The Problem: Churches Get Stuck in the white water rapids of change!

Very Large Churches (in the 800 to 1,800 weekend attendance range) get stuck and plateau for a boat-load of reasons. Common challenges include:

• Limited size of the worship facility
• Inadequate space for children’s ministry
• Parking hassles that create the wrong first impressions
• Quality of the teaching and preaching
• The whole package: programs, staff, volunteers, members, giving, management versus ministry, etc.

When smaller or midsize churches (under 800 attendees) get stuck at a plateau, they usually have many places to turn for assistance. Denominations often provide or recommend church growth specialists. But once a church exceeds that 800 barrier, quality counsel becomes much more difficult to find. Very Large Churches occupy a challenging space between Megachurches (over 1,800 attendance) and the small, medium, and large churches.

The problems and issues that Very Large Churches face are not just bigger versions of the problems faced by medium and large congregations. The challenges are fundamentally different. One challenge is getting past the 800 barrier, one of the most difficult of all church growth barriers. Another is making the leap past 1,800 attendees—if the leadership sense God is leading them to grow to that level. (And if not—that creates its own set of challenges and opportunities!)

Senior pastors and board chairs of Very Large Churches often feel isolated from their peers in the community (and in their denominations). Many times they do not have meaningful relationships, or a network, with other Very Large Church pastors and leaders. Occasionally, they are ignored and even criticized by pastors of smaller churches. VLC pastors struggle with discouragement because they don’t know where to turn for assistance from experts and support from peers.

Problem #1: Denominational Help

Very Large Church pastors sometimes turn to their denomination for help. Yet many denominational leaders, with limited time, must focus on small churches that are in crisis or decline. Many times denominational leaders don’t fully understand the problems unique to Very Large Churches. Or worse, they might suggest small church solutions to Very Large Church problems.

Regional, district or conference offices will often ignore Very Large Churches because they believe these successful congregations don’t need help. Some of the staff will even feel threatened by the senior pastor, or board chair, of a Very Large Church.

Problem #2: Church Leadership Conferences

Conferences sponsored by teaching churches and other groups can be informative, but a large conference lacks the personal, customized help needed by Very Large Churches. At a generic conference, senior pastors will not receive individualized assistance for the real problems back home. These conferences rarely provide time or help sorting out how to transfer the relevant principles. Sometimes the solution presented is not a good match for a particular pastor or church.

Problem #3: Church Consultants

The right consultant can help pastors of Very Large Churches deal with organizational issues, but few will have had any actual experience as pastor of a church this size. An experienced pastor of Very Large Church will provide extraordinary mentoring to other pastors because you have battled the same white water!

Few out-of-town consultants can creatively help Very Large Churches connect with other like-minded pastors in the same area. Pastors benefit in numerous ways from being connected with others who are experiencing similar organizational dynamics and personal life stages.

Problem #4: Coaching

Professional life coaches can provide ongoing support and a beneficial relationships for Very Large Churches, but they usually work only with the pastor. Many of the best coaches have a degree or experience in counseling. By training and temperament they are drawn to help individuals. They coach individuals, not organizations. Coaches can be invaluable to pastors but they are often too narrowly focused on the pastor, instead of the entire leadership of the congregation, including the board chair.

So how do Very Large Churches get unstuck?

Denominations, conferences, consultants and coaches all have their unique place—but senior pastors and board chairs of Very Large Churches need a total solution. Senior pastors will flourish when they are part of a learning community with access to expert resources and God-honoring mentors. Imagine what will happen when a senior pastor has a year-long relationship with an experienced Very Large Church pastor/mentor!

The Total Solution: A Barnabas Church Mentoring Group!

Church mentoring should not be equated with church growth consulting or executive coaching for pastors. Mentoring offers an extraordinary experience beginning with a mentoring relationship with a seasoned expert and a learning community of peers. Church mentoring involves long-term relationships focused on achieving results. It combines teaching, coaching, training, consulting, and authentic friendship in a unique learning community designed exclusively for Very Large Churches.

Barnabas Church Mentoring brings peers together. Senior pastors develop relationships with other senior pastors. Board chairs develop relationships with other board chairs. The mentor stays connected with each church year-round through telephone coaching calls and deepening relationships of trust. Barnabas Church Mentoring also provides customized consultation for each church and an annual board training event for both new and experienced board members.

Barnabas Church Mentoring provides the environment and the foundation for a sustained year-long relationship that includes peer consulting, personalized mentoring, and customized solutions.

Barnabas Church Mentoring is the total solution when Very Large Churches are navigating the white waters of rapid change!