GROWING HEALTHY MISSIONAL PASTORS, CHURCHES & DENOMINATIONS
For many years I have shared both the pain and the joys of those who work with churches. Like many of you, I have asked many times whether there are better ways forward to thrive together and have missional impact on our world. And sustainable ways - it's not about trying harder - but doing different things in different ways. Interrupting and reflecting on practice. That is what I do as a pastoral supervisor/mentor. What I do as a church and non-profit consultant. And what I endeavour to do as a blogger and writer. I hope what is posted here is water, God willing, for those planted in churches that we may thrive together.
Please let me know what you think in the comments. Or you can contact me through my website: www.ianduncum.com.au

WHY ISN'T MY CHURCH GROWING? AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
These are really good questions. But the answers are complex and multifaceted. Some people are less concerned about growth, but here I am talking about growth in the context of the impact of the Gospel on lives, of people becoming Christians.
Reasons for Church Decline:
Cultural Shifts:
Changing Values: Traditional values associated with religious institutions may not resonate with younger generations, who often prioritize individualism and personal freedom.
Secularization: The trend towards secularization in Western societies has led to a decline in religious affiliation. Many individuals now identify as non-religious or atheist.
Source: Bruce, Steve. Secularization: In Theory and Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Generational Differences:
Gen Y/Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha: These generations often prioritize authenticity, social justice, and climate change. Many denominations and churches have not yet responded to these shifts. Additionally, musical forms that are relevant for each generation must be taken into account.
Distrust in Institutions: There is a general skepticism towards institutions, including religious organisations, due to scandals and hypocrisy.
Source: Kinnaman, David. You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church and Rethinking Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011.
"Competition" from Other Activities:
Alternative Communities: Many people find community and purpose in non-religious settings, such as clubs, sports, and online communities.
Churches have largely forgotten their role in building community and wellbeing in their local communities.
Lack of Engagement:
Outdated Practices: Some churches may not adapt their services and outreach to meet the needs and preferences of contemporary society.
Insufficient Outreach: Many churches and individual Christians struggle to effectively reach out to their communities, failing to connect with those outside their congregations.
Source: Rainer, Thom S. The Unchurched Next Door: Understanding Faith Stages as Keys to Sharing Your Faith. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2003.
. 5. Economic Factors:
Financial Constraints: Poor ministry viability/health and economic downturns can lead to reduced donations, impacting church activities and growth.
Source: McKinsey & Company. “The Future of the Church: A McKinsey Perspective.“
Solutions
Be responsive to these shifts. Revitalise churches and engage meaningfully with local communities in service and faith-sharing, particularly with younger generations (Source: McIntosh, Gary L. One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2009.)
See my blog post "Can These Bones Live?" for a longer discussion about the perils and possibilities of church revitalisation. https://www.ianduncum.com.au/post/thriving-together-dr-ian-duncum-1
Consider adoption mergers for churches that are stuck in decline. I discuss an adoption merger that I was involved in facilitating that has quadrupled in a short time post merger here: https://www.ianduncum.com.au/post/church-revitalization-through-adoption
Be open to new forms of church that are focused on making disciples who make disciples (and leaders who reproduce leaders). I discuss microchurch and multisite churches in this blog post: https://www.ianduncum.com.au/post/thriving-together-dr-ian-duncum-a-looming-crisis-part-3-the-future-of-the-church
Plant churches that plant churches (especially churches planting churches that plant churches). I have said before that national, denominational and local context are less important than internal church factors for church vitality (Source: Kaldor, P., Bellamy, J., Powell, R., Hughes, B., & Castle, K. (1997). Shaping a future: Characteristics of vital congregations. Adelaide: Openbook.) In the video link that follows is irrefutable evidence that church planting movements involving hundreds of churches and dozens of countries can happen in a Western context, even in the dumpster fire of European secularism. I was privileged to meet and hear Øivind Augland speak of this recently when he was in Sydney. As Jesus said, there is and always will be good, fruitful, multiplying soil (Mat 13:1-23): v23 The good ground represents the heart of a man who listens to the message and understands it and goes out and brings thirty, sixty, or even a hundred others into the Kingdom.” TLB Watch this and be inspired that church multiplication can happen today!
Leadership development and spiritually entrepreneurial environments that foster leadership will be key components of moving the church forward in all these areas in the West:
Train Leaders: Investing in leadership development can help churches cultivate passionate and effective leaders who can inspire growth.
Mentoring/Coaching Programs: Establishing mentoring and coaching opportunities can help younger members feel valued and connected.
If you would like to explore ministry supervision or mentoring to help you achieve your goals please connect with me for a no obligation conversation about how I can help you develop as a missional leader.
© 2024 Ian Duncum. All rights reserved. No reproduction without written permission.
Rev Dr Ian Duncum is a trained and accredited (with John Mark Ministries) church consultant with over 20 years experience of working with non-profit enterprises and churches across a number of denominations. This has also included denominational leadership in church health and development and church research in the tertiary education sector. An accredited minister with a track record of growing churches, Ian also trains church consultants, facilitates training for ministers and leaders, and mentors/supervises pastors and other leaders. He can be contacted at ian@ianduncum.com.au
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