• Decode all your listening . After all this , determine the answer to the question , What is the state of the church ’ s morale ?
Hope and optimism about the future must begin with the pastor . If the pastor has a positive attitude , the people can catch it . If the pastor doesn ’ t have it , it won ’ t be caught . Do you , Pastor , believe there can be a bright new day for the church , or do you see nothing but problems ahead ? ( The main indicator for knowing that it is time to leave your pastorate is if you no longer have hope for your church .) will reach new people and grow . Dynamic optimists ask God specifically for his blessing of their new outreach initiatives in the coming year .
If you see a bright future and determine to act on it , the word hope , as an acrostic , can give you some ideas for raising the morale in your congregation .
H — Hearts beating for what God desires . At the heart of every hopeful church is spiritual vitality . Preach a series on God ’ s optimistic future for
If you see a positive potential for your church , the next question is , Are you willing to actively pursue it ? Colin Powell distinguishes between passive optimism and dynamic optimism . Passive optimism is simply a “ don ’ t worry , be happy ” attitude . Dynamic optimists set and pursue goals and enlist others in the pursuit of these goals . Passive optimists hope the church your church . Teach on passages that focus on faith in God . Highlight Scripture passages that illustrate how God gives hope to his people and church . Organize a series of sermon-based small group discussions to process the sermons each week . When people gather into small groups to focus , study , and pray together , a new spirit of hope is frequently born in the congregation .
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