ChuckLawless.com is a blog about Missions, Evangelism and Biblical Church Growth

Dear Consultant,

I’m the pastor of an inner city church in an area where numerous ethnic groups live.  I’m torn between trying to build a multi-ethnic church and trying to focus on one or two specific ethnic groups.  I’m leaning toward the latter, reaching out primarily to the Hispanics because they’re the largest group and I speak Spanish.  Am I wrong to think this way?

One of the realities of life in twenty-first century North America is that God has brought the nations to our doorstep.  Great Commission churches will focus on how to reach those internationals living in their midst.  In this podcast, I interview Trent DeLoach, who works with internationals in the Louisville, KY area.  Trent’s passion is helping local congregations to reach out to immigrants and refugees in their communities.  As you listen to my interview with Trent, begin to consider how you might lead your congregation to take the gospel to those who are far from us culturally but near to us geographically.

Dear Consultant,
Our congregation recently did a Church Health Survey, and we rated our church as “unhealthy.”  Our senior pastor, though, thinks the survey was simply wrong.  He is convinced that our church is healthy, but I don’t know anyone else in the church that agrees with the pastor (including other staff members).   I doubt we can improve much if our leader doesn’t see the need.  I’m one of those staff members who disagree with our pastor.  What do you recommend we do?

The long-term custodian at our church has been a member of the church for twenty years.  His family has been a part of the church for 60+ years.  The problem is that he is getting older, and he is not doing the job that we need done.  We don’t want to hurt him or his family, but we need improvement in caring for our facility.  Any suggestions?

 

      My question is a personal one.  I’ve been a pastor for three years, and I’m already getting burned out.  The church I lead runs about 100 in attendance, and they expect me to do just about everything.  I’m tired, my wife is frustrated, and my kids never see me.  I know this blog is more about church issues, but I need some guidance here.