What Should We Be Doing During Transition?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Resurrecting a dying church is much like working in an ER. The dying patient may have many medical problems, but in order to keep them alive, priorities are made on those wounds and injuries that are most life threatening. As we seek to rescue the congregation we love, we can’t fix everything at once; therefore, we prioritize.

What should we be doing …

  • Philosophy. Our philosophy of ministry is like the foundation of a building – the larger the structure the more time that must spent on building, explaining and seeking to ensure God’s people have ownership. As Jesus explained this process, he said: “The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45, NRSV). Our goal is to see every person inside the fellowship own our philosophy of ministry.
  • Process. Process deals with results. While some do not like the following language, we are in the reproductive disciple making business. Jesus spent three years building the men who would take on the task of globalizing the Gospel. This is the purpose of the local church … making disciples who do the work of globalizing the Gospel. How we do that is what the leadership must restore … along with the “who” question. Will the leadership take up the task to turn the church back to its primary purpose: worldwide evangelization? What will be the method our church uses to achieve this vital mission?

  • Presentation. What form will our process take? Once we have a ‘road map’ to follow, we need to flesh it out. This takes into consideration the target audience we hope to reach. While many fall into the ‘we want everyone to attend’ mindset, having a clear target is essential. Jesus sought those who were spiritually hungry, recognizing them from the crowds that came for the ‘entertainment’ he might provide. As we focus our efforts we carefully seek to remove any human obstacles so that the spiritual truth of the Gospel shines clearly to our audience.

  • Practice. How do we put our discipleship into practice? These are the ‘nuts and bolts’ of our day-to-day operations. This relates to so many aspects of ministry … Worship? Discipleship? Fellowship? Mission? Mentoring? Location? Each day we let our philosophy guide our process, presentation and our practices so that people are won to Christ, discipled and shown how to become ‘fishers of men.’

Like in the ER, we can’t wait until we have one procedure completed before we start on the next one. We jump into each area and pray, hoping that God will grant life to our ailing congregation.

In our next article we will explore issues in the area of our philosophy of ministry.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #086 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 4

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

Schedules from work, school, community groups and church often seem to clutter our lives and, we are almost driven to insanity as we seek to make sense of the mess. In the coming year, I want to serve people as Jesus did when he was on Earth. But how do I do that? What does that mean? Come as we hash out what it means to life 2010 in a manner that imitates the service of Jesus to others.

Lets open our Bibles to Mark 10.35-45 and let Pastor Matt answer our 4th question: How will I serve as if others are Jesus before me in the coming year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

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In Times of Transition

Posted on February 8, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

When churches seek to regain their health and vitality, tensions can rise inside the local church. Turning around a sick and dying church often reveals things that were previously hidden. As they come to the light, these revelations can be unnerving, to say the least.

In times of transition …

  • Things do not stay the same. While this seems obvious, it is amazing how many people are hoping for ‘window dressing’ change. When real change starts happening, these are the people who shout and holler. Helping people be truly prepared for real change is a large part of the leaders task.
  • People are not what they seem. When things change, people’s real identities and character are often exposed. Some of the ‘pillars’ of the local church will be exposed as spiritual frauds while some of the quiet and unnoticed people will move to the forefront as the next generation of godly leadership. There’s a little maxim to follow during transition: ‘What I am in the storm, is all that I am.’ Guiding God’s people through this mine field is a top priority of the leader.

  • The Church is no longer about me. One of the greatest causes of church failure is the self-possessed nature of those who desire the focus of the church ministries to be on them. Their motto is, “It’s all about me.” Transitional times change our focus to others. We now ask the question, “How can I show those outside the congregation God’s love?”

  • God can no longer be distant. In dying churches one of the most amazing sights to see is when we look at the sanctuary during worship. A few people sit here, a few more over there, and yet another small group over there. Love draws us together … especially in worship. In order for change to happen, we need to be infused with God’s love and power.  Building a heart of love in God’s flock is a prime action of the leader during times of transition.

  • Life’s purpose is no longer a theory. In transitioning from death to life, church can no longer be a weekend activity for me. Now, I am a vital part of the church. I am needed to do God’s will in my community. Faith is no longer a theory. Now I choose to live out the Christ life and that changes everything!

Often, when we are bringing life from the decay of death, the foundations we trusted crumble. As those caricatures of the past begin to be replaced with the transparent faithfulness of a new generation, life begins to return to God’s people.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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From Sick Churches to Healthy Churches (Part 2)

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

There are a growing number of American Churches that have discovered the keys to health and are enjoying the benefits thereof. Again, we know why this is and we know what to do to bring health to a local church. When local churches take the steps necessary to bring about health, the natural result is growth.

