Embracing the Journey: A Personal Guide for Pastoral Resilience in Church Decline

Big Idea:

If you are a pastor of a church in decline, one of the best things you can do is work on building connections.

Help! My church is in decline!

In the ebb and flow of ministry, when attendance dwindles, and the once-bubbling baptism tank stays eerily dry, pastors find themselves grappling with an undeniable reality—the church is in decline. Conflicts and diverse opinions muddy the waters, leaving us feeling like we're just existing as a church. So, what's a pastor to do in the face of such challenges? I believe it boils down to something deeply personal: evaluating our connections.

Our Connection to Christ:

In those moments when the spiritual well seems to run dry, where our connection to Christ is not as vibrant as it should be, discouragement sets in. As pastors, we're not exempt from this struggle. We are the "Chief Learners" within our church, entrusted with the responsibility to actively live out the greatest commandments: Loving our God and Loving Others. So how do we seek wisdom from Christ in the midst of church decline?

1. Engage with God's Word - My Lifeline:

   • Personally, I've found solace and direction by immersing myself in God's Word regularly. It's my lifeline, a source of wisdom that transcends the challenges of pastoral leadership.

2. Prayerful Reflection - Adoring God Anew:

   • Scheduling intentional prayer time isn't just about intercession; it's about adoring God and seeking growth in my connection to loving Him more deeply.

3. Learning from Others - A Humbling Journey:

   • In this digital age, listening to sermons from other preachers online has been a humbling journey of seeking truth and wisdom from God, not just to improve my skills but to anchor my soul in His truth.

4. Continuous Spiritual Growth - Small Steps Matter:

   • Weekly, I take deliberate steps in growing in wisdom—memorizing God's Word, seeking biblical counseling, reading, and making achievable spiritual strides each week.

Our Connection to the Local Community:

In my own experience, a weak connection with the local community has added to the burden of a declining church. As pastors, we must be at the forefront of building gospel opportunities within our communities.

1. Community Groups - Finding Common Ground:

   • Personally, joining a community group aligned with my interests, like pickleball at the local park, has opened doors to opportunities I never anticipated.

2. Volunteering - Building Relationships:

   • Regularly volunteering at parades, shelters, and food pantries has been more than a community service—it's been about building genuine connections and relationships.

3. Expressing Gratitude - Seeds of Connection:

   • Saying thank you verbally, through greeting cards, gifts, and even thank-you events, has allowed me to express gratitude for my community and sow seeds of connection for potential gospel opportunities.

Our Connection to the Local Church:

Feeling disconnected from the vibrant life of the local church adds an extra layer of discouragement. As pastors, we must not only shepherd, care, and pray for our congregations but also be attuned to how God is working through our church people’s lives.

1. Living Out One Anothers - A Daily Practice:

   • Personally, I've integrated the daily practice of living out the one anothers of Scripture within our congregation, involving church leaders in this daily pursuit of truth.

2. Acknowledging Congregational Efforts - Notes of Appreciation:

   • Actively looking for how our congregation lives out the one anothers of Scripture and sending notes of appreciation has become a monthly practice.

3. Monthly Focus on One Anothers - Practical Application:

   • Regularly spotlighting and practicing one of the One Anothers within our congregation each month has created a culture where small groups and leadership teams actively engage in these biblical truths.

Our Connection to Brothers in Ministry (Fellow Pastors):

Feeling isolated in ministry is a struggle that resonates deeply. In recognizing this, I've actively sought connections with fellow pastors who understand the journey.

1. Building Relationships - Shared Journeys:

   • Reaching out to fellow ministers, praying for them privately and publicly, sharing meals, and scheduling regular virtual meetings has built a network of shared journeys.

2. Local Pastors' Fellowship - A Supportive Community:

   • Joining a local pastor's fellowship has provided not just a platform for resources but a supportive community where we lift each other up in prayer and share insights.

3. National Associations of Churches - Broader Connections:

   • Getting involved in national associations of churches has opened doors to broader connections, offering resources designed to support pastors in their unique roles.

Conclusion:

In the face of church decline, I've come to realize that building connections isn't just a strategic move; it's a personal journey. It's about seeing how God molds me into the person He envisions me to be. If your church is navigating decline, I urge you to embark on this journey of connection building. Reach out, seek guidance, and witness the transformative power of connections. If you need a listening ear or a nudge in the right direction, please reach out. I'd love to walk this journey with you and offer the encouragement you need.