Thom S. Rainer's Blog, page 31

The Top Ten Next Steps for New Church Members

Congratulations! You joined a church. Now what? While every church has a different procedure for church membership, there are some simple things you can do to honor God in your decision. These items apply to everyone.

First, read your Bible every day. A national research study revealed something remarkable. The number one way people grow spiritually is daily Bible reading, but only 35 percent of active churchgoers study their Bibles at least once a week. Ask anyone if they want to be healthier spiritually, and the likely answer is “yes.” This study proves reading your Bible is the best path to spiritual maturity. So the best next step is to open your Bible daily and read God’s Word.

Second, be active in weekly worship attendance. Another recent study showed that during the pandemic of 2020, the only group who improved in mental health were those who attended church weekly. While church attendance will not solve all your problems, the regular pattern and rhythm of being with the fellowship of the saints are good for your heart, mind, and soul.

Third, follow your church leadership. Most pastors and church leaders choose a life of sacrifice to serve others. They want to serve you! Blind loyalty is dangerous; only Jesus deserves unfettered commitment. But you should start with a posture of trust with your leadership.

Fourth, Encourage people around you. Encouragement is one of the most powerful and contagious forces in the church. The problem is discouragement is an even more powerful and infectious force. When you are an encourager, you can change the mood of just about everyone around you.  

Fifth, invite others to church. Believers have the responsibility to invite others into the body of Christ. But this responsibility is a joy. Seeing others light up as they find community is exciting and fulfilling.

Sixth, share Jesus with people in your life. Inviting other people to church shows you love the body of Christ. But you should also show your love of Jesus by sharing Him with others. I realize sharing your faith—often called evangelism—is a struggle for many believers. But it doesn’t have to be. Live out your joy in Christ, and others will ask you about it. When they do, tell them about your salvation experience.

Seventh, join a group. Your church will get bigger by getting smaller. People will stay and grow in a church if they are part of a group. It is hard to connect personally with others in a worship gathering. When you are involved in a small group, you build relationships in a way that is not possible through the worship experience.

Eighth, pray every day for the ministries of your church and your church leaders. A few church members often remind me about their daily prayers. One of the most encouraging things people say to me is, “I’m praying for you every day.” I’ll never forget one church member showing me his prayer journal. He made entries daily. My name was listed in every entry.

Ninth, start giving regularly. This commitment need not be controversial. If you believe in the mission of your church, then you should give to it. Weekly or monthly giving is one of the best ways to invest in eternity. Frankly, you don’t give to your church. You give to God through your church. God does not need your money, but He does want your heart. Matthew’s gospel makes it clear: “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Where your money goes is where your heart goes.

Tenth, volunteer in a needed area of the church. Ask your church leaders about an area of need. Even if this area is not your preference or expertise, God will honor your desire to fill in a gap.

Church membership is an essential part of following Christ. Enjoy the fellowship of believers at your church. Commit to God’s mission with them. With your church, be an active agent for good in your community.

Pastors and church leaders, do you need help with your church membership class? Now you can get everything you need to lead with The Complete Membership Class Toolkit.

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4 Reasons Why It Matters that Church Leaders are Praying Leaders

I am convinced that prayer is the most difficult spiritual discipline to develop—even for church leaders. Prayer assumes that we live in dependence on God, and I fear many of us are less dependent than we might admit. Prayer is our recourse for a problem more than an expression of a relationship with God.

It really does matter, though, that church leaders are praying leaders. In my Church Answers/Tyndale book, The Potential and Power of Prayer, I list reasons why it matters. Here are my thoughts:¹

1. Praying leaders are best at casting a vision for prayer. We will be much more effective at casting a vision for prayer if we ourselves are praying with passion and persistence. Those we guide will be much more likely to follow our lead if they see not only our vision, but also our zeal for God and our desire to talk with Him. They will want what we have.

2. Leaders who pray can—and will—call others to pray with integrity. Leaders who pray well will not hesitate to call others to prayer. Because they practice what they preach, no one can accuse them of hypocrisy. They look forward to teaching texts that deal with prayer. They love telling stories of answered prayer in their lives. They also delight when church members ask them to pray because the members know they really do pray.

