Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 11

The Call to Lead: Discerning God’s Voice in Your Leadership Journey

1. Recognizing the Call: How Does God Speak?

When we talk about calling in the Bible, we see it in two ways: specific callings and general callings. God called individuals for distinct purposes—Noah to build an ark, Moses to lead Israel out of slavery, Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. These were unique, undeniable moments where God directed their lives in a clear, powerful way. But alongside these specific callings, there is also a general calling that applies to all believers. Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)—a call that isn’t reserved for just a select few but for every Christian, regardless of their role or position.

Yet, sometimes we overcomplicate calling. We wait for a Gideon and the fleece moment, expecting God to show up in a miraculous way before we say “yes” to leading a Bible study, mentoring someone younger in the faith, or even signing up to volunteer. But calling doesn’t always come with a burning bush or an angelic visit. More often, God leads us through our gifts, burdens, opportunities, and even simple obedience in the small things. Leadership, prayer, administration, teaching, counseling—all of these can be callings that God places in our lives for the sake of His kingdom. The question isn’t always “Has God called me?” but rather, “Am I paying attention to where He’s already leading?”

2. Overcoming Doubt and Fear in Leadership

What if I fail? Am I qualified? Do I need specific training? What if I accidentally say something heretical? Am I even allowed to do this? I have asked all of these questions at some point or another. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our shortcomings or paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. When I think back to my first years in ministry at 18, I cringe at some of the things I taught—I have to pray all over again for God to cover and correct my ignorance and youthful fervor. But here’s the thing: God’s grace is bigger than our inexperience.

Do we need to approach new roles with caution and wisdom? Absolutely. But more often than not, our struggle isn’t being reckless—it’s being stuck. We camp out in “I’ll pray about it” when what we really need is “Yes, and help me, Lord.” We don’t like stepping into spaces where we feel weak, unprepared, or exposed. But that is exactly where growth—and more importantly, faith—happen. You will disappoint people. You will make mistakes. But you will also see your God-given strengths in a new light, grow to appreciate the people around you who make you better, and learn to adapt to new challenges. The goal isn’t to lead perfectly—it’s to lead faithfully.

3. Seeking Wise Counsel and Spiritual Discernment

Stepping into a calling isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. We need people—mentors, pastors, wise friends—who will challenge, encourage, and sharpen us. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming we have to figure everything out alone. Even Paul, who had a direct encounter with Jesus, spent years learning from other believers and being discipled before stepping fully into his ministry. Priscilla and Aquila pulled Apollos aside and “explained the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26)—not to discourage him, but to equip him. Seeking wise counsel doesn’t mean you’re unqualified; it means you’re teachable. And that posture of humility is what will sustain you in the long run. If you’re wrestling with a decision, don’t just sit in isolation. Pray, seek wisdom, and be open to correction. Your calling will become clearer in the process, and you’ll be stronger because of it.

4. Walking in Obedience: Taking the Next Step

Stepping into a calling isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. We need people—mentors, pastors, wise friends—who will challenge, encourage, and sharpen us. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming we have to figure everything out alone, as if calling is something we’re meant to navigate in isolation. But the reality is, growth happens in community. We aren’t meant to do this alone, and we don’t have to.

In every season of ministry, God has placed people around me with different stories and experiences that I have leaned on for help, wisdom, guidance, and prayer. Sometimes, it looked like a mentor—someone ahead of me in life and leadership—who gave me a glimpse of what faithfulness could look like a decade down the road. Other times, it was a peer, walking alongside me in the same struggles, reminding me I wasn’t alone. And then there were the surprising ones—the people totally opposite from me in personality, leadership style, and approach—who gave me wisdom I never would have considered on my own. Their ability to slow down and see situations from a different angle helped me grow in self-awareness and wisdom in ways I never expected.

Seeking wise counsel doesn’t mean you’re unqualified; it means you’re teachable. And that posture of humility is what will sustain you in the long run. If you’re wrestling with a decision, don’t sit in isolation. Ask questions. Listen well. Be open to correction. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need the willingness to learn. Your calling will become clearer in the process, and you’ll be stronger because of it.

The post The Call to Lead: Discerning God’s Voice in Your Leadership Journey appeared first on Church Answers.

The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Worship Attendance (The Real Numbers!)

It’s staggering to consider, but it has been five years since COVID-19 became a global pandemic. The virus was first identified in the United States in late January 2020, and by March of that same year, every state had implemented some measures to restrict gatherings in person. Easter Sunday fell on April 20th of that year, and it’s fair to say that fewer people were in church that day than on Easter in the last hundred years.