Healthy Churches …

  • Are guided by grace. Grace gives what others do not deserve. When grace fills the heart, these expressions flow: People are generous, respectful, accepting, considerate, encouraging, friendly, unselfish, and loving.
  • Are led by love. Churches grow when their members lovingly work in one another’s lives. Jesus said it this way: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” John 15.13 (ESV)

  • Do ministry through mercy. Mercy is not giving someone what they deserve. Again, Jesus speaks to this issue when he criticizes religious leaders who had forgotten this core reality: “And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.” Matthew 12:7 (ESV)

The difference between healthy churches and sick churches is a matter of the heart – the heart of the people who make up the local church.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #085 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 3

Posted on January 27, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

2009 was filled with distractions, not the least of which was the economy. One of the key changes that I want to make in my life in 2010 is to stay closer to Jesus every day and all throughout each day. Life has a tendency to tear us away from intimacy with Jesus. As we look at the various ways we walk with Christ, we will discuss how each of these affects us and, ultimately molds our life. I know you will want to come and explore how you can discover a better life in the New Year!

Letʼs open our Bibles to Mark 12.28-34 and listen to Pastor Matt as he answers our 3rd question of the New Year, To what degree will I seek Christ in the coming year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

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From Sick Churches to Healthy Churches (Part 1)

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Win Arn has said, that 80-85% of all American Churches are in decline! We know why this is and we know what to do. Often however, local churches refuse to take the steps necessary to bring about health and, as a natural result, growth.

Sick Churches …

• Are guided by griping. Like termites in softwood, the complaining of the spiritually immature can eat away at the faith of even the strongest follower of Christ.

• Are led by individual lording. People think they have a right because of their giving / longevity / office. Yet Jesus was clear that such a manner, while in leadership, is totally unacceptable (Mark 10.42-45).

• Do ‘ministry’ by menacing. What I mean by this is that they intimidate until things are done their way. These people use two key tools of intimidation: 1) Tantrums – this is more commonly known as the phone blitz. These people call the leaders who are more sensitive to their complaints and blitz them with their vile acid. 2) Threats – as they talk to leaders, they are really saying, “If I don’t get my way, I’m going to leave.” This is ‘the squeaky wheel gets the grease’ mentality that has kept many a church from growth and health. What most churches are afraid to do, it seems, is what good mechanics do: Repeated squeaks means the part needs replacing so it doesn’t destroy the vehicle.

In part 2 of this article, we will look at what makes a church healthy.

Adapted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #084 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 2

Posted on January 20, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

As I think about how Jesus looks at life, I realize that his perspective is so much different than mine. Like buttons on an elevator, my core social group will either lift me or they will take me down. The Bible calls the Church the ʻbody of Christ.ʼ In other words, who I center the core of my life with Godʼs will determine what my life will become. Let me invite you to a talk about whatʼs at the center of our lives and how that can bring amazing help and hope in 2010! Letʼs open our Bible to Mark 3.31-35 and listen in as Pastor Matt answers the second question the New Year brings … With whom will I socially live life with this year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

Posted in God's will, Transformed | Leave a comment

Healthy churches exhibit certain attitudes…

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Perry Noble recently wrote, “I am seeing more young men rise up and plant churches…men with vision, passion and courage, men who refuse to accept the status quo, men with a genuine passion to see people far from God come to know Christ, men who refuse to become people pleasing pastors and who also refuse to allow critics to shape the trajectory of their ministry!  Men who have been called to lead…and by God’s grace and gifting that is EXACTLY what they do!

“His church is GROWING, lives are being changed, families are being put back together, the excluded are being included, addicts are being set free, repentance is being lived out…and JESUS is getting the glory for it all (PerryNoble.com, January 4, 2010).”

So what causes growing churches to grow? They grow because they are healthy. Health fosters life, and life reproduces.

In my three decades of working with churches, I have noticed that healthy churches are composed of people who have the following attitudes …

  • The people are Humble – humble people seek to help others and do not need to be ‘all the cheese and half the macaroni’ when it comes to either seeking or serving in ministry. They are relationally deferential.
  • The people are Evangelistic – evangelistic people reach out and invite their friends into their lives, of which Jesus is the center. They are relationally connective.
  • The people are Adaptable – adaptable people know that what works today may not work tomorrow, so they willing change, even when it’s inconvenient. They are relationally flexible.
  • The people are Loving – loving people are sacrificial by nature, therefore they give of their time, talents, treasures and tribes. They are relationally generous.
  • The people are Transparent – transparent people draw others into their lives whether they are visiting, working, running errands or partying with friends. They are relationally open.
  • The people are Helpful – helpful people have the ability to discern the needs of others before they are expressed and then meet those needs. They are relationally supporting.
  • The people are Yielded – yielded people have chosen to set aside their needs and their agenda to meet the needs of others. They are relationally assisting.