3. Leaders who pray often model and teach prayer by their own heartfelt, humble public prayers. Those who pray consistently in private will find public prayer that much easier. They love to talk to God, and the setting almost doesn’t matter. When they pray aloud, people listen. A sense of holiness and intimacy hangs in the air. Like eavesdroppers on a cherished spiritual moment between God and one of his children, we listen and learn.

4. Praying leaders show the work of God in their lives as He conforms them to His image. Jesus prayed in such a way that others wanted Him to teach them how to pray. He taught His disciples about prayer, and He took them away from the crowds to pray. Our role model for leading others, Jesus led from His knees—and we imitate Him when we do the same as God conforms us to His image. Our commitment to prayer is evidence that we are growing in the right direction under God’s grace. 

If you’re a church leader who wants to pray more, our Church Answers team hopes this resource will be helpful to you.

¹Chuck Lawless, The Potential and Power of Prayer: How to Unleash the Praying Church (Church Answers Resources) (pp. 93-95). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

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Comparing Your Church’s Current Data to 2019

There is always a danger in basing an article on numbers. They can seem to be ultimate or penultimate goals when they should be neither.

Numbers, however, like a thermometer, can be a rough gauge of our current health. In that regard, looking at churches’ data can be a good exercise. Though the data is not determinative, it can be an indicator of health or the lack of health.

The largest group of data we have is from the Southern Baptist Convention (the survey instrument they use is called the “Annual Church Profile” or ACP). While that denomination may or may not be a good representation of your affiliation, it can at least give you a rough idea of national averages as a point of comparison. 

Using 2019 as a Base  

It can be instructive to use 2019 as a base since that year was the last pre-pandemic year. We really can’t use 2020 as a base, because most churches were closed during the year. And it can disguise the reality of the decline if we use either 2021 or 2022 as the base since most churches still had low attendance resulting from the pandemic.

The obvious bias of our numbers is that they represent one denominational group. The strength of using these numbers is that you have the data on over 40,000 churches.

How Are the Churches Doing Since 2019?

We chose to look at three key data points for these churches: worship attendance, small group attendance, and baptisms. The latter category, baptisms, go by other names depending on the group: conversions, professions of faith, and others. Worship attendance represents every person attending, including children. The worship averages should be non-duplicating, meaning it only counts each person one time. Small groups go by a variety of names like Sunday school, community groups, home groups, life groups, cell groups, and, of course, small groups.                                                                                      

How Is Your Church Doing Since 2019?

I would encourage you to do a similar exercise for your church. Use 2019 as a base, and compare it to either 2022 numbers or your current numbers in 2023. 

Again, this exercise is not one that lifts up numbers as the most important indicator of church health. But, at the very least, the numbers can give you a rough idea how your church is doing since the pandemic.

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There are No Solo Heroes in the Kingdom of God

When Lily came on one of our wilderness trips, she had been feeling isolated in her life of faith for a long time. She had been raised in a Christian community that cared more about performance as a Christian than her relationship with God. Scripture was quoted at her instead of read with her, and she often felt lectured by her leaders. Lily had followed God’s leading to come on a wilderness course so she could “figure out how to get her life together.”

One afternoon on the expedition, while struggling to climb a rocky slope, she slipped and scraped her leg. As she sat down to deal with her wound and her fear, another student came and sat with her. Another grabbed her pack to carry it up the slope in addition to their own. It was the first time Lily had found herself surrounded by others in her struggle. Previously, she had to face things alone, but this time someone else came alongside her to help and encourage her. That moment— that first taste of belonging—transformed her life.

None of us are meant to travel our journey alone.

Foundationally, discipleship is a community endeavor. You cannot disciple yourself. Literally, it takes two people! We are meant to come alongside others, and we are meant to accept help and let others lead us. Interdependence is fundamental to the life of faith. When an ordinary person answers the call to the adventure of discipleship, they discover people who are on the same journey (friends, allies, mentors) and connect with them.

There are no solo heroes in the Kingdom of God.

