7. Emphasize Jesus Over Tradition (or Denominations, or Buildings, or Politics, or...)

Everything but Jesus and the Bible must be on the table.

Ask yourself this question. Would I be willing to give up (insert your preferred method or style here) if it meant doing a better job of reaching our community for Jesus?

If anything you’d put in that blank makes you pause (other than the biblical essentials), it’s an idol that must be abandoned.

8. Restructure What Needs To Be Restructured

Quit fighting to keep your favorite ministry, method or tradition alive.

If it’s not part of the solution, it’s part of the problem.

9. Make Disciples, Not Just Converts

Converts join a club. Disciples start a movement.

Converts follow traditions. Disciples follow Jesus.

Converts change their minds. Disciples change their lives. And other people’s lives.

10. Figure Out Why Your Congregation Should Survive

If your church disappeared tomorrow, what would really be lost?

Yes, that’s hard question. It might even feel cruel and uncaring. But it’s not. It’s essential.

Any congregation that can’t readily answer why they should survive, won’t.

Start Today

It’s been said that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago – the second best time is today.

The same goes for these principles. If you’ve been doing them, strengthen them. If not, get started now. Then be relentless at them. Not just this year, but every year.

The survival of your local church depends on it.

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