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When you’re replanting a church, it can sometimes be difficult to explain that to guests. Today we discuss how to have those conversations and what to tell guests about your church’s journey.
Today’s Listener Question:
FROM STEVE
I pastor a replant and always feel the need to tell guests that we are in the middle of a replant. Should I be doing this? And if so, what’s the best way to do it?
Episode Highlights:
- You should never feel the need to apologize to guests for the size of your church.
- As a pastor, don’t point out what you don’t have; point out what you do have.
- When a church changes, it should be changing into what Jesus wants it to be.
- A replant is not something to be ashamed of or to run away from. God is doing something new in something old.
- God’s not done with you, and he’s not done with His church.
The five considerations for communicating that your church is a replant are:
- Explain that the church is engaging in an exciting new future
- Explain that the community is ever-changing
- Convey the excitement of being on the team
- Don’t be ashamed of the fact that the church needs replanting
- Remind guests that the replanting movement is gaining traction across the country and this church is part of that movement.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- ChurchReplanters.com
- ChurchAnswers.com
- Replanter Assessment
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.Submit Your Question:
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.
In the podcast Mark Clifton, Thom Rainer, and Jonathan Howe talk about what a pastor leading a replant should and should not say to guests. I have a church member who appears to delight in pointing to the attention of guests how small the congregation is. What should a pastor do when a church member persistently draws the attention of guests to the shortcomings and weaknesses of the church?
I suggest getting him involved in the area where he is most effective, or gifted. Let him know that he can be a part of the change that he wants to see in the church. Lest “while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest…” (Parable of the tares Matt.13:24-29). Let no one cause you to “despise the time of small beginnings”. Forward!!!