Developing a Discipleship System
Beyond Survival
by Ralph E. Bauserman, Evangelism Consultant, General Board of Discipleship

Just last week, a committed Christian and faithful leader in her church said to me, "Our church is just hanging on." How many times have we heard that statement in some form or other? So many of our churches, for whatever reason, are simply trying to survive. Many members of our congregations now sit on Sunday mornings among empty pews, remembering the "good old days" when their church was strong and vital. With the appointment of each new pastor, there is the hope that she or he will somehow bring revitalization to a church struggling to "hang on."

There are at least a couple of reasons why so many of our churches are struggling for survival. First, the world around us is changing more rapidly then most of us can imagine. While most people still claim to believe in God, fewer and fewer are turning to churches for spiritual help. In fact, there is a movement away from churches, especially denominational churches, in our society. So while our struggling churches open their doors, waiting for visitors, those visitors no longer come as they once did. In fact, the general public —for the most part — no longer views the church as a place to get their lives together and find healing and hope.

There is, however, a second reason why so many churches find themselves in a survival mode. In the process of struggling for survival, they have forgotten that they have a God-given mission. Somehow, they have forgotten the reason they exist; they have no plan or strategy for reaching the unchurched and making disciples. It little wonder that visitors do not come through the church's open doors; they have not been invited! Wherever you find alive, vital, and growing churches, you find pastors and church leaders who have vision and who have a strategy for the implementation of that vision. Survival and self-preservation is the last thing on their minds! They look at their communities as great mission fields, filled with people who are weary and wounded by life, living without purpose and direction. These vital churches, rather than focusing on the "good old days" long past, are willing to take risks and make changes in order to reach the unchurched and nurture them into a life of discipleship. Their message to the community is clear: "Our church is a center of spiritual renewal and healing. Here among us, you can get your life together and live with hope."

Is your church "just hanging on?" At your next administrative council meeting, put this matter at the top of your agenda. Explore how your church might move beyond survival to mission. If you need help, the General Board of Discipleship exists to assist you in this great effort.

posted 9-17-01