In the past year, churches have gone through varying degrees of restrictions related to gatherings. There were times when you could only have 10 people, other times when you could have 25% of capacity. Each time the restrictions gradually lifted we talked about reopening the church.
As we look to the fall and the potential of limited restrictions, churches are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This will be different than the reopening that we’ve been accustomed to. This will be, in essence, a fresh start; something from which to build upon. It’s for this reason that church leaders are looking to relaunch this fall.
Relaunching requires a fresh mission and vision alignment.
As you think about what could be, allow faith to build and cast a vision for who the church is trying to reach and what it is trying to accomplish. Vision inspires. Vision motivates. Vision gathers. If our vision is to simply get back to doing what we’ve always been doing, then that will only appeal to a certain group. But, if you cast a vision for reaching families, discipling the next generation, seeing lost people come to a lifesaving relationship with Jesus Christ, now that is a vision worth getting behind.
Relaunching allows you to start something new.
Instead of going back to the way it was, relaunching allows you to stop what wasn’t working and start something new. Relaunching allows you to come to your ministry with fresh eyes and create for the future instead of trying to relive the past. Men’s ministry wasn’t really taking off? Start something completely new. Children’s ministry needed some fresh leadership? Start something completely new. Relaunching allows you to start fresh.
Relaunching creates excitement to build teams.
Churches who are planning to relaunch are building excitement about it. They are gathering the church for prayer, casting vision, and recruiting teams to make it happen. When you build excitement for what is coming, momentum begins to follow. As that happens, invite people to become a part of what God is doing and will do in the fall. Don’t just make a general announcement, go and meet with people and cast vision and talk to them about being a part of the relaunch team.
Relaunching creates a positive impression on the community.
During all of these restrictions, the church at large has experienced some bruises in her reputation. The community needs to see that your church is for them. They need to be reminded that the church, whether you go or not, is there to help you and serve you. Churches that are relaunching are doing so with their community in mind. They are creating programs that address community needs. They are utilizing their building to bless the community. They are advocating for small businesses and doing whatever they can to let people know that God loves them. As you relaunch, invite the community to be a part of it.
Don’t just re-open this fall, relaunch. How are you going to relaunch this fall?
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.