By Ken Adams: Good leaders understand a necessary part of their job is leading change. They understand the need for change and they have the desire to lead it, but often they face major obstacles in bringing it about. Barriers to change can cause even the best leader a great deal of frustration and discouragement. It’s imperative that every leader be able to identify barriers to change.

The Church can be one of the most difficult places to lead change. The “we’ve never done it that way before” mindset is enough to drive any church leader crazy. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common barriers that affect leading change in the local church.

1. Failing to understand the mission. When people understand the mission and are passionate about seeing the mission accomplished, it makes change more acceptable. Misunderstanding the mission keeps people stuck in what they are comfortable with and resistant to change.

2. Leaders who don’t trust the Pastor. Let’s face it, leading change begins with the pastor, and key leaders can make it hard for for that person to lead. If a core group of leaders are pushing back against the pastor’s leadership, it will be almost impossible to bring change without hurting the church.

3. A Pastor who cannot be trusted. There are times when pastors have their own agendas in mind and can’t be trusted to lead the right way. When a church has a pastor who cannot be trusted to lead selflessly, positive sustainable change probably will not happen.

4. Comfort means more than the cause. I know a leader who says, “If you are comfortable, it is cause for concern.” I agree with him. Growing churches need to change to grow, and if leaders of the congregation care more about their own comfort than leading change, it probably won’t take place.

5. A lack of resources needed for change. Often times change requires financial and/or “people” resources. There will always be times when change is needed and wanted, but the lack of resources keeps it from happening.

6. Fear of losing people. Let’s face it, sometimes local churches do not change because of the fear that people will be unhappy and leave. Here is a real truth. You will likely lose people if you change and you will likely lose people if you don’t. Make the change even if it means some people will not like it.

Leading change is a challenge in every organization, and especially in the local church. People get caught up in traditions and power struggles that prevent change from happening. It takes real courage to lead a church to change.

 A good leader with the right heart and the patience to bring others along with the mission can successfully navigate change when and where it is needed.

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By Ken Adams. Used with permission.

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Source: Barriers to Leading Change

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Source: Growing in Emotional Intelligence

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By: Discipleship.org

Discipleship-first Friends,

The United States is the midst of big change. First, it was COVID-19 and all the changes around which everyone had to adopt. Then, it was economic shock. And now it has moved to public protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest.

Now, it has moved even further with changes in police departments, sponsorships, corporations, and many public institutions.

What are disciples and disciple makers to do in such times?

Natasha Crain recently published a very helpful post entitled, “5 Ways Christians are Getting Swept into a Secular Worldview in This Cultural Moment.” As she points out, many people around us are jumping on a bandwagon of some kind, and the dominant bandwagon is not rooted in values consistent with a biblical worldview.

As I pointed out in my blog on this topic last week (click here), we must be aware of the cultural moment in which we are living and realize that we must do what the apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 10:5—and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

But how do we do that?

I would like to recommend twelve key resources that can help guide us as disciples and disciple makers of Jesus.

1. Podcasts on Emotional Health, we must engage at an emotional level to understand and listen. Our friend Pete Scazzero has a couple of great podcasts on why we must get under the surface and empathize with our hearts at the level of hurt, emotion and grief. As Pete points out, if we do not carefully enter in at this level, then we will likely not be able to talk meaningfully about practices or beliefs or the worldviews that may be guiding the narrative. Check out Pete’s June 8th and June 15th podcasts at emotionallyhealthy.org/podcasts.

2. An Empathetic Biblical Posture, I want to mention a great conversation I had recently with a friend of mine who is an African American. She pointed out why so many African Americans are attracted to Critical Race Theory (which is a sub-set of Critical Theory) and the book White Fragility.

She said, “It describes our narrative.”

She said that Critical Race Theory (White Fragility) explains the experience of African American better than anything else she has seen out there. It is hard to listen to another perspective if it does not adequately describe your personal narrative. She wants church leaders to show her a better lens – she wants a Biblical perspective that connects with her experience. I believe that it is important to listen to her. It is important that we do not come across as being opposed to understanding their systemic mistreatment and experience, as we look at the important underlying philosophical factors at work in our society.

There are two resources that I recommended to her. The first one is Tony Evan’s book, Oneness Embraced: Reconciliation, the Kingdom, and How We are Stronger Together. Tony is a widely respected African American preacher and he does a good job describing the teaching of God’s Word in light of the black experience in America—you can click here to look at his book.

The second is a draft church position paper that the leaders in our church have been working through as we seek to provide an alternative posture to the world based upon the teaching of God’s Word (click here to read).