Often, we think of disciplemaking as some form of school or ministry preparation, recalling Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, or pastors who have discipled us. But when we reflect, we can usually think of others who have shaped our understanding of God or who modeled what it means to be a Christian in practical ways. I think of the elderly woman across the street who hosted a half-day VBS at her house for the neighborhood kids when I was growing up. She would quiz me about Bible stories while I ate her chocolate chip cookies. Or there’s the friend of mine who worked at the post office and always thought of himself as a missionary in his workplace. He was known for bringing people joy.

God intended all of us to be disciplemakers. We don’t have to make it complicated.

Spiritual transformation is challenging, but it is not complex. There is a King and his Kingdom, and we are created to fellowship there as brothers and sisters. We are students, apprentices, and practitioners of the ways of Jesus. We are obedient to what God is saying, and we respond with faith. We do all this with the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; John 14:26; John 16:13). The process of transformation happens through learning and unlearning, relationship, and imitation, which is why we need others.

As disciplemakers, we walk in close relationship with those we disciple, but our relationship is not just a friendship. A guide can enjoy the company of those they are leading, but they must be more than friends. They also have to help equip others. As disciplemakers, we have a simple, God-given agenda—transformation. We hope, pray, contend, intercede, and intentionally guide the disciple to be more like Jesus. Formation, as evidenced by transformation, is the purpose of discipleship.

As a disciplemaker we must explore two questions:

How do formation and transformation happen in ourselves? How can we encourage these things in others?

Relationships are the key to authentic discipleship.

No longer are we disconnected strangers living in different houses. Instead, we are connected sojourners on an epic expedition together. It makes all the difference in the world. People grow in their relationship with God by observing and learning from those around them—those who are further on in their journey. We are increasingly transformed by being together.

Jessie Cruickshank holds a M.Ed. from Harvard in Mind, Brain, and Education. She is an ordained minister and a nationally recognized expert in disciplemaking and the neuroscience of transformation. She has spent two decades applying neuroeducation research to discipleship, ministry training, experiential education, and organization development. Jessie is respected globally as a missiological thought-leader and a church and denominational consultant and is the founder of Who-ology. Jessie lives and adventures with her family in Colorado.

 

This article is taken from Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation by Jessie Cruickshank ©2023. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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How to Check Back into Your Church Job If You Have Been Checked Out for a While

Tens of millions quit their jobs during the Great Resignation. Beginning in March 2021, most areas of the economy experienced a mass of people leaving their current places of employment and seeking other jobs and careers. Over two years, a large portion of workers considered career changes and geographic relocations. The hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors were hit especially hard.

Pastors and paid church staff were not immune from this phenomenon. As a result, a Great Reshuffling also occurred in religious institutions. Many staff moved to other congregations or reconfigured roles at their current churches.

The Great Reshuffling is ending. While quit rates are still historically high, they are falling. A recession later this year could quickly pull us back to normal levels.

As pastors and church leaders considered a move, they entered a holding pattern. When an airplane is waiting to land, the pilot will make a circular path in designated airspace until a runway is available. The plane is still moving. The pilot is still working. But a holding pattern is a short-term (and necessary) maneuver used while waiting.

Many planes have now landed. Pastors and church leaders still in holding patterns are making decisions and will land shortly.

What if you decide to stay at your current church?

I recently spoke with a pastor who has been in a holding pattern for two years. He applied for two other positions and was a finalist for both, but did not ultimately land the role. After much prayer and advice from his mentors, he believes God is telling him to stay. Though the holding pattern was longer than desired, the process helped solidify his calling.

“The last two years, I have intentionally not made big leadership decisions,” he told me. “Now it’s time to re-engage with a vision for the church.”

While he was not wholly checked out, the holding pattern affected how he led. I imagine some have checked out more than others during the last couple of years. Given what has occurred globally, I can understand why. Regardless of where you are on this scale, how can you check back into your role if you’ve decided to stay?

Gather energy from the tasks you enjoy. Leading while in a holding pattern can be exhausting. You expend energy on working at your current church and looking for a potential future church. Check back into your church by doing the tasks you enjoy for a few weeks. You will gather energy for the more challenging stuff that will inevitably come.

