Returning to a Missional Mindset at Church

Many churches—especially those in rural contexts—have become increasingly inward-focused. By that, I mean they’ve grown comfortable maintaining traditional models of preaching, teaching, and gathering together, while failing to innovate in response to a changing culture. Many have not recognized that we now live in a post-Christian society. To grow, thrive, and fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission, churches must once again become mission-minded.

A 2023 national survey of Americans’ worldviews revealed that only 4% of Americans actually hold a biblical worldview (Barna, G. [2023, February 28]. American Worldview Inventory 2023: Incidence of Biblical Worldview Shows Significant Change Since the Start of the Pandemic, Release #1. Cultural Research Center, Arizona Christian University. Link).
That statistic should shock and motivate church leaders to act. Churches that fail to adopt an outward-focused, mission-oriented mindset risk continued decline—and may disappear within a few generations.

The Challenge of Change

Transitioning from an inward to an outward focus is not easy. It takes time, can cause conflict, and often results in broken relationships. Many churchgoers are comfortable with the programs they’ve attended since childhood, the people they love seeing each Sunday, or a preaching style that affirms their walk of faith. When change threatens those comforts, people resist. They push back—not necessarily because they dislike the mission—but because they fear losing something they cherish.

Yet, there is a way forward that leads to greater things than we can imagine. We don’t know the future, but God does. He has redemptive plans for His church and will accomplish His will. As Jesus reminds us, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

Four Steps Toward an Outward-Focused Church

1. Understand Your Context
   Every church is called to make disciples, love God, and love their neighbors—but the context in which that mission unfolds is unique. Every city, town, and neighborhood has its own culture, norms, challenges, and opportunities. Churches must invest in understanding their communities and intentionally build relationships with the people who live there.

2. Understand Your Uniqueness
   Each congregation has its own gifts and calling from God. What are the unique skills, interests, and traditions that define your church? What spiritual gifts are represented among your members? What is your pastor’s leadership style? Understanding your church’s strengths and weaknesses allows you to serve your community more effectively and share the gospel more authentically.

3. Gain Clarity of Vision
   Where is your church going? What do you hope to accomplish in the next five or ten years? Too many churches track attendance and offerings but lack clear goals beyond that. Define what a true disciple looks like in your context. Determine how your members will grow and who they are called to reach. When everyone understands the vision, they become energized to work together toward God’s unique calling for your church.

4. Be Patient and Stay the Course
   Changing the culture of a long-established institution doesn’t happen overnight. Churches that have existed for decades—or even a century—will experience resistance. Leaders should not take this personally but instead listen, ask questions, and guide their congregations to focus on values rather than programs. Once people understand that change honors God’s calling, most will become engaged and excited about the future.

These steps are adapted from Rick Weinert’s book, Four Essentials: Leading Effective Change in a Rural Church Context, a valuable resource for pastors leading rural congregations through cultural and missional transformation.

If your church is ready to move from surviving to thriving—to become a congregation that truly lives out the Great Commission—Mustful Strategic Consulting can help. Let’s take a closer look at your context and create a plan for confident, Spirit-led growth. Together, we can make your church one that makes disciples who make disciples.