Purpose Driven resources help “comeback” churches by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson

Considering the influence of the Purpose Driven church, it's not surprising that comeback leaders frequently referenced The Purpose Driven Church (PDC) or The Purpose Driven Life (PDL) in our survey – but we were surprised at how frequently they did. When asked this question, "What three books (other than the Bible) were the most helpful in your transition?" 50 percent of the respondents from 324 churches in 10 denominations mentioned either PDC or PDL.

Simply put, it is hard to overlook the influence of Purpose Driven resources among churches today – and the impact on church revitalization is no exception.

In our research, we found that many comeback leaders believed that the Purpose Driven resources were a help in the process of revitalization. Since such a significant number of these leaders referenced Purpose Driven resources, it is reasonable to look at how the Purpose Driven paradigm impacted comeback churches and their leaders. We took a closer look at the interviews and found some commonalities between the survey comments and the PDC paradigm. Issues such as an external focus, intentional leadership, and spiritual dynamics all were mentioned by those who took the survey – frequently citing Purpose Driven in their answers.

External focus

In the process of revitalization, stagnant and declining churches must turn outward. Over years or decades, they have become more concerned with their agenda than God's. These churches had to rediscover their community and the church's mission to that community and the world. They frequently cited the Purpose Driven Church paradigm as both a tool and a map to a renewed outward focus.

In The Purpose Driven Life, a section is devoted to "You Were Made for a Mission," challenging readers to become world-class Christians who understand that they have been "saved to serve and made for a mission" (p. 297). In the study of comeback churches, respondents described a solid biblical foundation and approach that moved the churches to a renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church. Comeback churches were motivated to become missionaries in their communities and develop more comprehensive evangelistic strategies.

According to Pastor Samuel Macri of Clinton Road Church (1) in New Hartford, New York, "Experiencing God and The Purpose-Driven Church helped in our change. They both helped us see clearly Christ's mission for the church" (2). Empowering lay leaders, as well as increased reconciliation, service, and missions involvement helped them change their attitudes. "God really blessed us when we became a mission-minded church" says Pastor Macri (3). Rediscovering a renewed sense of the church's mission led to a series of changes that helped the church start growing again.

Intentional leadership

One of the first principles of effective leadership is intentionality. The principle of intentionality was mentioned by many comeback leaders in our study – frequently citing the Purpose Driven paradigm as being a tool that helped them move in the direction of intentional leadership.

According to The Purpose Driven Church, "It takes more than dedication to lead a church to grow; it takes skill" (p. 57). The leaders of comeback churches were learners who developed their skills in leadership. Based on the survey responses and interviews, it was apparent that comeback leaders took time to learn. Almost 92 percent of comeback church leaders listed books or resources that proved valuable to their ministry effectiveness.

Pastor Kenneth Dyal and The Church at Argyle refocused their ministry strategy and methodologies for the entire Jacksonville, Florida area. According to Pastor Dyal, "The Purpose-Driven Church served as the basis for a total shift in focus for the church. We made major changes in our bylaws, allowing most decisions to be made by our deacons and staff. We also initiated the Membership 101 class, including the signed member covenant" (4). Basically, the Purpose Driven resources helped Pastor Dyal be more intentional and strategic in his ministry.

In Comeback Churches, two key words surfaced over and over again as we surveyed comeback leaders: "intentional" and "strategic." These leaders displayed intentionality in prayer, outreach, developing other leaders, addressing attitude issues, etc. Many cited the PDC paradigm as a tool that helped them make that change.

Spiritual dynamics

Church renewal and revitalization is not about the latest programs, methods, models or techniques – it requires a process of applying principles and actions that are timeless. Many of the pastors cited a renewed spiritual emphasis in their churches as they achieved a new level of understanding through utilizing The Purpose Driven Life, 40 Days of Purpose, and 40 Days of Community. Comeback pastors reported that these resources helped people and churches embark on a spiritual journey of renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.

Two comeback pastors describe the impact of these spiritual resources: As pastor of the Christian Center (5) in Desert Hot Springs, Calif., Gary Geesey stated, "The Purpose-Driven Life helped bring focus to what a balanced life of the believer should look like." And, Geesey explained, "The 40 Days of Purpose helped us launch our small groups" (6).

At Bluff Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Ark., Pastor Robert Berry observed that the "40 Days" campaigns helped bring about attitude change. He asserted, "Several things led to our new attitude. . . Two major events were the 40 Days of Purpose and 40 Days of Community campaigns. Also, we make our services positive and inviting, which helped with visitors" (7).

In Comeback Churches, chapter three is entitled "Three Faith Factors." Those factors are renewed belief in Jesus Christ and the mission of the church, a renewed attitude for servanthood, and a more strategic prayer effort. Faith factors are about people discovering the reality of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives, learning to live more outward-focused lives, developing a servant's attitude toward others inside the church and outside, and praying strategically for spiritual transformation in the church and community. The Purpose Driven materials and resources promote the discovery and development of these very issues among churches and their leaders.

Conclusion

As researchers, when we look at church revitalization over the last several years, it is impossible to ignore the influence of the Purpose Driven paradigm on revitalized churches. The Purpose Driven paradigm was used extensively by churches that were revitalized – and they frequently cited this paradigm as one of the key rationales behind their renewal. The Purpose Driven tools helped them make the shift from being plateaued or declining to spiritually revitalized and growing.

Notes:

1. www.clintonroadchurch.org.

2. Samuel Macri, Interview by NAMB Research Team, February 7, 2006.

3. Ibid.

4. Kenneth Dyal, Interview by NAMB Research Team, February 3, 2006.

5. www.christiancenterofdhs.org.

6. Gary Geesey, Interview by NAMB Research Team, February 3, 2006.

7. Robert Berry, Interview by NAMB Research Team, February 7, 2006.