Congregational Transformation – Five Steps to Becoming a Healthy Vibrant Congregation - By: jackauthors

Every church can have a healthy, vibrant ministry. The factors that determine the health of a congregation are within the control of the membership. The return to health can be accomplished with the present members, in the church building as it is and with the budget as it exists. There is a place in ministry for every person no matter their situation, limitations or age.

Many people mistakenly think that the problems and struggles of congregations are caused by outside forces. The forces outside of a congregation actually have little to do with the struggles and decline of a congregation. For congregations that are struggling, or for those that just want to inject energy and excitement into their ministries, it begins with some relatively simple basic steps.

Step 1. A congregation must be truly Christ-centered.

The congregation must decide to seek and to fully comprehend Christ’s call, commission and commands and make them the heart of their ministry and everything they do. Generally people tend to put their personal preferences ahead of Christ’s agenda for His Church.

Step 2. A congregation must become other- centered.

Becoming other-centered is often difficult for congregations because they define terms too narrowly. When asked about “others” members think of the other members of the congregation. That’s a problem. The members of the congregation are not “others” they are “us.” Others are people outside the congregation who have needs. Those identified by Christ such as widows, children, poor, imprisoned and sick as well as those who have not yet heard God’s Word.

Of course a congregation must minister to the needs of the members, but that is only the beginning. Actually that is what Christians do before they begin their primary ministries that reach beyond the membership and the walls of the church.

Step 3. A congregation must be need-meeting.

Christ said that the first would be last and the last first. Paul said that we should look to others as better than ourselves. We are to be servants of others. Applying this to our daily lives and ministries is difficult. It is not easy to let go of our personal wants and focus on the needs of others.

Step 4. A congregation must do disciple-making ministry.

The great commission was clearly a priority for Christ. Evangelism is about reaching beyond the members of the congregation and other church-going friends to the un-churched and novice seekers. Member swapping among churches is not evangelism.

To be successful at evangelism members must be able to share how the worship and ministry of the congregation is making a difference in the lives of people in the community, the church members and in their own lives. A key aspect of evangelism is creating points of entry for people new to the community, visitors, seekers and un-churched. This not hard and it often turns out to be fun and exciting.

Step 5. A congregation must do life-changing ministry.

The ministry of a congregation cannot be superficial and casual. It must be centered in the transforming power of God’s Word and life giving sacrifice of Christ’s death and resurrection. Within the life and ministry of the church, people must experience an awareness of God’s presence and feel that their participation is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others as well as in their own.

Every congregation can benefit from focusing on these key steps to healthy, vibrant ministry. Healthy congregations will get stronger, stagnant congregations will experience new vitality and declining congregations will begin the journey back to health and vitality. As with every Christ-centered endeavor it is a challenge, but it will certainly be an exciting, rewarding and life changing experience for every congregation with the courage to accept the challenge.

About the Author

Additional information on church renewal can be found. Dynamic Christian Initiatives is a ministry dedicated to helping congregations reach their full ministry potential.

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