Congregational Life Cycle
Every Living Thing and System has a Natural Life Cycle
The Cycle begins at birth
Birth is Followed by a period of Growth
Growth is Followed by Stability
Growth Half of Life Cycle is a Time of...
And they lived happily ever after
One of Two things follows Stability
Ministry can be re-defined by answering 4 questions
- What was the original vision of the ministry?
- What has been accomplished?
- What is new that was not anticipated?
- Where do we want to see this ministry in 3 to 5 years?

Stability to decline
Once a ministry is in decline there is still the possibility of new life
Reversing Decline requires Redevelopment
Redevelopment
Intervening in Decline is difficult
Differentiated Leaders
Unchecked Decline will only lead to more serious decline
To reverse serious Decline requires Rebirth
To rebirth a seriously Declining ministry requires RADICAL change
Rebirth will involve a different purpose or ministry
Without rebirth, Decline will lead to death
Some facts about Decline
As the depth of Decline increases, more interruption and letting go is required
Characteristics of Decline
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Denial
- Paranoia
- Conflict

It is the nature of congregational Decline to deny the Decline as long as possible
There is NO PENALTY for overestimating or underestimating Decline
The questions are:
- What needs to die?
- What needs to be let go of?