Pastors and churches were divided over a wide variety of approaches to the pandemic. Some were very public in defiance of government rules and continued to meet without interruption, even in the first half of 2020. Others ceased meeting in person for months or even years after the onset of the pandemic. However, many churches did something in between—requiring masks, limiting total attendance to allow for social distancing, or adding an online component

Already a member? Log in Unlock premium content!

Get access to all Church Answers premium content from our expert contributors plus many other membership benefits.

$9.97 per month

Unlimited access

Join Now

The post The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Worship Attendance (The Real Numbers!) appeared first on Church Answers.

Predators, Wolves, and Recognizing Where Abuse Begins in Churches

There is a difference between a predator and a wolf. A predator may come from anywhere. But the Bible gives a special warning about wolves—namely, church leaders who look the part but are dangerous. Matthew records this warning from Jesus: “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”

Wolves are inclined to do as much damage to the church as possible. The carnage may come in the form of false teaching or bad doctrine. But it can also take the form of abuse. Wolves are “disguised as harmless” and often go undetected. How can you recognize them? Look for the fruit—watch the way they act. Do they exhibit entitlement, superiority, duplicity, justification, and manipulation?

Recognizing Where Abuse Begins

Abuse originates in how victimizers view others. At some level they believe other people exist to fulfill their desires. People who take advantage of others place themselves at the center and try to control the orbits of vulnerable people around them. Victimizers are not necessarily brash or overpowering. They may be sensitive, subdued, and even charming. Many abusers have likable personalities. So what are some warning signs to watch for?

Entitlement: “I deserve your attention.” When abusers fail to get someone’s attention, they will penalize the other person through aggressive tactics such as yelling, name-calling, throwing objects, or worse. They believe their time is more valuable than someone else’s. This mindset creates agitation when they don’t receive the time and attention they desire or think they deserve.

Superiority: “I am always right.” Abusers believe their feelings and opinions are more important than someone else’s. And may manipulate, coerce, or demand others to see things the same way. You rarely hear abusers admit to being wrong, and they offer insincere apologies, if any at all. It’s always “I’m sorry, but . . . I’m sorry if . . . I’m sorry, however . . .” Such statements aren’t apologies; they are posturing to assert superiority over someone else.

Duplicity: “I do not need to follow the rules.” When abusers have formal authority, they create rules for their subordinates but not themselves. They enforce standards on everyone else to make themselves feel superior. For example, a senior pastor might require a camera in everyone’s office but his own. Or he may mandate computer tracking software for other staff members but not himself.

Justification: “My anger is warranted.” There are times when it’s appropriate to be angry. In the face of injustice, unfairness, or duplicity. But abusers don’t get angry when someone else experiences injustice. Instead, their rage comes to a boil when their own desires, demands, or expectations are unmet. It’s a selfish form of anger. Often, abusers have “lonely anger,” meaning no one else shares their feelings. As such, victimizers feel the need to justify their anger. They force people to agree with them to validate their own feelings.

Manipulation: “Your questions attack me.” Gaslighting is a classic method of manipulation that attempts to make other people doubt their own perceptions or experiences in favor of the abuser’s perspective. The goal of gaslighting is to gain power and control over someone else. When questioned, victimizers often use gaslighting to get others to doubt themselves.

Most people, myself included, have used one or more of these tactics at one time or another. We’re sinners, after all. So don’t play gotcha games with people. We all have bad moments, days, or weeks, and at times we may resort to some of these negative behaviors. But a regular pattern of behavior that includes several of these warning signs in someone should raise concerns. Does a discernable pattern mean someone is an abuser? No, but we should be cautious, especially if the person is around vulnerable people in the church.

Suspected Abusers and Safe Church Training

What should we do about suspected abusers? One of the most difficult aspects of church safety involves people we suspect have the potential to harm someone but who have not acted out yet. Obviously, we shouldn’t be overly suspicious or wrongly accuse someone. Spreading mistrust without supporting facts is not helpful and can cause much damage. However, neglecting certain signs that raise suspicions is equally as dangerous. More than 90 percent of victims under the age of eighteen know their abuser. Is it possible that a disheveled stranger will dash into your church and snatch a child? It’s a possibility, but not likely. Almost every case of abuse in churches occurs after bonds of trust have been formed over time. Predators use trust as a tactic as much as brute force. As with any sin issue, pastors and church leaders should talk to an individual if suspicions arise. It is better to have an awkward conversation and maintain a safe environment than dismiss suspicions and experience a tragedy.

