The Columbia Partnership

12 Lies Most Churches Believe [Updated]

Beliefs And Behaviors That Kill Their Churches

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Hammett,_12_Lies_Most_Churches_Believe,_6.28.10_Edition.pdf (44 KB)

By Eddie Hammett, Ministry Partner with The Columbia Partnership  

Voice: 828.458.8954, E-mail: EHammett@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Site: www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org

Over the past several months I have begun to note lies and deceptions that provide deep roots for the dysfunction and ineffectiveness of many leaders and/or their churches. I am keenly aware that for many lies are a judgment call and based on one’s limited knowledge and often one’s perspective or belief system. Others believe truth for the church comes from the Bible. Others believe ultimate truth is found in the person of Christ. With this in mind consider some of the lies I believe in large part responsible for the diminished impact and effectiveness of many churches in our 21^st century world.

What is an Innovative Church?

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Wrenn,_What_is_an_Innovative_Church_6.15.10_Edition.doc (49 KB)

By Bud Wrenn, Ministry Associate with The Columbia Partnership  

Voice: 336.214.6255, E-mail: BWrenn@TheColumbiaPartnership.org, Web Sites: www.TheCcolumbiaPartnership.org

Some of the biggest misconceptions in the American church today come as the result of labeling of individual churches. Churches have always been labeled. But those labels primarily have been associated with denominationalism. The church growth movement of the past 40 or so years has led to a broader variety of labels, often associated with worship style. In turn, worship style has come to be equated with musical style.

For example, words such as contemporary and innovative are used to distinguish a church from one that is traditional. The term traditional has come to represent the benchmark to determine how contemporary or innovative a church really is. Traditional typically characterizes a church that uses hymns, and perhaps instruments such as piano and organ. Any musical style that is characterized by more modern praise choruses (even those that may embody 70’s style popular music styles), or uses any other instruments than piano or organ, will always be labeled contemporary by some.

Love Values Persons

"Love leads those in God's community to value each person. The weakest are important. Those with handicaps are respected. Those in need receive care and understanding. Love enables us to see people as God sees them.." [p. 12] -- David Goatley in A Divine Assignment with Lucas Park Books of Chalice Press' TCP Leadership Series, 2009.   [See book at TCP Resources Store.]

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Agility is Strength and Speed Under Control

"This book will show you how to develop your organization into a faster, more responsive one while at the same time expanding the breadth of your organizational strengths. Agility is strength and speed under control. The best athletes are those who can display both speed and focus while engaging in the required task." [p. 1] -- Jeff Woods in On the Move: Adding Strength, Speed, and Balance to Your Congregation with Chalice Press' TCP Leadership Series, 2009.   [See book at TCP Resources Store.]

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Soulful Leaders Have Transformational Impact

"We believe a soulful leader is a person who desires and is equipped for transforming influence and has transformational impact. As a result of such leadership, people, organizations, families, and businesses successfully encounter waves and experience shifts. We further believe that transformational impact can only occur after tough decisions are made and attitudes and behaviors are changed. These changes lead to the transitional steps in individuals and organizations that yield revolutionary transformation." [p. ix] -- Eddie Hammett and Randy Pierce in Making Shifts without Making Waves with Chalice Press' TCP Leadership Series, 2009.   [See book at TCP Resources Store.]

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