Top 5 recommendations for a traditional church looking for change

[darinhouston]

I've been asked to serve on our church's small task force to review the results of a "Willow Creek" style survey of spiritual contentment and so forth (don't get me started on that). Whatever you think of these surveys and "corporate"/"consultant" approaches, I have a real opportunity to influence some changes (even if only some are accepted).

So... assuming a very traditional church organization and format with traditional and contemporary services and small group bible studies, what would your top 5 (or 10) suggestions be to grow discipleship and spiritual maturity in a church today?

First steps towards a more Acts 2 type fellowship without breaking the perceived model completely - how would you maintain a structured Sunday worship service and so forth for "front door" worship/evangelism while growing real fellowship and relationships and a Holy Spirit led congregation of believers living life together and loving each other and showing the world the fruits of the spirit?

From organizational suggestions and fellowship ideas to doctrinal focus from the pulpit (e.g., focus on lordship salvation and full surrender as the BEGINNING of salvation - not the mark of maturity).

I'd really be interested to see something written up by Steve as a "How-to" primer for a pastoral staff honestly seeking to change the church experience from his perspective. But, all ideas welcome.

[mikew]

Don't normally make the sermon the central requirement for the day at the church.

When people go to the church campus, they should have a choice to hear the sermon or go to special ministering (marital trouble, family trouble, mourning support). It should also allow flexibility like someone impromptu helping set up snacks or other post-sermon activities

The overseer should not be the only teacher but he should have a ministry plan on what needs to be taught over time. Still, that should not be too strictly held such that he does not address new issues that arise. Nor should he particularly tell other Sunday-sermon teachers to only share on that "schedule."

Have a follow-up session (or continue the Sunday service) with a question-and-answer or discussion primarily about the sermon but can veer from that. This would be "optional."

Have apologetics class or combine as part of a deeper bible study group (open to broad ages)

Maybe also promote smaller group gatherings after the sermon -- but not being directed to discuss the sermon if people have other topics. Try to avoid having a single person dominate the discussion all the time.

Provide some opportunity for impromptu musical worship or practices for this --even if some are not going to officially do this during the service

[mikew]

I've been asked to serve on our church's small task force to review the results of a "Willow Creek" style survey of spiritual contentment and so forth (don't get me started on that). Whatever you think of these surveys and "corporate"/"consultant" approaches, I have a real opportunity to influence some changes (even if only some are accepted).

So... assuming a very traditional church organization and format with traditional and contemporary services and small group bible studies, what would your top 5 (or 10) suggestions be to grow discipleship and spiritual maturity in a church today?

First steps towards a more Acts 2 type fellowship without breaking the perceived model completely - how would you maintain a structured Sunday worship service and so forth for "front door" worship/evangelism while growing real fellowship and relationships and a Holy Spirit led congregation of believers living life together and loving each other and showing the world the fruits of the spirit?

From organizational suggestions and fellowship ideas to doctrinal focus from the pulpit (e.g., focus on lordship salvation and full surrender as the BEGINNING of salvation - not the mark of maturity).

I'd really be interested to see something written up by Steve as a "How-to" primer for a pastoral staff honestly seeking to change the church experience from his perspective. But, all ideas welcome.

Have you called Steve' radio show to get a quick answer?
One thing useful is to have older people being able to give wisdom and advice to younger people. It could be good if this were organized in some fashion. One sense of this is how older people may have found their fit in the body of Christ so they could contribute their best to it.