By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
You can tell a great deal about the health and promise of a pastor-less Christian church by looking at their search committee. Stated differently, those we select to help us select our new pastor paint a picture of health, or struggle. Sylva First is very well positioned. That committee offers a promising barometer of our future, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
As we continue praying and preparing, I want to offer three cautions.
First, do not pretend that the new pastor will provoke an avalanche of growth. Growth will come, but it will more likely be quieter, more consistent. To amplify this, allow me to share one bit of data shared at our Autumn mid-week gathering: “From 1970 to 1990, church attendance in our nation declined by a grand-total of 2%. HOWEVER, each year since 1990, the American church has declined by 1 to 2% each year ... “ (The Great Dechurching). You read that right! Your new pastor will help you chart a course for our future which may, or may not initially include numerical growth. Without doubt, it will create an environment to slow the tide of decline so that growth becomes more possible.
Secondly, Sylva First must make a concerted effort to more diligently address technological advances. Families new to the community almost always begin their search for a church by looking at the church’s website. Ours needs work. Ours needs weekly updates. Our technology prowess must match a generation that has known nothing other than tech-savvy organizations. We must become one of those organizations.
Thirdly, despite what the paragraph above correctly identifies, we must recommit ourselves to an “old-school” approach to growing ... which is, most church growth still happens because someone took the time to invite someone else to join them in church worship, discipleship and friendship. There’s no substitute for face-to-face encounters of warmth.
This church is deeply blessed with gifted people to make certain our Gospel relevance remains sure. Our church is going to continue to be used of God to bless our community and world. So then, ask yourself, “what part of me needs a fresh coat of energy and a rededication to making Christ known?”
– Joe