Rebuild your support network with informal meetings. Likely few, if any, congregants knew the details about your holding pattern. But more people than you realize probably felt it. As a result, your key supporters may feel a slight distance from you, even if you worked hard to stay connected. Check back into your church by rebuilding support among the core of the congregation. These meetings should be informal—lunches, impromptu talks, fun outings, and dinners in your home.

Focus on solving simple leadership problems that have much visibility. As you check back into your church, go after some low-hanging fruit. Repaint the hallway that looks terrible. Order the new chairs for adult classrooms. Replace the fading projection system. Solving simple, visible problems will help build momentum for tackling more complex issues in the coming months.

Assure the church with your actions and do not make public statements about your decision to stay. You may be tempted to vocalize your decision to stay. No public comments are necessary. Indeed, they are unwise. While your core leaders may have felt your holding pattern, many in the congregation are likely unaware of your inner struggle. Do the actions of commitment without making dramatic statements about your re-engagement. I can understand the desire to say, “I’m back!” But most congregants never knew you were gone.

Dig deeper into local friendships. People start to withdraw from friendships when they believe a move is coming. It’s a natural part of making a transition. Check back into your church by digging deeper into your best friendships.

The Great Reshuffling is slowing. If you have decided to land the plane at your current church and not a new church, now is the time to check back in.

 

At Church Answers Central , we cover a variety of topics and answer these kinds of questions every day. Church Answers Central is the world’s largest online community for practical ministry support. Get 24/7 answers to your church questions. Join a vibrant community of nearly 2,000 church leaders in a safe environment. Connect with top church health experts like Thom Rainer, Chuck Lawless, Sam Rainer, and others like you. Become a member today !

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Six Common Patterns in Toxic Churches That Fire Pastors

The title of this article might engender some visceral reactions. I get it. It is not a pleasant subject. For church members who have observed it taking place, it is a painful situation. For those pastors who have been fired, it is traumatic. It is traumatic for the pastor’s family as well.

Please read the title carefully. It is about toxic churches that fire pastors. Not all churches are toxic. There are occasions when the dismissal is warranted. This article is about dysfunctional churches firing pastors. 

I was prompted to write this article on such a sensitive subject after seeing an increase in the number of these dismissals. I wanted church members to understand what is taking place. And I am praying that some church members will speak up when these injustices take place. 

For certain, not all dismissals are alike. But when the toxic church dismisses a pastor, it is common for these six patterns to emerge.

1. There is a power and control issue behind the dismissal. Typically, the pastor has not bowed to the demands and preferences of a power group in the church. That power group is often serving on the specific boards or committees that can initiate a firing. At the very least, they have profound influences on those boards and committees.

2. Reasons for the firing are often not given to the congregation. While it might not be appropriate to give the details of the reasons behind the firing, there is rarely an occasion where silence is acceptable. For example, if the pastor has an affair with a church member, it is not always best to provide the sordid details since family members, including children, are innocent victims. But if the pastor had a moral failure, the church at least needs to know that general rationale for the dismissal.

3. The pastor is given a severance package in return for his silence. Don’t judge a pastor too harshly for this decision. It is not just about the money. Often, pastors don’t want their families exposed to a church fight that will not likely change the results. That issue leads to the next point. 

4. The pastor’s family is at least implicitly threatened if the pastor does not leave quietly. In several situations of which I have personal awareness, representatives of the power group let the pastor know that they “know things” about the pastor’s family, things that will be exposed if the pastor does not walk away quietly. Most pastors know that the “things” are lies, but they do not want to put their families through the false accusations. 

5. The power group demands that the pastor exit quickly. Many of the pastors do not get to say goodbye to the congregation. Those that do have that opportunity are warned sternly to say nothing negative. On some occasions, the pastors are escorted to their offices to get their belongings and leave. The emotional and psychological consequences on the pastors of such unjust actions can be massive. 

