S3.amazonaws.com



Revitalization Team Training MeetingMt. Pisgah Baptist ChurchNovember 25, 2018Chris Crain, SCBAMyccrain29@Preliminary RecommendationsInterview church leaders experiencing growth in the general area and region.Do a church attendance survey for residents in the area.Request a census data study from the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions or from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.Select a confidential task force to analyze your stewardship data. Divide giving by age groups. Look ahead to 2028.Bring back a report of items 1-4 to this group before mid-January 2019.Build relationships with CDC families. Organize prayer walks in different communities around Cropwell.Assign a task force to visit growing churches. Using Appendix A, schedule an interview a leader of the church.Understanding Core ValuesWhy are an organization’s core values important? (Adapted from Aubrey Malphurs ; retrieved Nov. 2018)1. Values determine a church’s ministry distinctives. No two ministries are alike. Some churches focus on biblical preaching and teaching, others on evangelism, and still others on counseling or the family. This is why it is acceptable to start churches even when there are other churches nearby. Different churches reach different people. The determiner is the essential values.2. Values dictate people’s personal involvement in the church. Churches and church planters can spare themselves and their churches grief by communicating their values to all who are considering becoming a part of the church. Communicate the values early in the life of the church and repeatedly throughout the life of the church. Encourage those with similar values to join. (I call this values alignment or a ministry match.) Encourage those with different values to look for a church that is more in line with their values.3. Values communicate what’s important. Values signal your ministry’s bottom line and make it clear what you believe is God’s heart for your church. If a core value is evangelism, make it known.4. Values help people embrace positive change. Changes in American society are having an impact on churches. Some of the changes have been good and some bad. The key question is: Does this change agree with or contradict the ministry’s core values? Reject that which contradicts, and accept that which agrees.5. Values affect the church’s overall behavior. Values shape the entire organization, determine the ministry’s direction, and dictate every decision you make and every dollar you spend.6. Values inspire people to action. The shared beliefs of leaders and followers are the motivators that energize people to take action. Values infuse ministry with meaning. They touch people at a deeper level that provides a sense of cause and brings significance to their lives.7. Values enhance credible leadership. Many leaders, as well as their churches, are values-driven and the ministries they build reflect those values. As go the leaders, so goes the church. Leaders with good values build ministries of integrity.8. Values shape a ministry’s character. Values are the qualities that make up an organization’s character. This character determines how an organization conducts its ministry.9. Values contribute to ministry success. An organization’s ingrained ownership and understanding of its core beliefs make it possible for its people to be successful in ministry.Defining Core ValuesA church’s primary values are defined as its constant, passionate, biblical core beliefs that drive its ministry. This definition has five key elements.1. Core values are constant. Core values change very slowly. Change usually takes from 2 to 4 years. This is why it is hard to revitalize an established church. It takes time to change people’s values. Consequently, it’s critical that you begin with the right values.2. Core values are passionate. Vision is a seeing word; passion is a feeling word. Core values touch the heart and elicit strong emotions. They stir feelings that can move people to biblical, Christ-honoring ministry.3. Core values are biblical. The true test of a credo or values statement is: Does it square with Scripture? The statement doesn’t have to be found in the Bible, but it shouldn’t contradict the Bible.4. Core values are core beliefs. People use various synonyms for values: precepts, principles, tenets, standards, or assumptions. (Some of these terms may not equate with values.) Values are your primary or core beliefs. A belief is a conviction or opinion you hold to be true based on limited evidence or proof.5. Values drive the ministry. Values are the deeply ingrained drivers behind the behavior of a church. This includes the decisions made, money spent, risks taken, problems solved, goals set, and priorities determined.Discovering Core ValuesChurch leaders determine the core values of their church by discovering their own core values. Several techniques will assist you in values discovery.Brainstorm with other church leaders to uncover key beliefs. Record the results on a sheet of paper. Collect and study various value statements or credos of other churches. CORE VALUES AUDITRate each of the core values below from 1 to 5, 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. Be very stingy with assigning 5s.__1. Godly servant leadership__2. A well-mobilized lay ministry__3. Bible-centered preaching/teaching__4. The poor and disenfranchised__5. Creativity and innovation__6. World missions__7. Passionate evangelism__8. Authentic worship__9. Intercessory prayer__10. A well-kept facility__11. The status quo__12. Strong families__13. Cultural relevance__14. Lost people__15. Warm fellowship__16. Biblical community__17. Social justice__18. Faithful service__19. Giving/tithing__20. Civil rights__21. OtherList the core values–no more than 10–that received a rating of 4 to 5.Developing Core ValuesOnce you’ve discovered your values, develop them. What are we CENTERED around? This is a theological value and a call to faith.What DRIVES us? This is our desire which flows from our identity in Christ.What is our FOCUS? If people examine our ministry, what would they notice about our commitments at this church?How are we DIRECTED? As we plan, what is our top concern in determining next steps for the church?What is our CONCERN? What cause or issue keeps us engaged and involved as a church?Developing Core Values ExerciseOur Church is . . ._____________________-Centered_____________________-Driven_____________________-Focused_____________________-Directed_____________________-ConcernedDiscovering God’s Purpose for Our ChurchPurpose should answer the question . . . Why does our church exist?The purpose statement is helpful to use in orienting both churched and unchurched people as they become involved in the church.A good purpose statement is:Scriptural SpecificShortA purpose statement should be birthed out of prayer, study of God’s Word, and mutual confirmation of leaders.Study God’s Word, looking for Christ’s purposes in His ministry and the images of the church. Identify key words that summarize common threads. Draft a statement from the key words. Pray over it and seek God’s confirmation.This church is different from all other churches.Your church should be based on clearly articulated core values. Driving down a stake that says to everyone . . . “This is what we stand for.”