Safe Church Training is an on-demand, video-based training guide that can be used in individual ministries or with the entire church. A first-of-its-kind, comprehensive resource to equip your ministries to be a safe environment for children, students, and anyone who attends your church. With this simple-to-use resource, your church can create a safe environment where disciples of all ages are equipped to fulfill God’s calling in their lives.

This article was adapted from Make My Church Safe, published by Tyndale House.

The post Predators, Wolves, and Recognizing Where Abuse Begins in Churches appeared first on Church Answers.

7 Reasons Even Pastors Don’t Pray like We Should

I wish I could say that every local church pastor is a great prayer warrior—but multiple studies over the years have shown that’s not the case. Even those of us who lead congregations sometimes struggle with staying on our knees. Here are some reasons why:

Few of us have prayer warrior role models. I have had three of them over the years, but I realize I’m incredibly blessed by these men in my life. Most pastors I know can’t point to someone who’s modeled a strong prayer life for them.Most churches tell members to pray, but they don’t teach them to pray. In fact, we’re guilty of making that mistake with most spiritual disciplines. When we only tell members what to do without teaching them to do it, we set them up for failure. Many pastors, if we’re honest, must admit that even we have not received much prayer training (as the next item in this list will also show).  Our seminary training often included little attention to prayer. In my own training, I did not take a single class that focused on prayer. More seminaries today at least offer a class that addresses prayer, but the attention given to this critical discipline is often still too surface level.We tend to be “do-ers” before we are “pray-ers.” Few of us quickly and readily do what Jesus did when needs were in front of Him: “vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (Luke 5:15-16). Too many of us would have done ministry first, then prayed second.We’ve learned to pray reactively to a need more than pray proactively because of relationship. We respond with prayer when we learn of a need; we’re less likely to turn to God simply because we want to relate to Him. Our prayer is often more ritualistic than relational—and that approach limits our praying.We can do far too much ministry in our own power. We may not want to admit it—and we would seldom verbalize it—but we can go through the motions of ministry, do the work we’re paid to do, and even at times see some ministry “success” without praying much. Our ability to do ministry sometimes gets in the way of our praying.We’re not inclined to tell others that we struggle. After all, we’re supposed to be the church’s spiritual leader, modeling all that it means to follow Christ. Not only do we often have no one with whom we share our struggles, but we also struggle with admitting this deficiency even if we have an accountability partner.

If you wrestle with prayer, I encourage you to consider the Church Answers course, “The Potential and Power of Prayer” built upon my book by the same title. Pastors, let’s keep growing in our praying!

The post 7 Reasons Even Pastors Don’t Pray like We Should appeared first on Church Answers.

At What Age Should a Pastor Retire? Ten Diagnostic Questions

There are a lot of us Baby Boomer pastors and Christian leaders around. And it’s cliché, but we aren’t getting any younger. It’s a quiet question that many are asking, but they are asking it nonetheless: What age should I retire?

Instead of responding with a specific number, I encourage my Baby Boomer peers to reflect on a series of ten diagnostic questions:

Are you physically and emotionally able to continue to lead at a high level? If not, you probably should retire. Effective leadership demands both physical stamina and emotional resilience.Are you still highly motivated in your place of leadership? If you don’t wake up each morning excited about your ministry, it might be time to step aside.Are you a continuous learner? Are you reading, listening to others, attending conferences, learning new technologies, and staying current in key areas? A stagnant leader can hinder a church’s progress.Are you hanging on primarily for financial reasons? If financial concerns are the dominant reason for staying, you may be doing a disservice to your church or ministry.Do you have a clear and compelling vision for your ministry’s future? Without a forward-looking vision, you may be coasting. Coasting often signals it’s time to consider retirement.Is the church’s health deteriorating under your leadership? While not always the fault of the pastor, it’s crucial to ask if new leadership could bring revitalization.Does the word “change” cause you to feel threatened or angry? Resistance to change can hinder effective leadership, especially in a rapidly evolving cultural and ministry landscape.Do you empower others regularly? Are you taking the time to equip others for ministry and leadership? A lack of investment in others might indicate you’re coasting.Is your family supportive of you staying in your current ministry position? Your spouse and children often have insights into what’s best for you and the church. Their perspective matters.Do you find yourself longing for the “good old days”? If so, you may be living in the past, ineffective in the present, and unable to lead toward the future. It might be time to step down.

