The vast majority of churches today are plateaued or declining. A large number will be closing their doors in the next several years. Many are now awakening to the realization that they have refused to make necessary changes along the way to reach the world around them. They have not considered the need to have a missionary mindset in worship. As churches awaken to this need, often one of the first alterations in course they feel should be addressed is to transition their church’s corporate worship. Indeed that may need to be a part of their renewal, but often leaders look for quick fixes on the surface without first addressing the underlying causes.

I have seen multitudes of churches that have become inflamed in worship conflict due to going about change in the wrong manner or for the wrong reasons. A few of these missteps (not intended to be exhaustive):

  • Changing because the church across town does it one way and it works for them, so we attempt to emulate their model within this body. Just because it seems to work in that congregation does not mean it will work in your unique congregation. Seek God for His vision in your place.
  • Changing too fast. Significant change can destroy a church when not instigated in a healthy manner.
  • Changing without the understanding and support of the people. If people do not catch the vision and understand the “why,” they will push back.
  • Allowing personal preferences to take over. Personal preferences make us very inward focused and prevent the love and self-sacrifice that true unity needs.
  • Not having a missional mindset for worship. Many churches are quite missional except in the area of worship. Understanding this concept can make a world of difference in transitions.
  • Inadequate prayer. Prayer should precede and continue throughout times of transition, not asking God to bless our plans, but seeking His will and asking Him to help us follow through. 
  • (Check out several other missteps from Chuck Lawless here)

Do you feel there needs to be change in your church’s corporate worship?

Are you in the process of making changes?

Are you afraid of what will happen?

Do you have a clear vision where God is leading your church? Do you know how to get there?

Transitioning your church’s worship can be divisive, but it does not have to be this way.

Transitioning your church's worship can be divisive, but it does not have to be this way. Click To Tweet

In the next several weeks, we will dive deep into ways to lead a church through worship transition in a healthy manner.

I hope you will join me in this journey.

How to transition your worship without dividing the church Click To Tweet

Go to PART TWO