Breaking barriers – one

over the next few days, i’m going to make some comments and observations about church growth.  one of the guys that inspire me to continue to think outside the box is a guy named craig groeschel, the pastor of one of the most innovative churches in the united states.  a blog series that he did this year has really got me to thinking about myself, about leadership, about north point, about the future…

one of the things he reminded me of was that every growing organization eventually hits a barrier to growth…and when that barrier becomes greater than the leadership’s ability to navigate, the organization will stall.  this is an uncomfortable thought for me…the pastor of a church that has stalled at a growth barrier.  for quite a long time.

now, before you get your underwear in a wad, you and i both know that god brings growth…we don’t.  but there are definitely things that we, as a church family in general…and leadership in particular…can do to limit or encourage growth.  there.  do you feel better?

now, here’s the thing he said that got me to really thinking:

Generally speaking, the longer your church has been beneath a barrier, the more dramatic step it will take to break through the barrier. If some small change would make the difference, you would have made that a long time ago.

ouch.  if we keep doing the same things…do we expect change?  are you content with what we are, or do you dream of a church that has more influence…more impact…more people…more money…more obedience…more faith…more power?

do we really want to change?

are we prepared to lose some people in order to reach even more people?

would you be willing to change what you are doing…take on a different responsibility…change your ministry…if that’s what it took to reach more people?  would i?

what do you think?

#churchgrowth