To facilitate is “to simplify a process or make something easier to do.” Nothing about church renewal is simple or easy, but an experienced guide can be helpful. We facilitate weekend retreats for leadership groups and entire congregations. We do not provide answers for you. We guide you through a process that enables you to determine next steps that are appropriate.

2. As a catalyst and momentum builder.

A well-timed special event generates a widely shared sense of urgency for change, launches the renewal process, and provides fuel for seeing it through. Our keynote addresses and renewal weekends help you achieve these important goals.

3. As a trainer and provider of tools.

Workshops are ideal for events involving people from many churches. We include time for networking and resource discovery, so participants identify others from whom they can learn in the future. Churches learning to grow again draw on peer support for strength and resilience.

If you invite us to your church or event, we ask only that you reimburse us for travel expenses and provide lodging and a modest honorarium. Can “Church Over 40” help you discern and respond to God’s call to a vital future? Call us at 262.902.4591 to explore collaboration. There is no cost or obligation.

Workshop Topics:

Starting Well – For congregations who have called a new pastor in the past 12 months, or are preparing to do so. “How do we develop a pastor-congregation partnership that starts strong and endures?”

From Tradition to Mission – "What is our church's heritage, and what symbols express it? How can we reach out to new people in ways that honor and extend our unique heritage?”

The Culture Connection – "Who are our unchurched, pre-Christian neighbors? How can we serve them? What aspects of their culture and worldview provide points of connection with the Christian message?"

Mission, Vision, and Values – "Does our church need clear statements of mission, vision, and core values? How do we develop them - and align our congregation accordingly?"

Polarity Management – A polarity is a pair of opposites that can't function well independently, like inhaling and exhaling. "Why do leaders in older churches need to manage four polarities: Tradition/Innovation, Self Care/Other Care, "Inreach"/Outreach, and Structure/Flexibility? How do we do that?"

Size Transition – "Why do congregations stop growing at specific size thresholds? If God is calling us to make room for more people, what challenges must we meet to grow to the next level?"

Giving Ministry Away – "What kind of leaders succeed in giving ministry away to all God's people? How can we create an empowering, permission-giving environment in which all God's people use their gifts to serve?"

How to Start a New Service – "Should our congregation consider starting a new worship service? If so, how do we go about it?"

Better Boards – "How do we offer creative leadership to improve the effectiveness of our governing board? What attitudes and practices create an ideal relationship between pastor, staff, and board?"

The Multigenerational Congregation – "What generational groups now exist in our church? How do we embrace the gifts and meet the needs of each group?"

The Learning Congregation – "How do we learn to listen deeply and address resistance – the two key competencies of learning congregations?”