The Jesus Model
The facts can be staggering: 3700 churches closed last year...1500 pastors leaving their ministries each month...church attendance shrinking--at alarming rates among younger adults. Where do we start? With Jesus' model.
At MinistryEquip, we're confident that if we focus on the same things Jesus focused on, God will give us success in helping Christian leaders and churches move toward health and growth. Two simple, yet profound beliefs are at the cornerstone of our ministry model.
First...
First, we believe in the importance of grace. As the gospel message of Jesus depends totally on grace, we desire to deliver the same message to the churches we equip. We want to assist leaders by preserving a non-judgemental atmosphere of understanding and forgiveness in all that we develop and do. Just as the Lord gives grace to the humble (James 4:6), it's our goal to encourage and coach clients towards spiritual growth and ministry health, rather than to judge past decisions or focus on failures.
3700 churches closed last year...1500 pastors leaving their ministries each month...
Second...
Second, we believe in preparing present and future church leaders through relationship building, as Jesus did with his disciples. We want to move the leaders we touch to become great shepherds by first shepherding them. A Fuller Institute study found that 70% of pastors don't have someone they consider a close friend, 50% felt themselves unable to meet the needs of the job, and 90% felt inadequately trained to cope with ministry demands. With numbers like these, it's no wonder that at any given time 1/3 of those involved in vocational ministry are considering quitting. We must return to the roots of pastoring, which are found in relationship, not in being the CEO of the latest church business model. Only those church leaders who have healthy relationships in their own lives can be healthy shepherds of others.
Staggering Stats
Take a look at more staggering statistics regarding the church and Christian living.
The American Church Research Project
TheAmericanChurch.org seeks to provide accurate religious research for a comprehensive picture of the church today.
Barna Group
Barna Group is a visionary research and resource company located in Ventura, California. The firm is widely considered to be the leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture.