The law of inertia says that, apart from an outside force acting on it, matter at rest remains at rest. That’s the extent of my recollection from college physics. But it sticks in my mind because, while a church isn’t exactly matter, something similar happens when congregations get stuck.
Just as a vehicle stuck in the mud requires dedicated effort to move it along, when a church gets stuck focused effort is required to move the church back to fruitful ministry. As stated before, you need alignment. But you also need momentum, directing the efforts of members in the direction of God’s leadership.
Scripture often describes the church’s work in terms of movement. Hebrews 12:1 calls Christians to lay aside any weights or sin and “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Ultimately, when one becomes stuck, the object is to get moving again.
So how does a stuck church reestablish momentum? The above scripture and subsequent verse, I believe, provide some direction.
First, consider what “weights” or “sin” cling to the church, bogging her down. The writer of Hebrews was careful to note both. That sin impedes Christ’s church is obvious. I would cite examples, but where would I stop? In such cases, without repentance, there is no forward progress.
But the writer also notes “weights,” which might not be sin in and of themselves, but they too hinder progress in God’s church. Examples that come to mind include clumsy organization, unclear direction or ineffective tactics. It’s possible for churches to be full of busy people whose efforts do nothing to advance gospel ministry.
What sin or weights make up the mud clinging to your congregation? How will you lay them aside?
Second, start moving. The verse says, “let us run with endurance…” More than that, it says, “run… the race that is set before us.” Here’s the great news! The author and perfecter of our faith has marked out our course. For His joy he has set out the way for His church to go. I believe scripture spells it out in the Great Commission. So it’s not enough to just get moving, as in “just do something.” We need to move in the right direction.
For a church that’s stuck I believe momentum begins with one or two simple ministry projects to show God remains at work through His people. Perhaps it’s a new disciple making small group, or a community mission project drawing Christians to apply what God’s doing though them outside the church walls.
It only takes a few simple victories to show movement toward God’s greater call. Then, as movement begins and more people engage, leaders can pick up the pace.
Celebrate each victory with testimonies to the church about persons touched. And remember, if you are in a small church it only takes a few small victories regain momentum. How do you judge the victories? By how they fit “the race that is set before us.”
Finally, stay focused on Jesus Himself. Strategy is important as a tool for accomplishing God’s purpose in your setting. But the greater truth to remember is that strategy is nothing if it is not tied to the mission of Christ. When you remember that it’s all about loving and serving and honoring the One who endured the cross and sits now at the Father’s right hand, that’s when you keep the momentum.
After all, it’s ALL about Him.
Blessings,
Jim