Clogged Pipes

Here is the scenario. You agree to become the pastor of a church that has been in existence for 35 years. The church has a reputation for being fairly healthy in terms of finances and attendance. The church is able to pay you a good salary and the church is fairly full each Sunday and is not short of volunteers to man the various church ministries that exist. Everyone gets along well and there are no major issues. As you begin your ministry you notice two things. First there are no children in the nursery program and the average age of the leadership core of the church is in the mid forties to fifties. Secondly you notice that most of the pastor's energy is expected to be directed towards ministering to the needs of those who already attend the church.

Is there a problem?

If so what is it?

Give me some feedback and then I will give you my perspective and tell you about clogged pipes.

The above scenario is very common. On the surface the church seems to be doing well. However the seeds for decline and death are present in the church. In determining the health of a church what you measure is the key. If you are measuring attendance figures and budget amounts this church would seem healthy. However if the church is measured by the health of the pipeline then the church is in deep trouble. Each church needs to have 2 clear pipelines to maintain health. By pipeline I am referring to the flow of people into and in a church. The first pipeline is the flow of people from outside of the church into the church. This encompasses several systems which I will not discuss here. There must be a pipeline that reaches people from outside of the church and brings them to faith - disciples them - incorporates them and deploys them in ministry and leadership. Any blockage in this pipeline is a sign of an unhealthy church. The second pipeline is the age pipeline. The church must have significant ministry to every age group and in effect provide for the continued development of a person as they age. Any gap in this pipeline indicates an unhealthy church.

Generally leaders pay attention when the budget or attendance declines. However waiting for that to occur may be to late. As leaders we must be aware of the health of the 2 pipelines and unclog them before attendance and budgets decline. Better to buy a little draino and unclog the pipes than wait for the sewer to back up and call a plumber.