One of the key tools in assessing the health of a congregation is asking the questions “what’s working?” and “what’s not working?” This is NOT the same as “what do you like?” and “what don’t you like?” There could be a ministry that you passionately support that is not doing what it needs to do. There could also be a program that you don’t care for that is meeting all expectations. I like to rephrase the questions in terms of energy:
- What are some sources of energy and excitement in our church where God is at work in and through us to make a difference? Where are we being and doing our best?
- What are some issues that seem to consume energy without being resolved, or efforts that consume more energy than the ministry value they generate? Where do we want to be and do better?
Dr. Paul Raybon, our partner in ministry for Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, is Associate Pastor at Hominy Baptist Church near Asheville, NC and works with churches and leaders as a coach and consultant in visioning, administration, and spiritual formation. For more information about how he can help you, contact him at [email protected].