Visioneering the 2030s
The church that survives into the future is the church that prepares today for the future. That’s been one of my Brooks Mantras on stewardship that I have been repeating to you since around 2018. Pastor Shane, Bishop of Christ Church outside of Saint Louis, took that advice to heart as I flew up to sit down with him and his Executive Director, Alan Prass, to discuss a path that will help Shane navigate the church through the tumultuous days we live in. Shane took and posted the picture here on social media. Of course, Shane is the cool one with the shades. It’s been my honor for almost twenty years to be their Coach and now, more importantly, life-long friends. I’m going to let you inside that discussion in this Coach entitled Visioneering the 2030s.
Christ Church of Fairview Heights IL, background. Christ Church was founded as a UMC church near Scott Air Force Base just over the Mississippi River from Saint Louis MO. Those two factors ensure that Fairview Heights will always be highly populated with families needing a church home. When Shane Bishop was appointed their pastor, they might have run 300 on a good Sunday. The year before Covid, Outreach Magazine recognized Christ Church as one of the fastest-growing churches in America as they surpassed two thousand in attendance across three campuses. Then came Covid. Then came denominational disruption. Then came, well, the 21st century!
“It’s time to get our defense off the field!” I remember Shane writing that a couple of years ago. He didn’t simply write that he did that. The results speak for themselves. Here is what I wrote on this last year…
The Christ Church Example – Last year, Christ Church, outside of Saint Louis MO, increased the number of donors by 16% and increased giving by 14%. During our annual review of their giving, I inquired of Alan Prass, Christ Church’s Executive Director, to what he attributed this growth. He said, “We feel that Christ Church has made the correct decisions by starting on-site worship services earlier rather than later and not making COVID our primary concern. We are in the middle of a revival, and it is a fantastic place to be.”
The Secret Sauce for Post-Covid Success and the Road Back to Normalcy – Here is what Christ Church did that you can do.
- They hold a high view of Scripture and preach and teach the Bible unapologetically. People are looking for answers, and we have the book of answers, the Bible. Pastor Shane Bishop preaches biblical sermons that people flock to hear.
- They made connecting people to Jesus their number one priority. They did not make COVID their primary concern.
- They had a solid base of givers. Yes, giving has stabilized, but existing donors drive it. Are you building a solid base for the future and any potential crisis? The stewardship seeds planted today will bring a harvest in the future.
- They opened their doors early and allowed people to use their common sense.
Pastor, it’s past time to return to normalcy by opening your church up and start passing the plate!
Yesterday’s victories do not suffice for today’s challenges. Shane Bishop recognizes this, which is one reason why at 5:30 AM, I got on an airplane, something I retired from in 2019, to help plan for a victorious future for Pastor Shane and Christ Church. The church that rests upon its laurels is the church that is doomed to failure.
Last Saturday morning, I sent Shane the following text in an email, giving him a broad outline of our discussion…
“Shane, I once told you, “I know Christ Church writes the check, but I work for you.” So, I view Monday through your lens. My task is to figure out how to visioneer that financially! So, here is the basic outline I have been using for two other pastors like you, in their early 60s, aiming at a retirement of around 70. We will talk about a lot of things, but overarching this discussion is this outline for a plan for you.” I then shared how I am collaborating with other pastors along three lines.
Personal Life—First, what is your full-time work retirement target? We start at that point and work back from that. I started thinking this way in my 50s. That planning got me off 100 airplanes a year and saved me through Covid. My goal for Shane is for him and his wife, Melissa, to arrive at their target date without any financial worry. It is never too early to plan for your retirement years. Trust me, I woke up shocked I am 67, not 37. If Jesus tarries, you will be where I am soon!
Personal Platform—Here, I want my client to think, “After I retire from full-time work, what ministry opportunities do I want to pursue?” I wanted a future in writing, so I started writing well before my 60s. Start now planning your future!
Professional Runway—If, for instance, your full retirement target is 70, then that is the length of time we have to get you and Christ Church where we need you/them to be to make this all possible. What’s the plan from 2025 until 20??? We won’t be able to nail that plan down fully on Monday, but the above outline is always in the back of my mind. Let’s let this drive our discussion.
“I need a 36-month vision from you that will keep the “herd” moving forward. I need a 2030 huge vision that attracts major dollars.” That is what I told Shane I needed from our meeting. I can’t cast vision for a pastor. I can listen to a pastor’s vision and then devise a plan of action to help him realize that vision. That is my task now. To come up with a plan that will keep this key church active and impacting its community for Jesus.
It starts with a pastor thinking forward. Are you that kind of pastor? What do your next 36 months look like? Do you have a plan for how to not just navigate the 2030s but thrive? Now is the time to start. I can help.
Mark Brooks – The Stewardship Coach
mark@acts17generosity.com
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