Churches everywhere have experienced changing ministry dynamics in recent years. Having managed to minister through a pandemic, the ways of doing church in our new cultural paradigms have changed significantly for most congregations. This requires more than making surface-level changes to meet the needs of the communities in which our churches reside. Additionally, the growing issue of clergy leaving congregational ministry is worsening. What is a church to do if a leader leaves or the local body of Christ loses its way and hope? Deep and creative renewal is required. 

 

    Enter Focus Consulting. My philosophy of congregational renewal goes all the way back to the roots of a church’s existence. I used to say that vision is a result of mission, which is a result of beliefs, which is a result of a church’s identity. God has helped me expand that thinking and develop this form of consulting that dramatically changes congregations and their outlooks toward their future. A real sense of hope and direction results!

 

    What is the Focus approach? Instead of beginning with the current programming and evaluating it to decipher new paths forward, Focus consulting invites the church to return to its roots of identity and move forward from there. 

 

1.    Identity. The first step is to recapture the church’s original story. What is it that identifies your unique congregation? 

2.    Beliefs. Based on that identity, what does the congregation hold as its beliefs? 

3.    Motivations. Based on your identity and beliefs, what motivates your church? 

•    Your identity, beliefs, and passions provide a strong answer to the question: “Who are we called to be?” 

•    The next question to address is, “What are we called to do?” Your calling, goals, and actions help you formulate the answer.

4.    Calling. What is it about your unique identity that God is asking you to live out in your community? 

5.    Goals. How does your church live out God’s specific calling? 

6.    Actions. This is where you identify specific ministry and mission concepts and explore how to prepare the people for implementation. Congregational excitement levels grow as all are fully aware of what they do, but most importantly, a complete understanding of why they do it!

​

I would love to explain more about my process to help you discern if it is right for your congregation. Click here to schedule a no-obligation call.