Like those with spiritual gifts, no one has all of these attitudes. However, again, like with spiritual gifts, the more of these attitudes that are found in a local church the more the level of heath and vitality increases. Nurturing these attitudes raises the viability of a local church so that it will grow and reproduce itself in the lives of others.

The question today is, how are we birthing and nourishing such attitudes in the people we lead?

Excerpted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Sick churches exhibit certain attitudes…

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Several years ago I can remember reading the following: “75% of American churches are dying, 23% are plateaued (by taking people from the dying churches), and only 2% of American churches are growing.”

Having worked for three decades in the American church, mostly in attempting to rescue dying churches, I have found four common attitudes in sick churches.

  • The people are Selfish

Churches are simply people in a local geographic location. Every church is made up of people in various stages of personal and spiritual development (1 Corinthians 3.1-3). When churches are filled with “jealousy and strife” there is evidence that congregation lives their life in “the flesh and [is] behaving only in a human way.”

  • The people are Ingrown

A church begins to die when the members of the church stop seeking the salvation of their family and friends. As Len Sweet says in So Beautiful, “Your baptism is your commissioning as a missionary. We are both ministers and missionaries. Every disciple has a ministry to the body and a mission to the world (31). Sick churches simply don’t bring their friends to worship, they don’t share their faith in the workplace and they don’t encourage people to become members.

  • The people are Critical

Corinth was an example of a sick church – as evidenced by Paul’s repeated attempts to bring it back to health through visits and letters. At one point, after great exertion, he writes, “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder (2 Corinthians 12:20, ESV). Recent polling has revealed that 50% of ministers would leave the ministry if they had another way of earning an income! 85-90% of pastors said their greatest problem is dealing with problem people and disgruntled people. When a church eviscerates the pastor’s heart, decline is sure to follow.

  • The people are Kill-joys

Faith is a bench mark for spiritual health within the body of Christ. Faith is risky, apart from a close and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Sick churches promote people by popularity, which often means bypassing the Biblical admonitions for character and spiritual maturity. Then, when a ministry leader or the pastor comes along with a God-lead mission, those in leadership start out with their worldly heart and ask, “How much will it cost?” or “Will the insurance cover it?” In little over 10 minutes the wind of the Spirit has been sucked out of the sails of faith and all hope and promise is drained away in a barrage of banality and carnality. Those seeking to follow the leading of the Spirit soon drift away seeking a healthy climate of God-followers and decline continues in the unhealthy church.

Sick churches fill our land these days. Restoring health to such a situation involves correcting these four attitudes. In our next blog, we will discuss how healthy churches exhibit a different set of attitudes.

Excerpted from Dr. Smith’s new book in process, “The Tantrum-Driven Church.”

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Transformed Episode #083 – Questions the New Year Brings: Question 1

Posted on January 7, 2010 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

questionsnewyear

Today we begin a new series entitled, Questions the New Year Brings!

As the new calendars go up, we all feel something refreshing about ʻbeing done withʼ the last year. Whether it was a year of incredible accomplishment or terrible hardships, a fresh calendar can breath new hope and life into our lives. What will God do this year?

How will I be able to make a significant difference for him? So many questions flow around the simple act of setting up the 2010 calendar.
5 questions come to mind as Pastor Matt thinks about the New Year. As he shares them with you in this series, perhaps they will help you, as you look ahead, plan and seek Godʼs perfect will for your life in 2010.

Letʼs open our Bibleʼs to Matthew 6.25-34 and listen in as Pastor Matt answers the our first question … What will I sacrifice in my worship of Christ this year?

We hope you have made the choice to put God first in your life in 2010. Starting the New Year thinking Godʼs thoughts is made easier with Pastor Mattʼs book, In His Image.

We are sure this book will show you both how to love like God loves and enjoy his direction on a daily basis. Copies are available on the side bar at the EaglesInLeadership.org website. We encourage you to order yours today.

You can also contact Dr. Smith in one of three ways:
• Commenting on this post at eaglesinleadership.org
• or by emailing us at transformedpodcast@gmail.com
• or you can call our voicemail line at 206-350-1566. Leave a comment that we can play on a future episode

If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review at iTunes or Podcast Pickle. Feel free to pass this episode on to a friend.

Posted in God's will, Transformed | Leave a comment