I understand that ministry is not something from which one ever fully retires. However, that reality does not negate the fact that it may be time for some pastors to step away from their current positions and find other ways to serve.

So, at What Age Should a Pastor Retire?

It depends. Every situation is unique. Some may have many productive years left in their current role, while others may need to retire now to allow new leadership to take the church to the next level.

Be honest with yourself. Above all, be honest with God. If it is truly time for you to retire from your church, trust that He will guide you in this transition, just as He has throughout your ministry.

The post At What Age Should a Pastor Retire? Ten Diagnostic Questions appeared first on Church Answers.

10 Ways for the Church to Address the Loneliness Epidemic in Our Culture

I recently read an interview with the outgoing surgeon general of the United States, and he noted in that discussion the ongoing epidemic of loneliness in the US. In fact, he wrote in a 2023 health advisory, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”[i] 

While I appreciate the government’s efforts to address this issue, it seems to me that the church has a primary role to play here. Of all organizations, the local body of Christ ought to be central in helping lonely people find relationships, belonging, and meaning. I am concerned, though, that most congregations probably are not thinking much about that responsibility. 

Instead, we go through our routines and motions, loving the people who attend church with us but not often considering those

Already a member? Log in Unlock premium content!

Get access to all Church Answers premium content from our expert contributors plus many other membership benefits.

$9.97 per month

Unlimited access

Join Now

The post 10 Ways for the Church to Address the Loneliness Epidemic in Our Culture appeared first on Church Answers.

Ten Guidelines for Paying and Hosting Guest Speakers and Musicians in Your Church

Money can often be an awkward topic for churches and guest speakers.

It’s an issue both parties think about, but too often, it’s an issue around which both parties tiptoe.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Hosting and paying guest speakers or musicians should be viewed through the lens of biblical stewardship and hospitality. Over the years, I’ve worked with many churches, speakers, and musicians to establish helpful guidelines. These are not rigid rules but flexible principles designed to create clarity and foster generosity.

Here are ten guidelines for paying and hosting guest speakers and musicians:

1. Pay with a generous spirit.

As your church is able, strive to be generous when compensating guest speakers and musicians. A good starting point for guest preachers is the formula developed by Art Rainer. While this framework is tailored to guest preachers, similar principles can apply to conference leaders, musicians, and others. Adjustments may be necessary based on the specific context, but generosity should always be a guiding principle.

2. Ask the guest speaker about their expectations for pay.

Be upfront and ask guest speakers or musicians if they have specific fees or payment guidelines. There’s no need to shy away from this conversation—it fosters transparency and ensures everyone is on the same page.

3. Pay promptly.

Have the check or the electronic deposit ready when the speaker or musician arrives. To avoid delays, request W-9 forms and travel reimbursement paperwork in advance. Never tell a speaker, “We’ll mail the check later.” Prompt payment communicates respect and professionalism.

4. Cover all travel expenses.

Ensure all travel-related expenses are reimbursed, including airfare, mileage, rental cars, Uber, meals, and lodging. It’s fine to set reasonable boundaries, such as reimbursing coach airfare instead of first-class, but be clear about these expectations upfront.

5. Provide reasonable accommodations (not your home).

Most speakers and musicians prefer staying in a hotel rather than a private home. Hotels offer privacy, comfort, and freedom from the social obligations that often come with staying in someone’s home. A comfortable hotel stay ensures they are well-rested and ready for their engagement.

6. Inform the speaker ahead of time.

Clearly outline the honorarium or fee, along with travel reimbursement, during your initial conversations with the speaker or musician. Putting these details in writing helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures clarity for both parties.

7. Consider the speaker’s perspective.

What may seem like a short 45-minute speaking assignment to your church could require two full days of travel for the guest speaker. When determining compensation and logistics, consider the time and sacrifices involved from their perspective. Generosity in this regard can leave a lasting positive impression.

8. Avoid scope creep and add-ons.

Stick to the original commitment. Don’t ask the speaker for additional engagements after the initial invitation. Statements like, “Since you’re here anyway…” can make the speaker feel taken advantage of. Similarly, avoid involving other groups that try to add engagements during the speaker’s visit. Be clear and specific about expectations from the start.

