A healthy approach to church growth and revitalization
Todd West • Director of Church Solutions • DiscipleGuide
More than ever before, pastors and churches are realizing that they must come together and discover how to move forward in
“such a time as this.” We can’t do this alone, and, honestly, God never intended for us to do it that way. We now have thirty- seven BMA churches from seven diffrent states that have joined the Activate movement. We expect at least forty other churches to join us in 2017. After two years, Activate is proving to be a “go to” ministry for many churches of all sizes and ages who simply want to be healthier.
Levels
Activate is a level-based ministry where churches can move at their own pace throughout the process. If you decide to join
Activate, you will immediately receive level one by e-mail. Upon completion, we will e-mail you the next level. Each level contains suggestions for your Activate team meetings, a clear explanation of the tools, and other content to enhance your process.
Selecting an Activate Team
In level one of Activate, each local church selects a team from their church that represents a cross section of people from the congregation. Selecting people of various ages, both genders, and a healthy combination of newer and long-term members has
proven to be effctive. Using the tools provided through Activate, the team partners with the pastor to help discover unique
challenges and potential solutions for greater health. The Activate team will regularly report discoveries to the entire congregation in what is called “Activate Congregation Workshops.” This process is designed to move an informed and unifid church forward.
Pastor Huddles
Many of our current Activate pastors are enjoying the benefits of the pastors’ huddle. Most of these take place in the pastors’ local area every four to six weeks, but some have chosen an on-line huddle option. Here are the advantages:
• Receive coaching from your huddle leader on your current Activate level.
• Gain insight from other Activate pastors.
• Find encouragement from pastors in a positive environment.
• Praying for and celebrating the wins in our churches.
Activate Orientations
Each year we host several orientations in various states with on-line options available as well. The orientation is a “no cost” and “no commitment” event. I would encourage you to recruit other pastors from your area to join you for the orientation, because this will benefit you greatly. Pastors, just show up for one of these three-hour events, and feel free to bring staff members or key church leaders.
Here’s how the orientation will benefit you:
• Hear from pastors currently involved in Activate.
• Gain insight into how Activate can help unite your church around a biblical process that leads to greater health.
• Get hands-on experience in how the Activate tools work.
• Learn how Activate can encourage pastors and help them sharpen their leadership skills.
• Learn how Activate respects the uniqueness and autonomy of every church.
• Connect and build relationships with other pastors, church staff members, associational leaders, and church leaders.
Upcoming Activate Orientations
November 29 (9 a.m. – noon), Farley Street Baptist Church, Waxahachie, TX
December 8 (9 a.m. – noon), Oasis Church, North Little Rock, AR
December 13 (9 a.m. – noon), On-line Activate Orientation
(E-mail hsorrells@insideoasis.com for instructions to join on-line.)
