Steering the Titanic: Five Ways You Can Keep Your Church Afloat In the Era of the Mega-Church

An exploding world population coupled with a trend for denser community living in North America has led to larger churches.  Perhaps your church is a multi-site campus or simply a huge congregation that meets weekly.  You can make a difference in the life and look of your church…and you don’t have to be the pastor to do it.  Even if you are a small town dweller with a meager church attendance, here are some basic principles for avoiding icebergs and keeping your church headed in the right direction:

1. Get on board.  As God shaped you in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5), God has called the men and women leaders in your church to their positions.  Rally for them and with them with 100 percent of your efforts. Support them in your words to others. Lift them up daily in prayer.
2. Pay the fare.  If you can tithe to your weekly offering, do.  If you cannot, give of your time (Acts 20:35). It is better to live on 90% of your earnings with God’s blessing than 100% without. Witness the Lord’s miracles with the money and time you give to the church.
3. Meet the people. Other people want to help this boat get to its destination, too. People just like you. Get involved with small groups or a short-term program sponsored by your church, such as Alpha or Couples Night Out. Volunteer to watch the nursery, attend a church league ballgame. Join arms with your fellow brother or sister in Christ and create the strong bonds of relationship (Hebrews 10:25).
4. Invite others to sail.  There is an ocean of people floating adrift. Throw them the ultimate life-saver in Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).  Rescue them with the example of your Christian life. Talk to them about the boat you’re on, where it’s going, why they will enjoy the ride. Listen to their questions, present them with a Bible to buoy them when the waters get tough.
5. Read the map book. It’s all the there in the Bible. As one seeks direction when going on a holiday, every person should look to what God says about steering their life, their family and their church to get closer to Him (Psalms 32:8). There is a ‘King of the world’ standing on the bow of your boat with His face jubilant and His arms wide open; trust in Him to get you to your destination.