9. Provide a dedicated point person.

The speaker or musician should have one primary contact for all aspects of the engagement. This person should handle travel arrangements, payments, sound checks, and greet them at the venue. A single point of contact minimizes confusion and ensures a smooth experience.

10. Protect your church’s reputation.

Churches quickly develop reputations—good or bad—based on how they treat guest speakers. Travel can be exhausting, and speakers need to know they are valued and cared for. Going the extra mile in hospitality reflects well on your church and honors the guest’s time and effort.

 

Closing Thoughts

These guidelines are written primarily with the guest speaker’s perspective in mind. In a future post, I’ll address specific guidelines that speakers and musicians should consider when engaging with churches.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What practices has your church adopted when hosting guest speakers and musicians?

The post Ten Guidelines for Paying and Hosting Guest Speakers and Musicians in Your Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Eight Core Values for Every Church Staff

What does your church staff consider important? Hopefully, some things will come to mind immediately, such as the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, and the vision of your local church. Have you ever considered the values that help you work together as a staff? Have you considered how you press towards these essential goals?

Staff core values can help you focus on what’s vital for you and your staff. These values can keep you on task, eliminate distractions, clarify your direction, and draw your staff together. Quite simply, core values help you identify what’s important.

At First Baptist Church Bartow (the church I pastor), we are guided by eight core values:

We will work as a team. A church staff must be committed to teamwork. Ministry silos are not conducive to effective local church ministry. At our church, we intentionally look for ways to help one another. There are no doubt times when we must focus on our particular areas of responsibility. By and large, however, we seek to serve as a team. We will be loyal. Loyalty is integral to our church staff. Our loyalty does not extend to concealing anything immoral or illegal. However, it does extend to giving each other the benefit of the doubt and having the backs of one another. Jesus is loyal to His followers, and we believe his followers should be loyal to one another, particularly those serving on the same staff team. We will be encouragers. There’s a lot of discouragement in our world. A church staff should not be a source of additional discouragement. Instead, a team of gospel workers should be a source of encouragement. When staff members lift up one another with godly joy and encouragement, greater ministry effectiveness can occur. We will work hard. It is heartbreaking to see a church staff not reaching its potential because of laziness. No workers should be more committed than ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Make no mistake: working hard does not equate to overworking. Our staff is committed to hard work so that when it’s time to rest, we can rest well. We will communicate well. Poor communication can destroy a church staff and, at times, destroy the church itself. Our church staff is committed to preventing this from happening. We seek to communicate well. We follow up. We clarify. We have the extra conversation. We answer emails, texts, and calls. Healthy communication is essential to healthy church work. We will be guided by humility. At our church, we believe the closer you get to arrogance, the farther you get from Jesus. We seek for all our staff members to be guided by humility. Humility is not always easy. Our natural inclination is to think of ourselves first and foremost. The fight to be humble is a struggle worth pursuing. We will have fun. This value is one of my favorites. Our team has fun together. We joke around. We share meals together. We celebrate birthdays. We sit and chat about a movie or memes. None of this is to the detriment of our other core values. Quite the opposite. Having fun together weaves a relational bond that undergirds all our other core values. It also produces a joy in our hearts that feels like a gift from God.We will serve with integrity. We believe that consistency and character matter. We aim to practice the other core values and live godly lives, even when no one is watching. If our integrity is compromised, the entire ministry could be compromised. Our church staff serves in a way that is above reproach and unashamed.

What values are significant to your church staff? What are your thoughts on the values listed above? I’d love to hear feedback from you. If you are seeking to develop your church staff in a greater way, consider checking out My Church Staff from Church Answers. Building an effective staff may be easier than you think.

The post Eight Core Values for Every Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers.

What’s Next?! The Best Question to Ask Regarding Guests At Church

Hopefully, you will meet new people this week. One of the marks of a healthy church is a steady stream of new attendees. They might have come for any kind of reason—an outreach initiative, a special service or time of the year, or maybe just an invitation from a church member. Whatever the cause, they are there. And once they are, there is one, key question you should ask: 

What happens next?

Most churches have some kind of answer to that question, but generally, the answer involves actions taken by the church toward the guests. What happens next? There might be a gift bag. Or a phone call from a member of the church staff. Or even a personal visit or invitation to coffee. These are all good things, but think about the question from the opposite direction:

What should a person who visits your church do next?

Another way to say it might be: what prescribed next step will we offer to someone who is visiting? This is an important question to answer because if there is nothing for that person to do–no action for them to take–then chances are they will hang around on the periphery of the congregation and then eventually move on. 

