Church growth and health is not only for new vibrant churches, the are also good for old, long time and established churches. Fortunately, I have been asked to speak to pastors in established churches and we are seeing God at work. In both rural and urban areas, I see lots of established churches that need to grow and recover their health. God has not given up on established and traditional churches, we too should not.
A. DEFINING AN ESTABLISHED CHURCH – Rev. 3: 1-3.
Another name for an established church is traditionally and orthodox church. An established church has a long-standing culture. The histories of these churches include; generations of families, enduring programmes, staff positions and expectations. Tradition is cherished and changes come slowly.
- A church of 15 years old upward is an established church.
- Any church with built up facilities is an established church
- Any church already on their own land is established
- Any church where tradition, dogmas and laid down policy procedures are in place.
- Any church where order, red-tape, hierarchies and doctrinal standard are settled.
- Life, vitality, dynamism and growth are no longer there.
- Break away, losses and internal wrangling are life.
- Stagnation, retrogression and downward spiral are in open display.
I have visited many churches that were once full to the brim but are now empty! They have known better days. The facility is great without, but the real church has gone!
B. INTERNAL TROUBLES OF ESTABLISHED CHURCHES.
Most established churches are denominational. Meaning that central control, financial burden, pastoral transfer and policy bottlenecks will slow down the local church. Aside that, there are internal troubles that render established churches impact- less in their localities:
- Usurpation of authority by power groups
- Policy of elders having more authority than that of pastors
- Heavy debt burden of building project
- Vision of maintenance and contentment
- Constant change and shopping for pastors.
- Divisions, ethnicities and tribalism of positions.
- Demonic onslaught and witchcraft operations
- Doctrinal error and theological shutouts
- Subjugating the gifts and ministry of members
- Unsaved, carnal and scandalous pastors.
- Divided interests and selfish agendas
- Misappropriation of funds and mismanagement
- Resisting change and innovations.
Most established churches have pastors who rake them off them until the members begin to fight them off and take charge of their own affairs. Established churches with these internal troubles can be found among Pentecostals, Baptists, Anglican, Methodist, African indigenous charismatic churches. They are usual problems of old churches, irrespective of name or affiliation. No discriminations!
Recommended Reading
Administering Church Discipline – The Right Way
How To Render Acceptable Service Unto God
Christian Journey:Purpose Of Trials
C. HOW TO BRING HEALTHY GROWTH TO ESTABLISHED CHURCHES – Acts 3:19.
I believe strongly that God has not given up on established churches. Because he still calls pastors to these churches, and already some refreshing from the lord is taking place there.
- You must be sure of God’s calling on an established church
- You must go there on our knees
- Ou will be tested and tried before you can earn their respect
- You must use your pulpit to rally them to the vision of the future
- Call them to prayer, fasting and seeking the lord
- The band of intercessors is very crucial
- Focus on those who are supportive, not those who oppose.
- Introduce change slowly after due consultations.
- The presence and power of the holy spirit with manifestations are crucial
- Take the S. W. O. T analysis of the church.
- Outreach, evangelism and gospel witness must be emphatic
- Do spiritual warfare and rid the church of demons.
Every established church can experience a turn-around, revitalisation and fresh growth, provided pastors are committed to working for growth. There are too many stagnant established churches with lands and facilities that are rotting away. Those facilities built with billions of God’s money must be put back into use for kingdom expansion in their localities and beyond. So, let’s go and grow established churches!
Prayer Points
- Spiritual stagnation holding my church to a spot, release her now in Jesus’ name.
- Father lord, abolish every traction that retard growth in your church
- Anointing that turns forest to city, fall upon my life in Jesus’ name.