The Diocese of Newark Online
Congregational Life Cycle

It is the very nature of Creation that all “living things”, whether they are breathing as individuals, or existing as teams, companies, families, or churches, follow a life cycle path involving birth, growth, stability, decline, and death.

Congregational Life Cycle is a PowerPoint slide presentation designed to outline the nature and manageability of natural life cycles in churches. It postulates the correct leadership response for each stage in the life cycle

Churches must redefine themselves during periods of stability. Key questions for leadership to consider during this period include:

  • What was the original vision?
  • What has been accomplished?
  • What is new that was not anticipated
  • Where do we want to see this ministry in three to five years?

Churches must redevelop themselves during decline. Leadership must recognize that:

  • New information will not reverse decline
  • Only new and different purpose and direction can reverse decline
  • New purpose will be experienced by the congregation as significant change, and by some as loss
  • The process requires skilled and differentiated leadership

Churches must realize that rebirth is the only option during serious decline. Congregations typically deny, underestimate and then under-respond to serious decline
Leaders must teach that:

  • Rebirth requires radical change
  • Rebirth requires a different purpose or ministry
  • Resurrection only follows death

Use this PowerPoint slideshow to enagage your congregation in conversation about where you are in the Congregational Life Cycle

>> Go to Congregational Life Cycle download site

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