“This is what we are all about.” “This is who we are.”These values are defining. They give your church a unique identity.Core Values—their importance:Values determine ministry distinctives.Values dictate personal involvement.Values communicate what is important.Values embrace positive change.Values influence overall behavior.Values inspire people to action.Values enhance credible leadership.Values shape ministry character.Values contribute to ministry success.Taken from Values-Driven Leadership, Aubrey Malphurs, pp. 13-30.Discovering a Shared VisionWhat is a shared vision?Key Scriptures:Proverbs 29:18Matthew 6:10Key Questions:If God had his way in our church, what would it look like?What are some the characteristics of a shared vision?It is clear.It is dynamic.It is challenging.It is futuristic.It is a mental picture.It is “big.”It is compelling.It is ideal.It is faith-based.It is humbling.What are some of the results of a shared vision?It provides direction.It encourages unity.It gives faith a basis for action.It provides motivation.It encourages giving.It attracts and maximizes personal involvement.It gives us the right to say no.It forces us to ask the question “How?”It is the basis for evaluation.How do we discover a shared vision?It is the result of an unfolding understanding of God’s Kingdom as revealed in and through Scripture.It is a reflection of our focused values.It is specific to our context of ministry.It is influenced by the spiritual shape of the body.It is clarified over time as a result of experience, testing, and prayer.It is validated within the context of the Kingdom of God.Who develops the vision?The vision essentially comes from the visionary leader or pastor.The church leaders provide input and gain ownership.The entails cultivating, communicating, and clarifying the vision for the body of believers.How is the vision communicated?LifeSermons VisualsBrochures/WebsiteVideosMembership ClassDiscovering a Shared Vision ExerciseWrite a brief report as if it is the year 2028 and you are newspaper reporter describing ten years of successful ministry in the life of this church.The year is 2028. There has been a mighty spiritual movement through this church . . . ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Setting PrioritiesWhat are priorities?Major outcomes that define broad areas of focus.What are some of the characteristics of set priorities?They are result oriented.They are organizing examples.They represent major milestones in the achievement of vision.What are some results of setting priorities?They form a basis for goal setting and developing action plans.They define major areas of responsibility.How do we set priorities?Begin with the end in mind (back-casting).State priorities in terms of major results desired.Major priorities should define a process.Setting Priorities ExerciseLooking at the Purpose, Values, and Vision, describe the process for fulfilling the vision beginning in the future and moving back to the present.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What is missing from the process?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Turn each key idea into a goal. Goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Dated.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Action Plans are means of accomplishing Goals.EXAMPLE:PRIORITY: To disciple each member of this church.GOAL #1: To engage all new members in a discipleship process.Action #1: To train 50 men, women, and youth in one-to-one new believer follow-up by March 2019.Action #2: To assign each new believer to a trained follow-up leader during the first week after conversion.Action #3: To enroll each new believer in a Bible study class immediately.Action #4: To assign each new believer to a care group as soon as they are enrolled.Action #5: To enroll all new members in the new member’s class at the first time it is offered.Action #6: To assist each new believer to identify their spiritual gifts within the first three months after conversion.Now, write your goals and action plans.Are they SMART?Do the action plans lead to the accomplishment of the goals?Appendix A: Church Leader Interview Questionnaire—Church Leaders of Growing Churches in the Region or AreaWhat ministries have you tried in reaching the community?Have you tried targeted ministries to reach certain groups, ethnicities, age groups?Does your average church member seem to be concerned about the long-term future of your church’s ministry?What changes have you noticed in your community in the last 5-8 years? Why do you believe this is so? Spiritually? Ethnically? Age of residents? Quality of neighborhoods?Do you feel people are experiencing a lack of importance of the church in their family growth? How is your church meeting the needs of the community?What are your long-term plans to continue to grow as a church?Is your church involved in church planting?How does your church address discipleship? Does your church start new Bible studies routinely?What do churches have to do in order to grow?What does worship look like in growing church? Music? Preaching? How do you treat guests?What does evangelism look like for your church?Tell me about your church governance?Do you meet on Sunday night? What times other than Sunday do you meet?What do you feel has ceased to be effective in 2019 that was effective in years past?What are your most important staff positions and why?How do you recruit and motivate volunteers in your church?How do you accept new members? What requirements to place on new members?What advice or encouragement would you offer to a church in a revitalization process?Appendix B: Community Leader Interview Questionnaire—Public School Administrator, Local Government, Business Owner, Nonprofit Leader, Other Denominational Leaders, Etc.We are with _________________ church and are considering more effective ministries for the area. We would like your opinion about the community.How do people here feel about their community?What do the people here see as the strengths of this community?What do you feel people see as the major problems in this community?Are you aware of any unmet social needs of this community?Are you aware of any unmet physical needs in this community?What kinds of changes do you feel are most needed in this community?What needs do feel like a local church could best meet?What factors in this community would make it hard to grow a church?Is the population growing or declining? Among what groups?Can you describe the history of this community in regard to shifting populations and where they live within the community?Are there any new groups moving into the area? Where are they living?What are the primary age groups here?What are the least churched age groups here?How can we help you in your job?Is there anything we can pray for you about?Can we call you if we have any additional questions? ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download