One of the greatest obstacles to your church growing, thriving and reaching its “full redemptive potential” is a short, 6-word phrase that has led to the plateau and ultimate decline of many a church:

That will never work here because…

If only I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard that statement over the years – it’s normally followed by:

• my people would never go for that
• you don’t know what I have to go through to make changes at my church
• it’s different in the south/north/midwest/west coast/(insert your location here)
• it’s an urban/rural/suburban/(insert your setting here) thing
• we’ve never done it that way before

I’ve heard this statement – in its many variations – so many times that now I ask my coaching participants to extract it from their vocabulary for the time they’re in the network (and for the most part they do).

It’s often the poison of “that will never work here” thinking that keeps you from attempting to lead God-inspired change in your church.

In coaching over 700 pastors in ALL KINDS OF churches, denominations, settings and geographic locations, I’ve seen that the systems, the growth barriers and the leadership techniques that lead to lasting health and growth in churches are eerily similar – no matter where “here” is for you.

So here’s my challenge to you:

Stop looking at every method, principle, teaching and technique from the standpoint of “why that won’t work in my church” and, instead:

• Seek God’s direction.
• Set some ministry goals.
• Begin implementing the changes it will take to get from where your church is today to where God wants you to be six months or a year from now.

When you begin to realize that the principles of church health and growth are the same in towns as different as New York City, Walla Walla, Poplar Bluff and Kalamazoo, you’ll be able to get to work on cooperating with God to reach the people of your community with the Gospel!

P.S. If you’re looking for a proven process to expand your leadership skills, improve the health of your church and “cooperate with God to reach the people of your community,” my next Tele-Coaching Network for Senior Pastors begins in August and I’m receiving applications now.

Click here to read more and to download your application.

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.