Spiritual Strategic
Journey
Congregational
Redevelopment
Tutorial
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Choose Your Route: Life Cycle and Stages The Ten Stages: Empty Nest For a graphical view of the ten stages, see my chart, The Life Cycle and Stages of Congregational Development).
If a congregation does not redevelop during Maturity it will move on to the Empty Nest stage. Empty Nest is when Vision and Programs are no longer dominant or fully developed. The congregation is experiencing disintegration of the quality and quantity of programs, ministries, and activities. Management is driving the direction of the congregation. Relationships, while still vital, are turning increasingly inward in their focus. Empty Nest has three phases. Phase one is characterized by nostalgia that carries with it a hope that tomorrow will bring the return of yesterday. Most stories are about the glories of the past and not the anticipation of the future. Phase two is characterized by disappointment that triggers a renewed call for commitment by the faithful core. Overachieving persons demand that everyone be as committed as they are to the redevelopment of the congregation. Phase three is characterized by anger that results in a pattern of blaming. Often blaming focuses on the leadership of the congregation; even the pastor. Empty Nest represents what can turn out to be the angriest stage of the life cycle for a congregation. The Empty Nest stage is discussed further in my article, The Empty Nest of a Congregation. Does this description fit your congregation? If you think the answer is "yes," click the Next button underneath It fits. If you're not sure, or you think the answer is probably "no," click the Next button underneath Look further or select another life cycle stage.
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