6. Most church members will not question or get involved in this injustice. They don’t want to rock the boat. They fear the power group. Their disposition is one of fear or avoidance. Often, the fired pastor is hurt more by the silence of the majority rather than the evil of the power group. But it is a sin to be silent when God has called us to speak. 

I pray that these travesties will diminish, but I see no sign that these injustices are declining. Pray for your pastor. Encourage your pastor. 

And have the courage to speak when injustices take place.

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The Disappearance of the 30-Something and 40-Something Pastor (Here’s Why)

We’re all getting older. Almost every demographic in the United States is having fewer children. Population growth is slowing, and immigration rates are not fast enough to keep up with the aging nation.

In 1970, the median age was 28. Half the population was older than 28, and half the population was younger than 28. This midpoint is now approaching 40. So we’ve shifted from a younger nation to a middle-aged nation.

The economic implications of this shift are enormous but beyond the scope of this brief article. However, what is of note to the church is the aging of pastors, which has occurred at an even faster rate.

We are witnessing the disappearance of the 30-something and 40-something pastor.

The age of a pastor has increased significantly. Now, there is nothing wrong with an older pastor. Pastors with decades of experience typically have the wisdom and perspective needed within an established church. The issue is not one of age. It’s the lack of younger pastors available to replace them that is the problem.

A typical pastor today is approaching retirement age. Frankly, there are not enough younger pastors to replace a large group of retiring Baby Boomer pastors.

The perspective of some churches with older, retiring pastors is exacerbating the problem. Once they begin to search for a pastor, they will look for an idealized version of a 30-something Baby Boomer pastor from a bygone era. Obviously, this pastor does not exist. The few candidates available will look and lead very differently. As a result, churches will struggle to fill positions as willing candidates get frustrated with search teams.

Bi-vocational models and co-vocational models are becoming more popular.

Not only is the median age of a pastor increasing, but the median size of a church is also decreasing. The response to this phenomenon is an increase in the number of pastors and staff who will not receive full-time compensation. A bi-vocational pastor serves at a church that cannot afford a full-time position. Co-vocational pastors serve churches in a mutually agreeable arrangement in which their positions are not full-time, even though funds are available.

What are the opportunities for bi-vocational and co-vocational positions?

A marketplace job puts you in the middle of culture on a regular basis.Bi-vocational and co-vocational church staff are less likely to get missionally stale in a holy huddle.The budgets of smaller churches are healthier with these positions.Work-from-home opportunities are making bi-vocational and co-vocational positions more attainable. Many pastors can now move to the communities where their churches are located.Both bi-vocational and co-vocational positions allow churches to expand staff when they don’t have the resources to pay full-time.Bi-vocational and co-vocational pastors have the potential to lead differently because their livelihoods are not completely dependent on their church pay.Both bi-vocational and co-vocational pastors have more transferable skills in the marketplace.

Pastors are getting older, and this trend will likely continue in the near term. However, there are opportunities for churches. The future can be bright with bi-vocational and co-vocational pastors.

 

For more information about the most recent research and current church trends, check out our resource Big Storms and Blue Oceans, which includes both an e-book and video content. 

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8 Things that Would Happen if We Truly Viewed the Word of God as Sweet like Honey to Us

I realize this post is a bit unusual for this site, but I want us to think about this truth: we who seek to lead churches toward growth and revitalization must love and obey the Word if we want God to bless our efforts. With that truth in mind, I am mindful today of the psalmist’s view of the Word: 

“They [the laws of the Lord] are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.” (Ps. 19:10).“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” (Ps. 119:103).

The psalmist felt that way, but I’m not convinced all of us are. At least, I know I’m not always there. Here, though, are some things that would happen in our lives if we truly saw the Word of God this way:

