation: I am grateful for every moment I have to be in the presence of God!

 

The Power of a Spiritual Epiphany

A spiritual epiphany requires open-mindedness (that the world of the Spirit is real and active), honesty (with self and God), and willingness (to experience more of the divine presence in your life.) Reflection and gratitude activate the awareness of your inner divinity.

The power of being present to God can lead anyone down their unique path towards spiritual growth and transformation! As church leaders, it’s imperative for us to cultivate these practices within ourselves so that we may better guide others on their journey with God.

Let’s remember that Epiphany isn’t just a Jesus thing. Each one of us reveals God to the world in our own way! We are all light bearers made in the image and likeness of God. I hope you can try these practices. I predict you’ll find a deeper connection with God.

To continue on this path, check out Creating a Culture of Renewal®, where our premise is that renewal begins within.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

5 Ways to Fail Forward in 2023

5 Ways to Fail Forward in 2023

As a church leader, you have essential responsibilities. Not only do you need to preach and guide your congregation, but you also ensure that the church runs smoothly.

Not everything you try in 2023 will succeed. That’s okay. In fact, it’s important to have some failures under your belt. Especially if it means that you jumped in and tried things, but still missed the mark.

Remember Newton’s first law of motion: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion whereas objects at rest tend to stay at rest. Once you get your congregation in motion, you’ll have a better chance of steering them in a positive direction, even if your first efforts don’t result in total success.

Because the truth is that without the freedom to fail, you are less likely to succeed. If failure is unacceptable, then you won’t risk much. Risk, as an act of faith, is required for success, especially for church leaders.

To get you started on that forward momentum, I offer these five ways to “fail forward”.

 

#1 Have a Clear Vision

Why is a clear vision important enough to risk failure? Because personal and organizational renewal begins with vision. In fact, this is one of the foundational principles we teach in Creating a Culture of Renewal®.

Churches flounder when they don’t have a strong sense of what they’re being called to do. Crafting a clear vision is important work for church leaders. Vision focuses your efforts and guides you and your congregation together into the future.

To get a clear vision of what your church is being called to do, tap into Jesus’ big dream: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” With Jesus’ dream in mind, ask God to show you and your people how you can make a difference in the community such that it would be a sign of the Kingdom.  These steps can guide you in making sure your vision is focused outward instead of inward.

 

#2 Keep Up with Technology

Technology is here to stay. Using it well can help your church engage current members more effectively as well as reach new audiences. If you started to use technology during the pandemic to livestream services and offer online giving, keep it up. If you haven’t started yet, now is the time. It’s worth trying, even if you fail. I can’t tell you how many times I have goofed up doing a Facebook Live. I keep going because it’s worth failing at in order to eventually succeed. The truth is that people expect more tech options now, not less.

One way to keep up with technology is to surround yourself with those who know more than you do. Learn from them how to bridge the gap between religious traditions and digital innovation. Although you may not like the negative influences of technology—like incivility and sensationalism—it’s even worse to turn a blind eye to its influence. Better to try harnessing it for good, and failing, than not trying at all.

 

#3 Increase Your Leadership Skillset

As a leader, it’s crucial to keep on learning. One way to increase your skillset is by attending conferences or seminars on church leadership topics such as team building or conflict resolution. Another way to increase your skillset is by reading books and blogs related to church leadership topics. You’ll learn how others approach the problems you face and discover emerging best practices.

People and times change. How you interact with those you lead has to also change. What worked 10 or 20 years ago may not work today.  If you are not keeping up with ever-evolving ideas and trends, then you are not intentionally growing as a leader.

Reverse mentoring is an excellent way to sharpen your skills. Reverse mentoring involves learning from younger generations. Find someone in your congregation who represents a younger age demographic and ask them if they will mentor you. Not only will you blow their mind, but chances are good you’ll learn new things you did not know before.

Can you know everything there is to know as a leader? No. But trying and failing forward is the right direction to head.

 

#4 Develop Financially Sound Strategies

Churches need to be financially sound to succeed in the long run. Effective church leaders work to develop strategies to help their churches remain economically stable. This could include developing pledge campaigns, setting aside funds for unexpected expenses, or investing in equipment or technology upgrades when necessary.

One of the trends that will be coming to mainline churches in the coming years is diversifying your income sources to make ends meet. There are many ways to do this. Look into grants, endowments, crowdfunding campaigns, innovative fundraising efforts, and creating community partnerships, which I write about in Forging a New Path. Think of 2023 as the year to feel more comfortable engaging in financial conversations, and to create an economically stable church.

