Any one who has stayed at a growing church for more than 15 years knows that several things are inevitable …
- Sooner or later you will hit burnout. I did my 10th year. It was so severe I told my board I wanted to quit. Instead they sent me off for a three month sabbatical. Best thing they ever did. I came back with a renewed vision and the church exploded with growth.
- Anyone who stays more than ten years in a growing church has experienced those moments when it became necessary to grow through a barrier. Growing through a barrier means that someone or something has to change. It’s almost certain that the lead pastor has to change. The change required depends on the size barrier the church needs to break through. Often staff can not make enough adjustment to grow through more than one barrier so it is rare for a staff to stay in tack from 0 to 1,000 in worship.
- Finally, anyone who stays long realizes that making time for family is essential even if it has to be programmed into the calendar.
Staying long term at a church is the best way to grow a large church and make an impact on the community and for the Kingdom. If you have never stayed anywhere more than 11 years i challenge to do so. It’s a magical number.
Bill
www.effectivechurch.com
easum@ aol.com