Opinion pulpit
Biblical Recorder:
Journal of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina

Friday, Feb. 19, 1999
How to outgrow an ingrown church
Now, lest I be misunderstood, I'm not against good pastoral care of the flock. I am against that being assumed to be the biblical mission of the church.


By Eddie Hammett
A prevalent reality of our age is the ingrown nature of many churches that are so inwardly focused they cannot be effective in going into all the world to spread the good news. Churches seem to have lost sight of the biblical mission and have become content in taking care of those who are active members. In fact, many churches and church leaders seem to believe the mission is one of caring for its members. While this is a vital role of the church, it is not the biblical mission. How do we help ingrown churches turn their inward focus to reaching and ministering to the lost, hurting and needy as the scriptures mandate (Isaiah 61, Matthew 28, Acts 2)?

Recognizing an ingrown church

Ingrown churches seem to exhibit various characteristics. While these characteristics might be considered good by many, frequently they fuel an ingrown, maintenance-minded congregation.

Characteristics include:

Focusing on those inside the church rather than those outside.

  • Spending more time taking care of "us" rather than reaching "them."

  • Finances put toward maintaining buildings and membership rather than reaching and ministering to those outside the church.

  • Program and ministry planning which seem to focus on those in attendance rather than those we are called to reach.

  • A leadership core which seems preoccupied with care-giving rather than evangelism and missions.

  • Church business meetings focused on pampering the membership rather than evangelizing the world.

    While these are only indicative characteristics, they are not exhaustive. An ingrown state of ministering has more to do with the mindset and core values of a congregation than simply its various administrative details.

    Mirroring reality in an ingrown church

    The work of leading in an ingrown church is often filled with "warm fuzzies" for those leaders (clergy and laity alike) who are great care-givers - they visit regularly, nurturing the hurting and needy of the congregation. They visit hospitals, perform or attend weddings and funerals, make house visits and pay close attention to members present at church gatherings. However, these leaders often are not leading the church into the future, but enabling the church to turn inward and, in most cases, planting the seeds of death in the congregation. While these care-giving leaders are doing a great and needed ministry to those inside the congregation, they are not leading the church to accomplish the biblical mission and please God. Now, lest I be misunderstood, I'm not against good pastoral care of the flock. I am against that being assumed to be the biblical mission of the church.

    Leaders (clergy and laity alike) must help congregations mirror reality and thus come to an understanding and acceptance of the inward mindset and distraction from the biblical mission. This can be done in several ways:

  • Preach and teach regularly on the biblical mission of the church.

  • Work diligently and intentionally with deacons and church leaders to help them develop their outward focus.

  • Ask the hard questions when it comes to planning and budgeting meetings: Are we taking care of us or trying to reach the unreached, etc.?

  • Work with the congregation to rethink definitions of success. (See "The Gathered and Scattered Church" by Hammett scheduled to be released by Smyth & Helwys in May.)

  • When leaders begin to refocus the church, or try to refocus the church, recognize that many members will likely be offended that they no longer are in the forefront on the pastor's mind. But wherever the leaders lead and whatever model they project, it is where the congregation or class is likely to follow. God needs a few leaders who are willing to stand in the gap to help outgrow an ingrown church.

    Some resources to help with this transition include:

  • "Outgrowing an Ingrown Church" by John Calvin (call Abington Press, [800] 251-3320).

  • "Making the Church Work" by Hammett (call [800] 747-3016 or for the video, [800] 395-5102 ext. 418).

  • "Managing Change and Transition" video (call [800] 395-5102 ext. 160).

  • "Revolution in Leadership" by Reggie McNeal (call the Leadership Network at [800] 765-5323).

  • "Creating a Process for Change for the Local Church" video by Hammett.

  • "Sharing Christ Meeting Needs" by Don Atkinson and Charles Roeselle (call [800] 458-2772).

    What it takes to outgrow an ingrown church

    Outgrowing an ingrown church takes a clear vision of the biblical purpose of the church, a commitment to focusing on that mission, good planning skills, conflict management skills, patience, prayer and intentionality.

    Outgrowing an ingrown church is tough work which calls forth the best in leaders. The challenge before lay and clergy leaders include these steps:

  • Assessing the situation.

  • Revisiting the biblical mandate for the church.

  • Rethinking the definition of success for programs, budgeting and ministries.

  • Focused prayer on persons, issues and groups needing to refocus.

  • Courage to take risks in relationships and leadership among their peers.

  • Dependency upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

  • Working patiently, but deliberately, with the most open groups to help them model this transition.

  • Sensitivity to the feelings of persons faced with a reality that causes them some losses, grief and readjustment.

    The challenge of outgrowing an ingrown church is often overwhelming for Christian leaders. Who wants to take on such an assignment when you know you are going against the tide, the preferences of most of the parishioners and calling them to a commitment beyond their comfort zones?

    The leaders who accept this challenge exhibit great courage, commitment and desire to please God. They also need encouragement, support and prayer.

    If you are facing this transition and challenge and would like support, guidance and encouragement, call (800) 395-5102 ext. 418, or e-mail Ehammet@bscnc.org. You might also want to visit our Web site at http://www.bscnc.org, then click on "related sites" and "laity leadership team."

    (EDITOR'S NOTE- Hammett is director of leadership for N. C. Baptists.)

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