Clergy burnout is a pressing topic in today’s spiritual communities. We recognize that things need to change. But what? In looking at causes of clergy burnout, so far I have identified three factors: the impact of a fixed mindset, the pace of leadership change within congregations, and the sense that clergy are in it by themselves.

In this article, we will look at the fourth and final factor that contributes to clergy burnout: the culture of decline in churches. Not surprisingly, the solution is a culture of renewal. So, I will reveal three secret ingredients of my award-winning program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®. In this way, you can begin the process of implementing renewal in your setting now.

First – let’s ask an important question. How can you tell if your congregation is experiencing a culture of decline, or if it’s just experiencing temporary setbacks? Let’s take a deeper look.

Clergy Burnout Dilemma #4

Many mainline churches now operate in a culture of decline. Things aren’t what they used to be. As the percentage of “nones and dones” grow, the church has to fight to stay relevant. Even though what we have to offer remains as important as ever. In an increasingly polarized world, coming together to declare a gospel of unity, peace, and love seems passé.

In the church, the culture of decline is reinforced through three stubborn obstacles: a persistent focus on personalities, the past, and only engaging what is predictable. That means clergy attention is highjacked away from building forward momentum. Likely, you’re spending too much time soothing people and making sure folks don’t get mad. You’re probably also being asked to continually refocus on the traditions of the past instead of the possibilities of the present. Yet, predictable ideas lead to predictable results. It goes without saying that predictability doesn’t require any faith at all.

Bottom line: it’s hard to be prophetic, visionary, and risk-taking when you are up against these three stubborn obstacles.

The Myth of Many Problems

Dealing with the three stubborn obstacles exacerbates clergy burnout. But even more so, clergy burnout is perpetuated by one deadly myth. This is the myth that a church in decline has many problems that must be solved. In my decade plus work with congregations, I’ve identified eight distinct dynamics that manifest in a church in decline. They include:

1. Shrinking numbers
2. Problem people
3. Stagnant giving
4. Listless worship
5. Gutless prayer
6. Bait and switch evangelism
7. Insulated focus
8. Dead-end decision-making

You may think of these eight dynamics as eight separate problems that require eight different solutions. But the truth is these eight dynamics are but symptoms with one common denominator: the lack of a bold, compelling vision for the future.

Certified Renewalists Make a Difference

When Rev. Drew Willson of Richmond, Virginia joined Creating a Culture of Renewal®, his congregation was stuck in the myth of many problems. Drew inherited a congregation in decline. There was an average of 10 – 15 people attending, financial struggles, lack of commitment to change, and a “culture centered around the previous pastor.” Yet, Drew knew that in the face of fear and decline, he needed to refocus on the future. He knew he needed an entire culture shift, not just a temporary fix.

Through Creating a Culture of Renewal®, Drew led his congregation towards a bold, compelling vision for the future: “Extending God’s Table for All”. Together with the laity, they started a meal-sharing program. The church also began partnering with other denominations and a mobile health clinic to offer vaccines to underserved communities. Additionally, they joined forces with a nearby church to bring their congregations together in ministry. Instead of looking to the past, together they started looking for ways to bolster the welfare of the city.

The result? A congregation that has grown to 150 people. A culture shift towards laity-empowered ministry. Partnering with another church to become a single congregation with a forward-looking vision. Congregation members and church leadership coming together to create a community of renewal. In short, a miraculous shift in culture occurred.

In the process, Rev. Drew Willson earned his Certified Renewalist credential.

How Do You Create a Culture of Renewal?

In Creating a Culture of Renewal®, we have innovated a process that is proven to shift a culture of decline into a culture of renewal. I’d like to share with you three of our secret ingredients. But first let me tell you this surprising truth: renewal doesn’t come by changing and fixing external factors like shrinking numbers, stagnated giving, or insulated focus. Instead, renewal begins in the mindset and consciousness of the leader.

FIRST SECRET INGREDIENT: THE PLATINUM RULE

The Platinum Rule is a variation of the Golden Rule. Rather than assuming that everyone is just like you, the Platinum Rule teaches you to treat others the way they want to be treated. When you treat people the way they want to be treated, they feel seen, heard, and respected. This empowers you to bring out the best contributions of each of your people. You even learn how to bring out the best in those who frustrate you the most.

SECOND SECRET INGREDIENT: DREAMING LIKE JESUS

To displace the systemic culture that reinforces decline, you must enact a new vision for the future. This vision, or Jesus-like dream, must be outward focused rather than a church improvement plan. Only by being an agent of transformation for the community you serve will you transform the eight symptoms of a church in decline. Paradoxically, this outward focus will cause your church to improve.

 THIRD SECRET INGREDIENT: ADVANCING FROM DISCIPLESHIP TO APOSTLESHIP

Disciples don’t make other disciples. Apostles do. That means to grow the Kingdom, you’ll need to advance from the faith of a disciple to the faith of an apostle. In order to move from discipleship to apostleship, you will need to up-level your faith. Apostleship requires not only having faith in Jesus but daring to have the faith of Jesus. This expanded faith will allow you to participate with God in the realm of the miraculous. Thus enabling you and your people to bring your Jesus-like dream to life.

Are you a clergy member experiencing burnout in a culture of decline? Does renewal and a big vision seem out of reach? It’s time to try something brand new. Something that will take you out of the realm of tried-and-true behaviors, and into the unknown. It won’t be as predictable, but it will be exhilarating. We have 12 years of experience helping church leaders shift their mindset. Join me in my next free 90-minute online seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success”, to learn how you too can break the cycle of decline and lead your congregation into a vibrant culture of renewal. Miracles are possible!

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