When we built our house, we had to engage an architect. The architect knows the strategic plan to tell the builder how to complete a work that is safe, efficient, and lasting.
Remember the biblical concept of building on a rock—not on sand? It may sound strange, but many churches are building the Kingdom of God on sand. Why? They are not using a spiritual architect!
Focus on these issues:
- You wouldn’t build a church building without an architect. Why would you build your church’s ministry without input from a trained spiritual architect? The Proverb says, “A wise man has many counselors” (Proverbs 12:15). (“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”) (NIV)
- Get over the idea that you know it all; can solve any challenge; have nothing to gain from an outside expert.
- There is today an increasing use of church consultants by wise church leaders.
- A good consultant (coach, counselor) does not cost. A good consultant pays—dividends for the Kingdom. Most of the healthy and fast-growing churches in our country (and elsewhere) use a consultant on a regular basis.
- Using a consultant does not imply your church is sick or your pastor and leaders are stupid. It’s just the opposite. It reflects that your pastor and leadership are wise and your congregation has the vitality (self-esteem) to listen to an outside, objective, professional who spends his/her entire life learning how to improve churches.
- The consultant visits hundreds of churches and observes what God is doing. He/she can bring insights and ideas to your table that help you expand your horizons.
- The church consultant will affirm that much of what the church is doing is very good. That is a boost in confidence for the leadership. It energizes the enthusiasm of the majority. It silences the small negative group found in just about every congregation.
Ever put off going to your medical doctor for a check-up? Too much hassle. Costs money. Takes time. Afraid to hear the report. Ever experienced greater peace about yourself after you saw your doctor? Ever feel better about your body?
What are you waiting for? It works the same way for the Body of Christ. Find a consultant of your choice and use that help as a regular part of ministry. You don’t have to do it all yourself. You can’t! Get help from a spiritual architect.
Kent Hunter, founder of Church Doctor Ministries, is known as the Church Doctor. His most recent e-books are The Future Is Now and The J-Dog Journey, available at no cost. Contact him at (800) 626-8515, by email, Twitter, Facebook, or visit www.churchdoctor.org.
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