Hinderances to Effectiveness in the Evangelical Church

#6 February 8, 2010



Part 1


Many Pastors are diligent. They pray for and love the people they shepherd. They do accurate and careful exegesis of the text. They prepare and deliver solid messages. They have Vision and Goals. They engage the community in which they serve. They are faithful.


The church they lead does not grow numerically or spiritually. People are not Transformed. The Pastor ask himself - - WHY???


The exegesis that is missing is of the culture. I refer to the ministry culture that frames or shapes the church. Every church exists in a culture. The factors that comprise that culture have a profound but often unrecognized impact on effectiveness. When these factors are not identified, analyzed and addressed, stagnation and decline are the inevitable result.


Part 2


What are these factors? Over the next seven weeks I will list and speak to each of these factors. It is profoundly futile to invest effort into Spiritual Formation when there are multiple elements that mitigate against that reality. Coming to terms with this issue, eradicating these elements and then anticipating progress is reality. Ignoring these factors will produce only frustration, stagnation and ultimately perhaps resignation.


Be encouraged. There is hope. Visit this BLOG every week for the next eight (8) weeks and learn what needs to be removed. Then, you will have the prospect of finding joy in seeing God transform His people into the fullness of Christ. That is will worth pursuing!


Next Week - Issue # 1 - LEADERSHIP