Solutions/Models for Struggling Churches

St. Louis Metro Baptist Association is committed to strengthening existing churches. Believing God's plan is for His churches to thrive not just survive, the following models are offered to assist struggling churches. The goal is help churches discover how they can be "born again"to reach their community and glorify the Lord.

I. Church Assessment and Consultation

Work with pastor and people to assess current systems, structures and strategies that need to be changed to effectively fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission in the churches current context. This may or may not require new leadership.

II. Partnering with Stronger Church

Most churches began as missions under the leadership of a "mother church". This model allows a church to gain leadership, support, and needed resources from a stronger church. After open communication and clear agreements both churches take on new roles under God's leadership.

III. New Church Plant

This model provides the opportunity for a church to start over. Often this is needed due to a changing community. A church planter is called under God's leadership to launch a new vision and type of church. The existing church membership either becomes a Sunday School class of this new church or joins other churches.

IV. From Church to Ministry Center

In an effort to be good stewards of facilities and enlarge the arms of ministry from one location, a church can transition from being one church to a center for many ministries to reach a community. This could include multiple churches meeting in one building and/or several types of ministries to be started or invited to join at a single location.

V. Selling and Starting New Church Planting Fund

The Bible says there is a time to be born and a time to die. This opportunity allows a church to celebrate the past and provide for new churches in the future. Existing church members join other churches and rejoice to hear and see their investments in the kingdom reach new communities.

Jim Breeden, Executive Director
St. Louis Metro Baptist Assoc.
Missouri