Solutions December 2019 | Page 18

3 Signs Your Ministry is Ready for a Rebirth By Tim Lucas Every year in America, more than 3,500 churches close their doors. I’m sure you can think of some in your area that already have. Many declining congregations are left with no choice but to sell their facility and often times, see the space repurposed as condos, offices, or a strip mall. What a huge loss for the kingdom! Let me offer a hopeful alternative - a rebirth. a win-win for Christ’s kingdom. Maybe you’re reading this and can acknowledge that your church is no longer in its heyday, but is it time to consider a rebirth? Let’s examine 3 signs that your ministry may be ready for a new beginning. Continue reading with a spirit of courage and honesty, because that’s what it takes to recognize that change is needed. You may be ready for A rebirth is what happens when a a rebirth if: struggling or dying church gets a second life. This can occur when it’s restarted #1) You’re Preaching to the Choir under the guidance and support of a stronger, vibrant, and typically larger When you’re preaching to the choir church. Older congregations that have (or already converted) each Sunday, it assets (but lack people and momentum) means you’re no longer reaching the have the opportunity to team up with lost. Most churches are born out of younger congregations that have people an energetic gospel movement with a and momentum (but lack assets). When laser focus for winning the lost. But they link arms and merge ministries, it’s over time, the focus subtly shifts from 18 • Solutions