We would read the Word more. That’s because it’s so sweet to us. No matter how busy we are, we would make the time to read it. Even a few minutes tasting the Word would encourage and change us.We would hunger for it. It would be so potent in our lives that our soul would long each day to meet God through His Word. We would crave Him more and more each day.We could never get enough of it. Even if we were to “eat” it every day, we would want more. The Word is so sweet that the more we get, the more we want; it both quenches our hunger and increases it at the same time.We would miss it when we don’t read it. Gone would be the days when we simply neglected reading the Bible. We would not rest well knowing that we had missed the opportunity to taste its sweetness on a given day.We would no longer be enamored by what the world offers us to “taste.” We chase temporary stuff that might taste sweet for a moment, but burns us in the end. All those things would lose their power once we’ve tasted the true sweetness of God’s Word.We would delight more in teaching the Word. When the Lord’s teachings are so powerful in our own lives, we can’t wait to teach others. We would want those we lead to have the same experience with the Lord and His Word.Others would take note of our passion. The godliest, Spirit-filled leaders I know have the Word of God dripping from their lips. They live in the Word—and it’s noticeable. That’s what would happen in our lives if the Word truly were sweet to us.  Our churches would be stronger. That happens any time we leaders deepen our own walk with the Lord. What the Lord does in us then spills over into the lives of those we shepherd. The sheep will then also find the Word to be sweet like honey—and hunger for more.

How about you? Is the Word sweet to you? 

If not, ask the Lord to restore your desire for His Word as you lead His church. I encourage you to leave a comment below and let our Church Answers family know how we can best pray for you.

 

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Five Metaphors That Describe Why In-Person Attendance at Churches Will Grow in Importance

You’ve heard a lot about how the pandemic hurt church attendance.

Yeah. Me too. It’s true, but it’s becoming a bit tiresome.

We can watch online. We can study the Bible digitally. “Going to church” is no longer needed. 

Yep, I’ve heard them too. How many times have we heard the overused pseudo-explanation, “the church is the people, not a building”? Those people are supposed to gather somewhere, and it’s usually a building. 

Now, much to my own personal delight, we are seeing an incipient movement push back against the “you-don’t-have-to-attend-church-to-be-obedient-to-God” crowd. We are seeing early signs that a number of people were awakened in the pandemic to the importance of in-person community, particularly in churches. 

That is why our churches need to be prepared and to be proactive for more people coming to our in-person worship services and our in-person small groups or Sunday school classes or whatever you call them. 

Perhaps we can best understand the role of the local church metaphorically. Here are five of my favorites:

1. The family meal versus the individual takeout dinner. For years, families spent time around the table. They would converse with each other instead of getting a takeout meal and looking at their smartphone. It was a time where family members connected and got to know each other. It was an in-person event that took place several times a week. The disconnected family member is like the disconnected church member who no longer attends in-person for worship services and small groups.

2. A bonfire versus an electric heater. I love a bonfire on the beach. I enjoy more than the warmth on a cool night; I enjoy others in person. The setting provides those times where we can share stories, laugh, and get to know one another. The electric heater provides warmth, but it does not provide connection. It is like the digital church: functional but not personal.

3. The live concert versus streaming music. I remember the first time I heard “Red Rubber Ball” by The Cyrkle in a concert. I was hooked on that 60s one-hit wonder because I not only enjoyed the catchy tune, I shared the delight with others who were attending. We can listen to Christian music and hymns via digital means, but it’s nothing like singing together in-person in church in a spirit of true worship.

4. Sailing together versus watching a travel show. For one of our wedding anniversaries, I leased a small sailboat with a captain for a half-day. Being with my wife for those few hours and seeing the pure joy she experienced was incomparable to watching a television show about sailing. Worshiping together is the sailboat. Watching a digitally streaming worship service is the television travel show.

5. Live theater versus Netflix. I have been to a few Broadway shows and a few other live shows. While I appreciate the convenience of watching a chosen movie on Netflix, it is nothing like feeling and seeing the emotions of those watching a play in the room with me. Church is akin to live theater. You connect with those who are physically present. You not only hear a sermon and sing worship music, but you also worship together with others. 

We are encouraged by the early indicators pointing toward a rebirth and growth of the in-person worship services and small groups. If there is a place where people should be together, it is that place of community where we worship together and enjoy one another in small groups.

This trend is one worthy of watching.

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4 Keys to Creating A Culture of Trust

Trust is eroding in various sectors of our society, including education, government, and even religious institutions. As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility not only to possess good character and integrity but also to dedicate our time and efforts toward instilling and promoting these values both individually and corporately as image bearers of God. 

