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Relocating the Church. By Dr. Tom Cheyney, Executive Director of Missions. Looking Back. It is easier to relocate a new church then an existing one. You get smarter when you are in the middle of the relocation than you are at the beginning.
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Relocating the Church By Dr. Tom Cheyney, Executive Director of Missions
Looking Back • It is easier to relocate a new church then an existing one. • You get smarter when you are in the middle of the relocation than you are at the beginning. • Most church relocations are the result of a communities rapid expansion and the church is swallowed up. It is time to either relocate, buy extra land or begin the process of downsizing the present ministry.
Let me tell you about Northwood Baptist Church! • Originally it was a subdivision built church nestled within a particular area of WPB. • The community began to shift and the church either had to relocate or begin the process of downsizing. • It was a strong mid-size church but in order for it to continue to grow it had to either move or start satellite services somewhere else. • It had become landlocked and was overflowing its facilities.
Let me tell you about Northwood Baptist Church! • Usually one of the first tell tail signs is that parking becomes a problem and needs to be addressed right away. • A hand full of key lay leaders were willing to address relocation. • After months of real hard work they moved forward and began the process of relocation.
Introduction • Reasons for relocation • Resources for relocation • Resolve during relocation • Results of relocation
You must realize that you will face intense conflict to accompany any significant change process that points you toward relocation!
Inventory • 10 – Year Profile • Fresh Visioning Process • Strategic Planning Model
Solutions For Limiting Factors Progress Toward God’s Vision Strategic Planning Model GOD’S VISION CURRENT REALITY Plan Backwards Identify Limiting Factors
Initiation • Share with the church God’s Vision. • Share the current reality. • Outline major steps to reach God’s Vision. • Keep the focus on the Purpose, Values, Vision.
Implementation • Proclaim a day of prayer and fasting. • Elect teams to direct the process. • Property Needs Team • Property Acquisition Team • Capital Funds Team • Spiritual Emphasis Team • Building/Campus Needs Team • Clearly delineate team assignments and accountability. Make regular progress reports to the church.
Along my journey, my good planning encouraged me! My ignorance humbled me.
Some Things I Learned Along the Way! • Seek the advice of others often! (Moses asked Jethro over and over again Exodus 18) • Begin to cultivate early a strong sense of Biblical urgency. Churches usually do not address problems until they are too late. By then it swamps the boat. Jesus’ parables are a great place to start as an antidote to inertia.
Some Things I Learned Along the Way! • Preaching, teaching, organized prayer meetings for the specific purpose of relocation, special events, and personal testimonies can quicken a churches heartbeat to take the next step of faith. • Sadly, complacency remains par for the course in most member’s during relocation projects. Avoiding such malady is critical.
Some Things I Learned Along the Way! • Identify and mobilize your key lay leaders. Enlist the support of your strong influencers. Get your early adopters and apostles moving the congregation forward. • Don’t use up your time placating and cajoling those who are fearful of the move. Keep your focus on the focus, and your hand on the throttle!
Some Things I Learned Along the Way! • Continually highlight the primary reason for the relocation is for kingdom purposes and values. (A good resource is Tom Brandy’s book, Moving Off the Map.) • Expect Spiritual Warfare! It is an indication that God is at work. • Relocation pits the value of self-interest against the value of community outreach and expansion.
Some Things I Learned Along the Way! • Remember as a leader, it is better to not internalize the criticism but to see it for what it is – a spiritual matter. • Be careful to not get too far ahead of the pack. Keep as many as possible informed along the way. It is painful to move so give ample time for the grieving process to occur. (A good resource is Bill Bridges’ book Managing Transitions.) He has given a three step process for letting go and embracing the future.
Incidentals • Decide on a firm budget for phase one. • Don’t forget to include: impact fees, inspections, fill for property, underground drainage, lift stations for sewage, parking lots, fire plugs, civil engineering, surveying, utilities, landscaping, furnishings, etc. • Add 10% to your final estimate. • Employ a project coordinator.
Incidentals Continued • Expect delays in the zoning process. • Begin relating to your new neighbors. • Preach messages on faith, sacrifice, unity, pulling together and reaching the unchurched. • Stay on your knees! • Find ways to deal with stress and stay spiritually fresh.
Remember, Your DeaconsCan Help! • Deacons should be sensitive to your pastor. • Deacons should be ready to handle objections and concerns. • Deacons should stay positive. • Deacons can help keep the focus on the purpose …TO MAKE DISCIPLES! • Deacons should set the pace in sacrificial giving.
Design a transition process to help members let go of what they know and love before asking them to embrace the uncertain future!
Wrapping it up! • The ideas that we have shared are certainly not the only pieces of advice that could be rendered. • Each setting demands a careful diagnostic assessment so that leaders can design a practical and relevant process. • It is always easier looking back then seeing the challenges as they confront us. Hindsight is always 20/20.