A Big World-View Problem

The vast majority of pastors, leaders, and disciple makers do not even understand the underlying philosophical change that we are witnessing in our society. In the words of a friend, “we have to help church leaders and disciple makers to easily go to school so they can understand what is happening.”

To help us all “go to school” on the new dominant philosophy that is being revealed in these times, I hope the following resources will be helpful to you. I start with those that are the most accessible for quick understanding up through the most in-depth (the last links).

3. Short Video—“Is Critical Theory Biblical?” by the Colson Center—click here. This short, animated video is the best simple introduction to Critical Theory and its conflict with biblical teaching that I have found. We showed it in church recently. (5 mins.).

4. Blog Post—5 Ways Christians are Getting Swept into a Secular Worldview in this Cultural Moment, by Natasha Crain—click here. A great summary of how the events of the last few weeks cause more and more people to be discipled into Critical Theory. (8 mins.)

5. Podcast—Critical Theory and Intersectionality: What Christians Need to Know, by Alisa Childers and Neil Shenvi—click here. Alisa hosts an excellent regular podcast, and in this episode, she gets Neil Shenvi to introduce the key points of Critical Theory. The podcast ends with a great discussion on race. (58 min.)

6. YouTube Discussion—Race, Injustice, and the Gospel of Critical Race Theory, by Alisa Childers and Monique Duson—click here. This is a dynamic interview and discussion by Alisa Childers with Monique Duson, an African American woman and former Critical Theory devotee. Monique describes the attraction and consequences of Critical Theory. (56 min.)

7. YouTube Presentation—“Social Justice, Critical Theory, and Christianity: Are They Compatible?” by Neil Shevni—click here. The best expanded explanation of Critical Theory I can find on the web, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses. (1 hour and 15 mins.)

8. Six-Part Blog Post—“Social Justice, Critical Theory, and Christianity: Are They Compatible?” by Neil Shevni (exact written copy of the video presentation)—click here. These short posts explain in a simple by comprehensive way what Critical Theory is and how it is in conflict with the Bible. (20 mins.)

9. YouTube Presentation—Defining Social Justice, by Voddie Baucham—click here. This presentation by an African American preacher is an excellent discussion of social justice as the term is used today, as well as how people use it to twist it away from Bible teaching and how it is now being used against biblical teaching. (37 mins).

10. YouTube Presentation—White Privilege: The New Original Sin, by Thomas Ascol—click here. This teaching contrasts the teachings of Critical Theory on White Privilege with what the Bible Teaches. (33 mins.)

11. YouTube Presentation—Cultural Marxism, by Voddie Baucham—click here. This presentation by an African American preacher is an excellent discussion of the underlying philosophical battle that is occurring in our culture (1 hour and 5 mins.)

12. YouTube Presentation—The Trojan Horse, Episode 1: Deconstructing Communities, by Peter Boghassian and James Lindsay, hosted by Michael O’Fallon—click here. This is the most substantive source of information on Critical Theory. It is an interview with two atheist philosophers (Ph.Ds.) who are experts in Critical Theory. They were asked to describe the results of the Southern Baptist Denomination affirming part of Critical Theory (as they did in 2019). They describe the decision as a “Trojan Horse” because the adoption of Critical Theory will destroy the denomination. It may be the most important, substantive and terrifying presentation on Critical Race Theory you will ever hear. (1 hour and 35 mins.)

We believe the Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let’s follow Jesus and help other people to turn away from harmful human-made philosophy to follow Jesus with us.

We want to be disciples of Jesus who love people enough to help disciple their minds in this important cultural moment.

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Source: Twelve Resources for This Cultural Moment

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Home > Blog > 9 Considerations for Reopening Your Church

9 Considerations for Reopening Your Church

By Todd Adkins

This season may not seem beautiful at the moment, but I believe we have a unique opportunity to see our ministries thrive today and in the days to come. Some of the greatest moments in church history have been when the boldness of the gospel meets severe constraints. 

We often assume creativity, boldness, and innovation come from an abundance of resources, time, and opportunity. In reality, the opposite is more often the case. Necessity is the mother of invention after all.

We often assume constraints are a bad thing, but they don’t have to be. One of my friends works for a missions organization and shared how the gospel is spreading through China during COVID-19. It seems that protective masks make the government’s facial recognition software unable to work, so Christians can share the gospel with less risk of being caught. Christians are creatively and boldly taking advantage of a constraint and turning it into a gospel opportunity.