During these challenging times, it’s essential for leaders in ministry to recognize that they have the opportunity to cultivate healthy and reliable cultures. Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or participating in a staff meeting or casual conversation, every interaction presents a chance to make a positive impact and invest your time and influence for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

Shut Down Gossip 

Talk to one another, not about one another. Intentionally creating spaces for psychological safety, vulnerability, and mutual respect is a crucial first step in nurturing belonging and connectedness among members. As a leader, gossip has to stop with you, and then enforced when others overstep the boundary. 

Gossiping and speaking negatively toward those on staff or in your church can cause irreparable harm to individuals and undermine the church’s mission. To avoid such situations, it’s important to handle disagreements and frustrations in a constructive manner. Having open communication and speaking directly and respectfully to coworkers about any issues is the best way to address any work-related concerns.

Recently I found myself in a situation where one of my volunteer team members came to me complaining and frustrated about how another team member waited until the last minute to fulfill her part of an event, which then led to my team member having to rush and problem solve in the last moments leading up to the event. When she came to me, I listened and then asked her if she had spoken with the other team member first. She had not. In order for both of them to grow and understand the need for everyone to work together as a team, they each needed to come together and hear one another both about where to improve and to work together moving forward. 

Celebrate One Another

The things you choose to celebrate within your organization will likely be repeated. In a parenting and adoption class, an analogy was given using fertilizer to explain that the traits and characteristics you emphasize as a parent will flourish and grow in your child. The same is true of our work and ministry relationships. For instance, if an employee, who is usually late to staff meetings, arrives on time, acknowledging their effort and expressing appreciation with a simple statement like “I see your effort in getting here on time today. I appreciate you” can help to celebrate that employee or team member. Finding ways to celebrate your team, staff, or group helps push people toward the core values and character you hope to develop in them and your church as a whole.

One other key benefit of celebrating one another is to make central the core purpose and mission that you are on together. Celebrating when someone shares the gospel, completing a large community event, or highlighting the person who stepped up and filled a needed gap are all ways to promote missional living, faithfulness, and sacrificial teamwork. We don’t just execute tasks, we point to others to see how their investments impact the team, church family, and Kingdom of God. 

Grow Together

Being mindful of how we handle our responsibilities and interact with others is vital for the health and growth of our churches and teams. It is unfair to expect perfection from ourselves and those around us all of the time, which is why we need to expect and strive towards growth in the weak areas of our teams. 

After any major decision, event, or shift in practice, I always want to make sure to have an opportunity to discuss tweaks and areas of improvement to make the whole better. First starting as a leader and verbalizing where I could have done better or where I dropped the ball then helps to give freedom for others to own their areas of growth as well as collaborate together in their different strengths to move forward with a unified vision.

By intentionally having conversations around clarity and collaboration, you are able to walk forward together with understanding and one voice while valuing the diversity of perspectives. 

Be A Person Who Is Faithful & Consistent

One of the hard parts about creating a culture of trust is that in our current culture cynicism and assumption happen more than faithfulness. We will talk up a big plan in a meeting and then drop the ball when it comes to our follow-through. Whether it is due to being over-committed or a deeper need for character development and growth, we can often find ourselves being the ones who fuel the distrust within our teams without even knowing it. It is easy to rationalize or shrug off our own missteps than to own where we have failed and ask for forgiveness.

Building a trustworthy culture starts with you. Every day you choose to be a person of character, faithfulness, and consistency despite what temptation there may be to shrink back in work ethic, pass the blame, or assume the worst of a leader or team member.

I love how Paul describes the Philippian church as being of one mind, one Spirit, and one purpose (Phil 2:2). As we strive and work toward healthy teams and culture, we not only move the mission forward together, but we show a watching world what it means to be changed by the gospel and sent to proclaim it.

For more reading on creating cultures of health and trust, I highly recommend Henry Cloud’s new book “Trust: Knowing When to Give it, When to Withhold it, How to Earn it, and How to Fix it When it Gets Broken” where he teaches that there are 5 essentials to trust.

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