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