The Dirty Dozen
Institutionalized Church –
- focused of the forms and programs of
ministry, rather than the purpose for which the church was created.
- The good has become the enemy of the
best.
- Activity has choked out productivity.
Voluntary
Association
Church –
- Functions more like a democratic
government than a NT Church.
- It is of the people, by the people,
and FOR the people.
- Wants to retain as many people as
possible.
- Tries to be balanced so as not to
upset people.
- Doesn’t want to disrupt the
“status quo.”
- Constitution and By-Laws are held at
or near the same level as scripture.
Unintentional Church –
- Has good intentions, but usually
doesn’t follow through.
- May have the proper ingredients, but
figures growth will just happen.
- Has no intention process for
producing disciples.
Us Four and No
More
Church –
- Think that if they grow they will
loose their “fellowship.”
- Do not intentionally reject new
people.
- Current relationships are so strong
that new people can’t “break in.”
We Can’t Compete Church –
- They feel stuck and have given up.
- Have decided they can’t compete
with bigger churches, so they have given up.
- Don’t understand that everyone
is not looking for a “mega church.”
Decently and In Order Church –
- Have a high regard for process, but
lack passion
- Run “by the book” just
not the right book.
- Set up on a business model.
- As long as it is approved by
committee and discussed in detail it is alright.
- Has forgotten that the
“business” of the church is to make disciples.
Square Peg in a Round Hole Church
–
- Is concerned about just
“filling the position.”
- People are not serving in their areas
of giftedness or passion.
- This organization stifles the
church’s impact.
Time –
Warp
Church –
- They have grown comfortable in the
way they do things and expect people to adapt to their way.
- This is the “We’ve never
done it that way before.” Mentality
- They we probably effective at one
time, but have changed to adapt to the changes in the community.
Tidy
Church –
- There is great pride in the facility.
- Everything is well kept and well
organized.
- When outreach efforts draw a rowdy
crowd unrest begins to develop.
- Growth is then seen as a threat and
contained in order to prevent further damage.
My Way or the
Highway
Church –
- Has a vocal group that “knows
how things should be.”
- They are not satisfied unless things
are done their way.
- This church gives new people the
clear message that they are not welcome.
Chaplaincy
Church –
- The church has hired the pastor to be
busy meeting the needs of the members and making the church grow.
- Members identify the needs and expect
the pastor to meet them.
- They do not want the pastor/staff to
lead them.
The
Company
Church –
- Is focused on doing what is handed
down by the denomination rather than how to reach their community.
- The denominational calendar and
programs become the driving force of what they do.
Play it
Safe
Church –
- Has little faith that God will
provide for their needs.
- Hinders ministry and evangelism
rather than enabling them.
- Wants to protect what it has.
- No plan is made to use their money to
reach people for Christ.
- Members have little if any incentive
to give.
- People don’t give , so the
people in change of the finances assume they were smart to protect what
they have.
taken from "Comeback Churches" by Ed Stetzer & Mike Dodson