This week’s post is from a letter by Larry Cheek, Associational Missionary for Stone Mountain Baptist Association, GA. For information on how your church or organization can benefit from the process mentioned please contact me, George Yates, at SonC.A.R.E. Ministries.
I am writing to commend to you the ministry of the Reverend George Yates and Son Care Ministries Inc. I had the privilege of meeting George almost three years ago when he was recommended to me by my good friend David Suddath of the Noonday Baptist Association in Marietta, GA as a conference leader.
George came and led a “Reaching the Summit” church health seminar for the leadership of our churches. His presentation was clear, concise and his communication skills were excellent! Following his presentation many of our ministers wanted to have him to come back and work specifically with their churches
Last year we contracted with him to work with four of our churches for the period of one year to “coach” them back to health. Each of these churches had been in decline for over 10 years with single digit baptisms. I am pleased to report that after going through the process, all are healthy and growing again this year with double digit baptisms!
The process George outlines in his book (Reaching the Summit: Avoiding and Reversing Decline in the Church) is practical and gives any church and Pastor the tools they need to reverse decline in the church. Those four Pastors are now working with George, coming alongside 5 other churches in our association in “round two” of this process.
It is our intention to continue the journey of reaching the summit and multiply these efforts among the churches of our Association. Your church, association, convention or denomination will benefit from the giftedness of this great coach and church leader!
Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about this ministry.
Serving Together!
Dr. Larry Cheek
Associational Missionary
Stone Mountain Baptist Association, Covington, GA
Every church at some point will face decline. It is inevitable. The first phases of decline are so subtle they often go unnoticed – in some cases they will go unnoticed for several years. I believe the declining trends of most churches can be eliminated and reversed. However, you must be willing to ask for help. Help is available, not only from SonC.A.R.E. Ministries, but other associations and judicatories, at local, state, and national levels.
In reaching the Summit we identify five phases of decline in churches and ministry organizations. The further in decline your church slips, the more diligence is required to reverse decline. Why wait until your church reaches phase four before asking for help? Many churches do. Don’t be like those ‘many’ churches. Pray about it today and call to speak with someone about assistance. These days most phone calls are free.
What will you do to help your church avoid or reverse any declining trends?