I want to help our churches approach the current crisis with boldness, creativity, and innovation to restructure, realign, and go through the phases to reopen. I know we are all processing the phases of reopening then hoping to find a normal rhythm of church, but we must realize it won’t be as neat and clean as spreadsheets. 

9 Considerations to Realign, Restructure, and Reopen Your Church

Here are nine things to consider. 

1. What are your current constraints? How are you embracing them? You should view constraints not as a restrictor but as a stimulus for increased creativity and positive change. 
2. What is your posture or mindset related to your current constraints? Are you responding as a victim, neutralizer, or transformer? You must understand your mindset, methodology, and motivations as you face constraints.
3. Have you recently heard “That’s the way we’ve always done it …”? Sometimes, we get locked into doing things certain ways without even thinking about why. However, a crisis forces us to challenge our assumptions and break path dependence.  
4. How are you currently using your resources? Your church and ministries will likely need to re-allocate resources during this time. You must consider what to stop, shift, strategize, and scale in ministry. 
5. How can you shift the attitude of “We can’t because …” to “We can if …” to find new solutions that you didn’t consider previously? You must ensure your team remains optimistic, flexible, and focused on what essential ministry has to happen with a “make it work” approach. 
6. What have you observed that informs how you realign ministries to serve your people best during the crisis and after? You must consider how to do ministry during the crisis, what ministry looks like right after the crisis, and how the crisis establishes a new normal for your ministry. 
7. What’s your contingency plan? Contingency planning ensures continuity of church and ministry operations as you respond to the crisis and will help your church to restore normal operations with the least amount of disruption following the crisis. 
8. How are you evaluating your ministries and adjusting as needed? As we face uncertainty, sometimes we must quickly move forward in making a decision. The quicker you are at making solid decisions, the better leader you will become.
9. What are the components of your church’s success right now? Or what are the things that may be hindering it? You must understand the key components of success in leading through this time.

Want more information on these 9 considerations? We have created a free course that includes 9 videos and 15 downloadable documents to help your churches move toward a new normal in response to COVID-19. Get started here.

Source: 9 Considerations for Reopening Your Church

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In Episode 490 of the NewChurches Q&A Podcast, Daniel and Todd continue to discuss how to develop a future strategy.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

Ways to connect people to community
How to develop a strategy that can grow with you

 Shareable Quotes (#NewChurches):

“We don’t have to convince people that community is important right now, we just have to get them easily connected.” – @danielsangi
“How do you identify individuals who will start a new group?” – @danielsangi
“I believe when all of this is over there will be a greater divide between mature and immature believers.” – @danielsangi
“We need to emerge out of this season with individuals who know how to disciple those who make disciples who make disciples.” – @danielsangi
“During this season we need to look to Jesus and be the church.” – @danielsangi
“Even if you are a single staff church, you have leaders in your church you can go through this process with.” – @toddadkins
“How do I come in realign, restructure, and reopen my church?” – @toddadkins

Recommended Resources:

Listen to Episode 488: Your Ministry Strategy for COVID-19 – Part 1
Read Leading Beyond the Blizzard by Andy Crouch
Learn more about Ministry Grid
Learn more about A Complete COVID-19 Guide to Lead Your Church Toward a New Normal

Help us Multiply the Mission:

Please subscribe
Leave a rating and review on iTunes
Ask a question by clicking Send Voicemail on the right hand side of NewChurches.com
If you’re on a phone or a tablet, then go to www.speakpipe.com/newchurches to download the app and record your message
When you’re recording, introduce yourself and your context in about 15 seconds and then record your question for 30 seconds

This Episode’s Sponsor:

For more than 25 years, Portable Church® has helped thousands of churches launch strong and thrive in a mobile setting. They design custom solutions that fit each budget, vision, and venue. Everything you need to launch a mobile church — an inviting worship space, kids ministry areas, welcome spaces, storage cases, etc — all in a system refined to make it fast, easy & fun for the weekly volunteer teams.

The post Episode 490: Your Ministry Strategy for COVID-19 – Part 2 appeared first on NewChurches.com – Church Planting, Multisite, and Multiplication.

Source: Episode 490: Your Ministry Strategy for COVID-19 – Part 2

The post Episode 490: Your Ministry Strategy for COVID-19 – Part 2 appeared first on Passion for Planting.

Source: Rethinking Post-Coronavirus Ministry

The post Rethinking Post-Coronavirus Ministry appeared first on Passion for Planting.

by Shawn Lovejoy: Over the course of 2019 we released a lot of free content at CourageToLead.com, helping so many leaders and teams grow healthier and grow faster! You seemed to connect with our blog posts, podcast episodes, and, for today’s post, our Free Downloadable Resources.

