Seeking Feedback: Why Do Churches Lose “Momentum”?
Every so often, we have a brief post in which we seek your feedback. We hope you will provide comments, and that these comments will help others think through this subject.
Today’s topic is “momentum” (for lack of a better term). You know the feeling. A congregation starts (or begins a great new program), and explodes out of the gates. There is excitement and growth. There are workers and volunteers galore.
Then……..
The excitement wanes. The volunteers grow less interested and less in number.
I know there is not one single reason why this is the case. I want your comments, though. What has caused a lessening of momentum in a congregation or a work that you have been involved with? By sharing, you may be helping another congregation (or your own!) avoid some pitfalls to momentum.
I look forward to every comment!
6 Comments
Scott
I think it has to do with our make-up as people. We tire of something after awhile and want something different (not necessarily new). Churches need to evaluate each program regularly to see if it should be revised, recharged, renewed, or replaced. Sometimes taking a break from a program — Like a year not doing a VBS – will rekindle interest the following year.
I think much of it has to do with each individaul and their level of satisfaction, dissatisfaction, or “un”-satisfaction. That is to say am I complacent not willing to put in more effort, complaining because I do not like something or someone, or am I compelled to do my part to make something better than it is?
My random thoughts.
Andy Brewer
Similar to what Scott said, I think congregations lose momentum when they are no longer challenged. When a congregation is satisified to maintain the status quo then there is not going to be the excitement to move forward. The challenge could be in the form of a new program, but it could be in a revamping or new emphasis on a current program. Something we are trying at Phillips St. this year is having a Friends and Family Day and when I announced it I told the members that we were not going to be sending out any advertisements to other congregations. But we challenged them and said we set a goal of having 200 people that morning (we usually have between 140-150). But we as individuals are responsible for the advertising. I feel strongly that because they were challenged in a reasonable and optimistic way that they will respond. Granted, this is only a theory. We’ll see how it works for us.
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Mark Jacques
The immediate gratification is not there for people. Most of these things have to do with our, “feelings”,. And in society right now, much of the time we do things and get involved in things that have an immediate positive, “feeling”, for ourselves. Or self-gratification. You will have 200 people at a pot-luck but try and get that many to a door knocking event or visitation.
When Christ tells us we must forget self and serve him first and then others, that is a very difficult thing to do. Our culture is driven on things that are immediate and easy for self. Independence and freedom are a good thing. But not when it is taken to the point in our minds of releasing us from personal responsibility to do certain things.
Why do we do the things we do? Why are we involved in certain things and not others? Are we just involved in the things we like?If so, why?”
Again this is opinion of what I see. People will type things they would never say face to face. Why? Does it make them feel and look good? Loving, caring, smart, and understanding? Sometimes it is the furthest thing from being real.
I like the question. I also like this one. “Why do we get involved in things in the first place?” If it is not for the right reason we wont stay long anyway. I believe things fade away because of the selfishness of those initially involved. Not a quick enough self-gratification.
Mark Jacques
One more crucial aspect. Driven leadership with a goal. That number one goal should be teaching the gospel to the lost and restoring those that have wandered away. If we do that everything else will work.
Westley Hazel
Interesting question Adam. I have thought about this for a couple of days. There are several things that come to mind and there are probably a combination of these things that contribute in most circumstances.
1. It wasn’t that great a program to begin with.
2. It wasn’t well organized.
3. Failure of leadership to promote and maintain energy.
4. Failure of leadership to highlight true results.
5. Failure to take ownership of….
6. People’s lives are too busy and filled with non spiritual things. It gets chocked out
7. Failure to adapt. Every program can be inproved. This keeps it fresh.