This issue describes the profile of the types of churches in North America and elsewhere: #1 the denial church; #2 the program mania church; #3 the flash church; #4 the activity church; #5 the healthy church.
The painful reality is that many churches are plateaued or declining, and the median age is getting older. The case study is from a church that started with 34 people. Eighteen years later, it was worshipping 1,500 on Easter Sunday. The report comes from the pastor.
Great article Kent. I follow all your notes and tips. At our church (Trinity of Onekama) we are starting the search process for new pastor. We’re struggling with visioning and in what our purpose is. We’ve spent the past year trying to get our act together with the Michigan District and to no avail. Very weak leadership in old family members that just don’t want to change.
In neighboring Arcadia (Home of Camp Arcadia-LCMS pride family camp) they are also in search process after Elderly Pastor retired after many years.
In Manistee, the Covenent church (probably the most dynamic church in county) they are also searching for new pastor. This congregation (we have many friends in it) is struggling with new and old leadership splitting. I have sent your name and these issues to them and they like the concept. Perhaps some fresh materials to leaders in these churches might stimulate some thinking in regards to Church Doctor Ministries.
I hope things are going well with you and your staff. I look forward to your new book. I probably should have accepted your offer of being on your board, but at that time I was having a few health issue. Now, I feel like a million bucks. Praise the Lord.
In His Service
George Punches
Manistee, Michigan