DNA of a growing, fruitful and healthy church: Introduction

Ed Stetzer & Mike Dodson (Comeback Churches, pg. 29-30) wrote: "Most churches in North America need a new approach, a new philosophy, and a new passion.  Yet most won't make the change."
Why is that?  Why do we have difficulty righting the ship?  Stetzer & Dodson continue, "Too many pastors will see the need for change but will be unable to convince there churches to make the changes necessary."  This I believe is true.  I know that this was the case in at least 2 of the churches I have pastored over the last 20 plus years of ministry.  What is the disconnect?
Well again Stetzer & Dodson rightly diagnose the problem.  "Most pastors reading this believe that the church exists, at least in part, to fulfill the great commission. . . .But the average person in the church thinks the church exists to meet his or her needs."  
So what can we do?  What does the church need to make this change?  The church needs a new spiritual DNA.  If you prefer, the church as a whole needs a new mindset or paradigm.  DNA in our bodies is the substance that contains our genetic instructions.  These instructions are used as our body develops and in every aspect of how we function as a living organism.  You might call it our blueprints for life.  Spiritually most churches today need to be infused with a new DNA or blue print of what it is to be the church.  We have blurred the Biblical mandate of the churches purpose with traditions and programs.
If we are to lead our churches to be growing fruitful and healthy we must introduce them to a new philosophy and mindset about the church.  Are you up to the challenge?

check back later fro part 2.

Danger signs of an unhealthy church mindset

Over the years I have become increasingly convinced that a healthy, strong and growing church is not about the programs, policies and activities that a church is doing but more importantly the mindset and paradigms it has adopted.  That being said let me share 9 thoughts mindsets that are danger signs of an unhealthy church mindset.

1. We boast of faithfulness instead of fruitfulness.(John 15.1-8)
2. The Committee or Team's name changes but the faces around the table don't.
3. We excuse ourselves for lacking quality in what we do.
4. We plan for our comfort not for ministry opportunities.
5. For an event to be successful everyone must attend.
6. New people are given "opportunity" to serve only after a few weeks attending and without being equipped.
7. We like to say, "We always do it this way!"
8. We hear, "We pay the pastor to do the ministry things."
9. We have a purpose we just aren't sure what it is!