Defining current reality is an important step for a congregation seeking to engage in a Spiritual Strategic Journey. In previous posts I have talked about the importance of understanding where your congregation is in term of Vision, Relationships, Programs, and Management.
I would now add to that the importance of understanding the stage of the congregational life cycle that is most characteristic of your congregation. To have a clear sense of your current stage provides direction for you. It suggests the order in which you need to address various issues. It provides partial unity around a common mission. It relieves the anxiety of people in not knowing where to turn or what to do next. It provides a reason to say "yes" to the strategies and tactics most likely to move your congregation forward, and a reason to say "no" to those strategies and tactics that will take you focus off of your clear mission.
Have you studied the congregation life cycle? Have you presented it to your congregational leadership for their response? Have you built a consensus around the stage of the life cycle currently being experienced by your congregation?
Resources for addressing the congregational life cycle include chapter five of my book, Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation. You may purchase the book at my Bullard Journal Book Store. If you would like a copy of the life cycle chart to use in your congregation, you may download it for free from www.BullardJournal.org.