Turnaround Churches: An Untapped Source

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I have been the pastor of three turnaround churches. My first one grew about 40% while I was pastor and when I went to another church, they went back into decline below the level they were previously. They were not what I would call hungry for leadership. Instead they were committed to the status quo as much as the mountains that surrounded the church. Admittedly, I was just getting my “sea legs” for ministry. My second church was also a potential turnaround opportunity. The church was hungry for leadership and they absorbed virtually everything I tossed at them. They got it. Indeed there were difficulties but every turnaround church is full of them. That church got off of the plateau and has continued to grow each of nine years since I left.

My current church was not a good candidate for turnaround ministry, but I knew that if God’s hand was in it, anything was possible. The church had gone through a painful split so when I arrived it was a time of healing followed by casting new dreams for reaching people for Christ. We began to see results. Over several years this church has gone thorough times when we just knew there would be a breakthrough. In my fifth year we began a second service and saw some significant growth followed by some generational strife. We lost momentum and again began to decline for over a year before regaining our footing. Now we are growing again, and we are reaching the unchurched as before. I cannot declare it to be a turnaround, but God is doing something good.

On several occasions I have had conversations with denominational leaders regarding intentional turnaround ministry. I know by experience that it is difficult, and the odds are probably about one out of three or more. I am troubled that denominational structures tend to put resources into enabling plateaued and declining churches to maintain the status quo. Much is done to make them feel good while the plane is going down. When I talk to leaders about resourcing turnaround ministries, there are one of two reactions. The first possible reaction is, “Some churches need to die so  we can plant a new one.” Yes! That’s what he said. The second statement I have heard is, “We don’t do much with plateaued or declining churches. It’s easier to plant new ones.” This thinking is part of the problem I identified regarding putting attention primarily on one side of the discipleship equation- evangelism. (http://drthomreece.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/baptist-church-decline-balance-both-sides-of-the-great-commission/)

I have sometimes envied my church planting brethren. While they deal with a whole set of differing dynamics, they are still more homogeneous than those of a turnaround church. I know new churches are far more effective at reaching people, but think about the untapped resources within those churches that have the potential of rebirth. The resources include greater offerings, souls saved that no one else will reach, and manpower for missions.

“Ok, Dr. Tom, how is it done?” you say. Several years ago I was invited to join a turnaround church project in my association. The leader was Everett Anthony who has become a mentor and friend. His program was called “Champion Churches,” and it was a tried and true format. The project included about a dozen churches. The format resembled that of college seminars for which there was homework, reading, and presentations by participants. Each church leader was required to form a strategy team with which he would work and apply the principles. I have since adopted the seminar format for future Simple Discipleship implementation seminars.

I understand the North American Mission Board (NAMB) is now working with Everett to train denominational leaders to lead “Champion Church” groups. Finally! I see great potential in those turnaround churches. They need coachable pastors, responsive denominational leaders, a willingness to innovate, and resourcing by the agencies.

One more point. What if the mega and large churches decided to be willing to send these turnaround champion churches at least ten workers in critical areas for about six months to a year. WOW! It would not threaten or hurt the big churches, it would solidify the growth in the turnaround churches, and God’s Kingdom would flourish. Think about it!

SD Blessings!

Dr. Tom Cocklereece

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