Attentiveness and Flexibility are Key Qualities of a Leader
Church leaders can foster church growth by recognizing when and how to pivot in today’s changing times. | by Gary J. Moritz
Every new year brings its challenges and pivots. I have been challenged to pause in the many pivots I have had to make as a church revitalizer and reflect on how God wanted me to lead. The pivots that we have faced in recent months have taught us many essential lessons for future revitalization.
There are seven pivots that pastors need to anticipate and prepare for. These pivots were revealed during recent events in history and culture, and they will continue to be areas that pastors and church revitalizers will deal with in the new year.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate governmental pivots.
New orders and executive actions are paving the way for the silencing of Christianity in America.
We are starting to see attacks against freedom of speech, non-profit tax-exempt status, the ability to speak the truth of God’s Word, and so much more. Pressure and persecution always grow the Church.
A church revitalizer needs to learn how to maneuver ever-changing government controls and restrictions while not detracting from the mission and mandate for the Church.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate economic pivots.
The economy experiences ups and downs, and both affect the Church. As people suffer financial hardship, the Church can suffer too. It is essential to be prepared for both good and bad economic seasons.
The digital age is changing how we do business, and we see a cashless society emerging. The digital age is also changing how we do church.
A church revitalizer must be prepared to navigate all the economic pivots that will come their way in the future and provide multiple ways for people to continue giving to Kingdom work.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate technological pivots.
Online church is here to stay as churches continue to refine their digital presence. The COVID-19 global pandemic changed how we do church forever. We are now seeing more churches online than ever before.
Digital connection is vital to the health and sustainability of the local church. It will not be long until we see church done through an oculus, the new television.
A church revitalizer must be committed to and prepared to leverage technology and media for the gospel.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate cultural pivots.
There is much discussion and debate regarding diversity and unity. We are seeing a push for people to find their identities within themselves rather than in Jesus Christ, their Creator.
Cultural trends can affect the culture of your church, and you must be prepared to provide biblical answers to the many questions you will encounter.
A church revitalizer must be prepared to speak life and promote unity in a fractured and divided society.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate generational pivots.
We live in a time in history where five generations make up our society. This has caused pastors and churches to navigate generational pivots.
A wise church revitalizer creates a multi-generational environment, reaching up while reaching down.
We need each other now more than ever. The younger generation needs the older generation to help guide and ground them. The older generation needs the younger generation to help them stay active and alert to all the digital changes and shifts.
A church revitalizer must strive to bridge the gap between the different generations in the church.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate health pivots.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought our health and wellness to the forefront of discussion. Pastors must navigate sensitive conversations about ongoing health crises, anxiety, and death.
Immobilization and isolation are also causing significant physical and mental health concerns. Pastors and churches will have to biblically address physical and psychological wellness, addiction, inactivity, and poor eating habits.
A church revitalizer must help people understand the connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health.
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A church revitalizer needs to navigate relational pivots.
We are living in an age of high tech and low touch. We moved from macro gatherings to micro gatherings. People are craving authentic relationships.
A significant pivot for the church is to create multiple ways for people to connect.
The pandemic ushered in changes that have affected the church environments we love so much. We have grown socially distanced and isolated, spending less time physically together.
A church revitalizer must help people build relationships and teach them how to keep them.
Start pivoting today.
Don’t wait. Prepare for the pivots you will face.
Don’t quit, walk away, rebel, or become bitter when you find yourself having to change direction. Instead, trust in the fact that your setbacks are God’s comebacks, and with the Lord, the best is yet to come.
