The majority of churches today self-assess that their church is currently in decline and on the right side of the lifecycle in maintenance, preservation, or life support. In this episode, Tony and Amy wrap up our series by walking through the key challenges of the declining side of the lifecycle and offering next steps for moving back to health. Unsure where your church sits on the church lifecycle? Take the free Unstuck Church Assessment. This Episode is Sponsored by PlainJoe Studios PlainJoe: A Storyland Studio partners with churches, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and educational environments to create unforgettable strategic, digital, and spatial stories that lift the Spirit. To learn more about working with PlainJoe’s team of down-to-earth specialists, architects, strategists, artists, and problem solvers, visit plainjoestudios.com/getunstuck. For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at theunstuckgroup.com/episode293. Join the Live Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday, when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on Twitter. Or you can join in on Facebook.

The Challenges of Church Decline - Episode 293

With THE UNSTUCK CHURCH PODCAST, we invite you into the real-time conversations our team is having about church leadership every week.

Hosted by Tony Morgan, this podcast explores common challenges in ministry and practical steps for tackling them. It’s like getting to be a fly on the wall of our staff meetings. 

Tune in weekly for:

* Insights, observations and trends for church leaders from Tony Morgan.
* Benchmarks in church growth and health from The Unstuck Group’s work serving hundreds churches across North America each year.
* Practical advice to help you lead your church towards sustained health.

We think that after listening to The Unstuck Church Podcast, you’ll want to start these discussions with your own team at your next staff meeting. 

Add your thoughts to the conversation on social media using #unstuckchurch.

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Attendance growth isn't always a sign of health. After all, both healthy and unhealthy things can grow. In the first episode of our new series on "How Healthy Churches Grow," Tony and Amy unpack the first principle of healthy growth based on our work with 650+ churches: objective assessment. FREE WEBINAR:  What's Working in Large Churches Now    In this webinar, Tony Morgan is sitting down with lead pastors J.D. Greear, Eric Geiger and Adam Starling to discuss what’s actually working in their large churches now to reach new people and engage people in the life of the church.  Register now.    This Episode is Sponsored by PATH  As your church grows, it becomes difficult to see individuals through the crowd. It’s time to transform your data into discipleship with PATH. Using PATH’s clear, actionable reports to define reality, gain clarity, and know your people, you can be confident that you're maximizing your data to shepherd and care for the people in your church when they need you most. To learn more and receive a free resource on "Shepherding Tips and Ideas," visit pathengagement.com/unstuck.  For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at  theunstuckgroup.com/episode347.   Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.

The First Step Toward Healthy Growth – Episode 347

“Discussing the non-essentials ought to help you make disciples, not hinder you from making disciples.” In this episode, Pastor Dave Dummitt from Willow Creek Community Church joins us to discuss exploring tough topics as a church and navigating non-essentials in our faith. This Episode is Sponsored by PATH  As your church grows, it becomes difficult to see individuals through the crowd. It’s time to transform your data into discipleship with PATH. Using PATH’s clear, actionable reports to define reality, gain clarity, and know your people, you can be confident that you're maximizing your data to shepherd and care for the people in your church when they need you most. To learn more and receive a free resource on "Shepherding Tips and Ideas," visit pathengagement.com/unstuck.  For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at  theunstuckgroup.com/episode346.   Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.

How to Talk About Faith “Non-Essentials” (with Pastor Dave Dummitt) – Episode 346

“My responsibility as a pastor isn't to convince you that my view on things is correct. My responsibility is to disciple you to be a better follower of Jesus.” In this episode, Tony sits down with Andy Stanley to discuss how pastors can navigate controversial topics regarding politics—especially as we enter an election season in the US.  > Registration closes TOMORROW for our  2024 Executive Pastor Cohort. This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, an all-in-one software to help you organize your ministries and care for your church. With an easy-to-use platform of products, you can bring people together with event signups, room and resource reservations, automatic volunteer scheduling, and much more. Start using for free now at  planningcenter.com.   For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at theunstuckgroup.com/episode345.   Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.

How To Talk About Politics (with Andy Stanley) - Episode 345

“I have sensed a need from God to be courageous in these moments and recognize that not everyone's going to be happy with what I'm saying.” In this episode, Rich Villodas, Pastor of New Life Fellowship (a large, multi-racial church in Queens, NY), offers wisdom for discipling our diverse churches on tough topics like sexuality. Learn more about our  Executive Pastor Cohort. This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, an all-in-one software to help you organize your ministries and care for your church. With an easy-to-use platform of products, you can bring people together with event signups, room and resource reservations, automatic volunteer scheduling, and much more. Start using for free now at  planningcenter.com.   For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at  theunstuckgroup.com/episode344.   Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.

How to Talk About Sexuality & More (with Pastor Rich Villodas) – Episode 344

We’re kicking off a special new series packed with practical wisdom from senior pastors to senior/teaching pastors to challenge and encourage them to equip their congregations to talk about tough topics in our world today. In this episode, Pastor Rick Atchley shares how The Hills Church developed a sermon series around mental health and provides encouragement for other pastors looking to address this topic. You can watch Pastor Rick’s series, Let’s Talk About Mental Health, here. This Episode is Sponsored by Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, an all-in-one software to help you organize your ministries and care for your church. With an easy-to-use platform of products, you can bring people together with event signups, room and resource reservations, automatic volunteer scheduling, and much more. Start using for free now at  planningcenter.com.   For the full episode transcript, links mentioned during the show, and to download the Leader Conversation Guide, visit this episode's Show Notes at  theunstuckgroup.com/episode343.   Join the Conversation on Social Media If you're listening on Wednesday when the episode first releases, join the live conversation The Unstuck Group's team will be having on social media about this week's topic. We use hashtag #unstuckchurch on X. Or you can join in on Facebook.

The Challenges of Church Decline - Episode 293

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