While you might not meet all of your financial goals in 2023, paying attention now will sharpen your ability to meet those goals in the future. Put your best efforts forward here. Even if you fail.

 

#5 Focus on Member Engagement

Engaging members is critical when it comes to leading a thriving church. Focus on engaging your members more effectively through the basics: Bible studies, prayer initiatives, and community service projects. These basics provide the foundation upon which member engagement moves the church into transformational experiences.

Historically, the church’s educational process has been rooted in knowledge retention. Yet Biblical literacy is spotty among members. Think  about ways to make education experiential in 2023.

For instance, there’s a growing trend of churches launching “lab” experiences to encourage members to explore their faith and to cultivate spiritual growth. Use your creativity to develop ways to engage church members in meaningful conversations and activities that foster spiritual growth and connection.

Again, you may not fully succeed. But moving in this direction will ensure that if you fail, you are failing forward.

 

Your Next Step

Next, choose one of the above five ways to fail forward in 2023, and get going!  This is going to be a pivotal year for the church. Your willingness to risk, whether you succeed or fail, will bring needed energy and faith to your congregation.

No matter which path you choose, though, you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, joining a community of learners is one of the best ways to ensure that failures can morph into successes. Grow in skill and confidence as together we learn 3 Steps to Engage Conflict Productively. I’ll be with you on the journey.

 

Copyright © 2022 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

How to Create a Culture Shift

How to Create a Culture Shift

At Shepherd of the Hills Church, it’s been a long time since the cries of children interrupted worship. That’s okay with this aging congregation. Although they miss younger people, they appreciate less commotion. If only they could get some responsible families, they’re sure things would look up. They want the pastor to recruit them. But he’s gotten busy lately, bogged down in church meetings that seem to go nowhere. This congregation has tried to start a “Bring a Friend to Worship” Sunday. But newcomers get scared off by the appeals to give, and the red ink in the bulletin. Meanwhile the pews thin out, and a steady stream of funerals keep the pastor hopping. Worship used to include several unknown faces. Not anymore, but at least now everyone knows each other. Lots of time to pray for each other, and to keep the love flowing.

On the surface, this church sounds pretty normal. But dig down a bit and you’ll find a church with no dream other than to survive. How does a church like this create a shift in its culture?

First, let’s take a look at what happens in churches like this.  They develop a bevy of problems like the following eight:

  • shrinking numbers
  • problem people
  • stagnant giving
  • listless worship
  • gutless prayer
  • bait and switch evangelism
  • insulated focus
  • dead-end decision-making

In my work with congregations through Creating a Culture of Renewal, I have noticed that these eight distinct problems are reliable indicators of a church operating without a vision. I believe there is a strong connection between the two.

Vision is key to creating a shift in the culture.  The vision has to be bigger than a church improvement plan, though.  Otherwise, you are back to square one.  You’ll be managing decline rather than creating a sustainable shift in culture.  That requires the courage to Dream like Jesus®.

Here are the four steps a congregation must DARE to undertake:

  1. Dare to have a God-sized DREAM. Jesus dreamed that earth would be a reflection of heaven.
  2. Dare to ALIGN others to the dream. Start with the people around you.  Jesus did. The fishermen, tax collectors, and other people he got on board didn’t have special credentials.  They did however, believe in his big dream.
  3. Dare to REALIZE the dream. Bringing the dream to fruition takes courage. You’ll encounter some road blocks and obstacles, yes.  And, you’ll also encounter people ready to get on board with an energizing dream that makes a true difference.  Jesus and his friends made a huge impact through their healings, feedings, proclamations, and conversations.
  4. Dare to EXPAND out into your community. Your community is eager for you to engage them with love, courage, and creativity.  They long for the Kingdom, even if they don’t put that in words.

The time to dream like Jesus is now.  In my experience, the longer you wait to address the eight dynamics of decline, the more embedded they’ll become and the harder they’ll be to dislodge. Culture shift will be almost impossible.  On the other hand, the sooner you engage a God-size dream, the more hope there is for you and your community! Ready to learn how? Register for the online workshop DARE to Dream Like Jesus® now.

The above blog is excerpted and adapted from Dream Like Jesus:  Deepen Your Faith and Bring the Impossible to Life, © 2019, Rebekah Simon-Peter.