Seriously explore a name change (Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1).A name change can communicate a change in focus, in approach, in product. A change in name can be effective if the product lives up to the change.
If the only change taking place is the name, it will not produce the desired results.
Changes need to be in place (or ready to launch) prior to a name change!
What does your name communicate to the community in which it ministers?
Do you believe your denominational label (or lack of one) is contributing to or detracting from your mission?
Determine the cultural valuation of a denomination. Is it honored or dishonored in the community?
This could be the greatest point of conflict in an existing body that has associated itself with a denomination both corporately and individually. Members of a church are prone to say, "I've been a Methodist (et al) all my life."
Likewise, a person may be adamant about not being a particular denomination. Neither position is healthy. With whom will your church be affiliated?
Leading a church through a name change must be led by the mission statement. If your mission statement is "Retaining Our Members for Life," you may not want to explore a name change. If it is "Penetrating the Darkness - Sharing the Light," a name change may be imperative.
Determine if a relocation is profitable.
Is the church located in a growing area?
Where is the fastest growing area in your community?
What are the most densely populated areas in your community?
What are the demographics of the ten-mile radius around your meeting place?
How equipped or called is your church to minister to the residents in your church location?
What are the three most desirable locations for a meeting place for your church?
What equity does your church building have?
Would relocating create more opportunities for ministry and outreach?
Would relocating free assets for ministry or place a greater financial strain on ministry?
Is the church located in a growing area?
Where is the fastest growing area in your community?
What are the most densely populated areas in your community?
What are the demographics of the ten-mile radius around your meeting place?
How equipped or called is your church to minister to the residents in your church location?
What are the three most desirable locations for a meeting place for your church?
What equity does your church building have?
Would relocating create more opportunities for ministry and outreach?
Would relocating free assets for ministry or place a greater financial strain on ministry?
Fearlessly Lead the Replanting Process (1 John 4:18).
Prayerfully determine if God has called your church to enter a replanting at this time. Do you feel God is calling you to replant your church?
Once affirmed, lead fearlessly through the rough waters, people jumping overboard, seasickness, and mutiny among the crew. Many people (including leaders and even spouses) will become disoriented, discouraged, and dissenting. Lead the body patiently, lovingly, but firmly—just as Jesus would. But don't lead fearful of losing popularity, friendship, or a comfortable, secure job. A manager is a pleaser of people. A visionary leader is a pleaser of God.
Do you have the visionary, God-called leader in place?
If so, does he have the support of the leadership?
If not, where will you begin to look for a shepherd leader with the skillset to replant your church?
Prayerfully determine if God has called your church to enter a replanting at this time. Do you feel God is calling you to replant your church?
Once affirmed, lead fearlessly through the rough waters, people jumping overboard, seasickness, and mutiny among the crew. Many people (including leaders and even spouses) will become disoriented, discouraged, and dissenting. Lead the body patiently, lovingly, but firmly—just as Jesus would. But don't lead fearful of losing popularity, friendship, or a comfortable, secure job. A manager is a pleaser of people. A visionary leader is a pleaser of God.
Do you have the visionary, God-called leader in place?
If so, does he have the support of the leadership?
If not, where will you begin to look for a shepherd leader with the skillset to replant your church?
Center your faith in God (Matt. 17:20).
Reject the temptation to have faith in your resources, your givers, your buildings, or even your idea. Have faith in God's ability to honor his name by his body becoming more obedient to the principles of Scripture.
Follow God's calling even if it threatens being tossed into the lion's den (Daniel 6). God will shut the mouths of the hungry lions (and disgruntled members) if he is calling you to replant a missional church for his glory. It is his church—Christ is the head.
Reject the temptation to have faith in your resources, your givers, your buildings, or even your idea. Have faith in God's ability to honor his name by his body becoming more obedient to the principles of Scripture.
Follow God's calling even if it threatens being tossed into the lion's den (Daniel 6). God will shut the mouths of the hungry lions (and disgruntled members) if he is calling you to replant a missional church for his glory. It is his church—Christ is the head.
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