The Free Downloadable Resources we released at CourageToLead were downloaded at a high rate in 2019. Many of you have used these to jumpstart change and improvement in your organizations, among your teams or in your personal leadership. Your downloads have proven what resources you found most helpful, so here they are…

Here are the Top 5 Downloaded Free Resources from 2019!

Setting Goals That Stick

Set goals that get things done rather than allowing good ideas to get lost in the land of poor execution. This free guide to setting goals that stick can be your roadmap.

Performance & Development Review

Take your team to the next level in how you review and develop them. Use this free template as your guide.

15 Ways to Have Drama-Free Conflict

Conflict is inevitable. Drama is a choice. Use this guide to deal with conflict in healthy ways with your team and unleash culture that other leaders want to be part of.

5 Purposes of Meetings

Meetings don’t have to be miserable. Discover the power of meetings in this free guide.

Taming Your Schedule

Calendars seem to manage chaos more than create momentum. Make the right changes to your time management and finally tame your schedule using this free guide.

Have a plan for your organization to breakthrough without causing you personal break down? We want to help!

Assess Your Growth Potential

Tackle The Tension Points

Eliminate Drama on the Team

Create a Plan for Healthy, Fast Growth!

Start by scheduling a Free Strategy Session

Source: Rewind: Your Favorite Free Resources From 2019

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by NewChurches.com: Vision and values are transferred by people, not paper.

In Episode 298 of the NewChurches Q&A Podcast, Daniel and Todd discuss developing your core team in preparation for a launch. Here’s Tim with today’s question:

We’re getting ready to launch our second location in November. What resources would you recommend for our core team as we prepare for our first preview service in 10-weeks?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why it is vitally important to carefully select your core team.
Some helpful insights and tools to get you equipped and ready to go for your launch.

Shareable Quotes (#NewChurches):

“Vision and values are transferred by people, not paper.”–@ToddAdkins
“The selection of your launch team will have an echoing impact on what your new location becomes.”–@ToddAdkins

Additional Resources:

Take a look at our course, Developing a Core Team
Get a copy of J. Oswald Sander’s book, Spiritual Leadership
Check out Daniel’s book, No Silver Bullets 
Listen to Episode 16: Strengths in Marriage of the IMbetween Podcast 
Subscribe to the 5LQ Podcast

Help us Multiply the Mission:

Please subscribe
Leave a rating and review on iTunes
Ask a question by clicking Send Voicemail on the right hand side of NewChurches.com
If you’re on a phone or a tablet, then go to www.speakpipe.com/newchurches to download the app and record your message
When you’re recording, introduce yourself and your context in about 15 seconds and then record your question for 30 seconds

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Source: Episode 298: Resourcing Your Core Team

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by NewChurches.com: What are the best financial support options for funding a new church plant?

In Episode 257 of the NewChurches Q&A Podcast, Daniel and Ed discuss various ways to fund new church plants. Here’s Blake with today’s question:

What are different financial support options for a brand new church plant? What are the pros and cons of those options?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Cautions and considerations for different funding options.
Different funding models such as Full-Funded, Reverse-Tier, and a Shared Partnership Model.

Shareable Quotes (#NewChurches):

“There are a lot of resources to fund your church plant if you cast a compelling vision.”–@edstetzer
“Not every job is a good job for bivocational ministry.”–@danielsangi 
“Bivocational planting is not a penalty, it’s an opportunity.”–@danielsangi 
“You will soon find that your denominational support comes with strings attached. If you receive this support, you will be required to participate in denominational functions. This can be frustrating. Officials will busy themselves with programs that focus on the forest while you try to nurture a single, small-tree.”-Ralph Moore

Additional Resources:

Read this post about Church Planting and Funding Facilities
Learn more about Daniel and Ed’s book, Planting Missional Churches
Check out Daniel’s new podcast, IMbetween Podcast on Marriage, Parenting, Faith, and Everything In Between

Help us Multiply the Mission:

Please subscribe
Leave a rating and review on iTunes
Ask a question by clicking Send Voicemail on the right hand side of NewChurches.com
If you’re on a phone or a tablet, then go to www.speakpipe.com/newchurches to download the app and record your message
When you’re recording, introduce yourself and your context in about 15 seconds and then record your question for 30 seconds

The post Episode 257: Financial Support Options for Church Plants appeared first on NewChurches.com – Church Planting, Multisite, and Multiplication.

Source: Episode 257: Financial Support Options for Church Plants

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Source: Creating A Church Planting Hub

The post Creating A Church Planting Hub appeared first on Passion for Planting.