SHARE THE DREAM BUILD THE TEAM

SHARE THE DREAM BUILD THE TEAM: Ten Keys For Revitalizing Your Church Baker Books pp.157 price $26.95 Donald W. Morgan
D.W.M. retired pastor of First Church of Christ- Wethersfield, Connecticut. Church consultant and dynamic speaker.

Lyle E Schaller says of this book- "It is a manual that identifies core competencies required to fulfill the most difficult pastoral assignment in contemporary American Protestantism."
The pastor who plans to respond to an ailing church needs to begin with himself/herself. He needs to be a leader, he is the key. Faithfulness and fruitfulness are two goals that every believer and church need to embrace. One obvious result of these goals being accomplished will be numbers.
When we dream about doing God’s work in a fruitful way we need to think beyond the parameters, outside the box. There must be creativity that will respond to ongoing changes in our culture when it comes to doing church.
Effective leaders need to be visionary and this vision needs to be heard and understood by the people. The New Testament church is a model that reflects ingredients of a healthy church. Specific goals for the future of a growing church are important. Without these goals evaluation is not possible.
We must go back to go forward. Succesful leaders know this principle. It is important to have a clear understanding of continuity, things that don’t change, and discontinuity, things that do change. To lead a church successfully you must understand a church’s past as you move toward goals of the future. From time to time it is important to take a very objective look at your church through the eyes of a stranger. "Pay attention to detail." p.62
Leadership style will enhance or stifle growth in a church. Team leadership is more effective than individual leadership. Leaders must be identfied, recruited, and trained. Nominating or searching for leaders is a very significant process. Leaders need to be trained and then let loose.
Sheep (lamb) feeding is not an option. Without it decline and death are certain. Effective feeding involves 1. relevant preaching 2. exciting, inspiring, worship 3.small group intimacy 4. hands on mission and service.
Our churches should be visible , a shining light, through creative communication, effective advertising, expansion, and regular evaluation. "Let your light shine." p.109.
The managment of growth and change is a big challenge. There will be opposition. Crisis is normal. There will be trial by fire. Some helpful guidelines are given to make change successful. "16 Facts About Making Change Happen." p.136. Leaders who are commited to change must have the following personal traits and qualities- patience, persistance, discernment, love and faith.
Successes need to be celebrated. Ps. 118:32. Celebration is "a universal need." p.143. Success also needs to be affirmed. Celebrating is part of good coaching. Be creative in ways to celebrate.
The author closes the book by challenging church leaders to go for the "Wow factor" in actualizing their dreams for their churches.
Comment hd
This author has had unusual success as a revitalizer of churches. His observations include strong examples. It seems that he had a special gifting. His focus on teamwork in all this is key. There is a simplicity in his presentation and great enthusiasm in what is called possibility thinking. I am sure this book has been and will continue to be an encouragment to pastors who are struggling with the challenge of revitalizing a church.