For visitors to become contributing members of a local congregation, they need to be involved as quickly as possible in the life of the church. The problem is that every single person who visits a church is different.

They have different spiritual backgrounds, different understandings of who God is and what church should be about, and different life experiences that have shaped their understanding of faith. All of those differences make it complicated to involve people effectively. And yet the answer to that “next step” question is one of the things that separates churches that have steady and sustainable growth from those that do not.

So what happens next?

For some churches, this is a membership class in which people come to understand the core doctrines of the church, the philosophy and vision of ministry, and how they can become involved. But what many such classes lack is the personal relational connection with other church members.

Other churches push new people immediately to a small group in which they can experience life connection with others. But what that next step often lacks is the emphasis on doctrine and church vision found in membership classes.

Ideally, the next step has both. It is a “level-setting” experience in which people learn the truth of the gospel and the other core doctrines, while at the same time connecting deeply with other people. In such an experience, people come out on the other side not only understanding who the church is and what spiritual development looks like there, but also with a depth of relationship that serves as the glue to keep them in the congregation.

Perhaps one of the reasons you might not be seeing sustained growth is the lack of such an experience. If that’s true, then it’s time to rethink your answer to the question, “What happens next?”

Rooted Network can help meet this need. Hundreds of churches are understanding how the Rooted experience can not only help people understand the core Christian doctrines but also connect them deeply into the life of the church. To find out more, visit experiencerooted.com/churchanswers .

The post What’s Next?! The Best Question to Ask Regarding Guests At Church appeared first on Church Answers.

How to Know Your Church Is Truly Revitalized (5 Key Indicators)

At what point can you say your church is fully revitalized?

In some ways, church health is an ongoing journey. You never really “arrive.” In fact, the healthiest churches are inevitably messy. A healthy church will have many new believers, which means an ongoing struggle to disciple them. This discipleship doesn’t happen instantaneously. The more people you reach for Christ, the more new believers you have, and the messier your church will be.

However, there are some key indicators that signal your church has moved out of the revitalization phase and into a healthy church phase. These five indicators are not comprehensive, but they will help you assess how far along you are in the revitalization process.

Indicator 1: Children and students comprise 25% or more of average worship attendance. Your worship attendance is everyone on campus for all worship services. This count includes children, but don’t double-count anyone. You reach a healthy threshold when children and students (those 18 years old and younger) account for 25% or more of your average worship attendance. At this stage, your children’s and student ministry budgets should equal or exceed your worship budget.

Indicator 2: Conversion ratio reaches 20:1 or better. A healthy church will have a conversion ratio of 20:1 or less. The smaller the conversion ratio, the fewer people it takes in your church to reach others. Smaller is better with this metric. For example, a conversion ratio of 1:1 means each person in your church is reaching one person for Christ each year. A conversion ratio of 100:1 means that for every one hundred people in your church, only one person is reached for Christ per year. The Hope Initiative is an excellent program to help improve this ratio.

Indicator 3: Giving consistently exceeds expenses. Churches in decline often have cash flow problems. They spend more than they receive in gifts and offerings. These deficits are frequently out of necessity—surprise expenses like roof repairs and air conditioning upgrades must be done. Cash reserves can forestall a complete financial collapse for a season, but most churches cannot last longer than a few years on their reserves. A revitalized church will reach a point where giving exceeds expenses, and cash reserves are built rather than depleted.

Indicator 4: Deferred maintenance is minimized. Deferred maintenance is the process of delaying needed improvements to infrastructure and assets because of budget and cash limitations. Struggling churches are notorious for postponing necessary capital projects. Revitalized churches have a clear plan to tackle deferred maintenance and include it as a line item in the operating budget.

Indicator 5: The number of people in groups is 80% or more of average worship attendance. A person in a small group is five times more likely to stay in a church after five years than someone who is not, and those in groups give significantly more than those not in groups. A key mark is the 80% threshold. In revitalized churches, the average group attendance will be 80% of average worship attendance. How can you get there? You can learn how to lead healthy small groups that thrive in your church.

These indicators are not the only signals of a revitalized church, but they are major milestones on the journey to becoming healthy. If you want to go deeper, the Church Health Scorecard will guide you in 12 additional areas to help you navigate a revitalization journey.

The post How to Know Your Church Is Truly Revitalized (5 Key Indicators) appeared first on Church Answers.