21st Century Strategies church consultant Bill Easum says it’s the most common challenge he runs into when consulting stalled churches: 2-3 entrenched bullies are at work, who shoot down new ideas and impede growth.
Bill, a legendary mentor who has consulted for more than 700 congregations, says leaders need to remember that the message is more important than any one person – and by letting bullies win, the church’s, and Christ’s mission, are compromised.
Hear the wisdom of a United Methodist pastor who spent 24 years serving a congregation that grew from 39 people into the thousands – and whose heart for Our Lord’s mission is infectious.
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Synopsis
Church leaders who are unwilling to confront ill health – it’s one of the biggest impediments to a more robust church in North America. In this interview, Bill Easum tells us how these situations might be handled – and imparts other valuable, practical advice. Here are my notes:
Harsh Words for Small Churches
While they make up the vast majority of congregations in North America – that most people attend – Bill believes churches were created to grow, and need to seriously contemplate their mission, get out of their comfort zones, and be challenged by the Great Commission.
Hand Off Ministry
The percentage of pastors who are able to effectively hand off ministry is way too low, according to Easum, and developing the skill to raise up qualified leaders and give work to them, is something most churches need to take seriously.
Pastors as Scouts
Since hiring great staff is so important Bill says church leaders must constantly be on the lookout for great talent – not hiring to fill a need, but hiring when one comes across great people.
About Bill Easum
Bill Easum has a thirty-year track record of growing churches and has worked in over 700 congregations, some of which are the largest in the nation. He served, for 24 years as a pastor of, what grew to be, the largest United Methodist Church in South Texas. He has been honored by the Industrial Areas Foundation in New York and has won the prestigious Donald McGavran award for outstanding church leadership. In 1986 he founded 21st Century Strategies, which in 2000 became Easum, Bandy & Associates (EBA) when he merged with Tom Bandy. Then, in 2008, Bill Easum and Bill Tenny-Brittian reformed 21st Century Strategies Inc. which serves the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, and South Africa. Bill is the author of numerous best-selling books such as Church Growth Handbook, How to Reach Baby Boomers, and Sacred Cows Make Gourmet Burgers. He holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Methodist University.
Books Bill Recommends
Missional Renaissance – Reggie McNeal
The Permanent Revolution – Alan Hirsch
Missional Communities – Reggie McNeal
Sponsors I Mentioned
Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest Episcopal Seminary in the U.S., forming men and women for leadership in the church. In addition to the MDiv, Anglican Studies and DMin degrees are their Masters of Arts degrees with a fous on Theological Studies, Christian Formation, Religion & Culture, and Biblical Interpretation. Check them out at vts.edu.
