Churches that are not currently growing, and there are many, are in such a spot for many possible reasons.
 
If you are used to looking out of the sjogrenian kaleidoscope, you know that I see that everything starts with the profound sense of God’s presence being front – center of all that we do.  No man tells God what to do or in any way makes anything happen that is not on God’s heart to accomplish.  However, it is evident from a myriad of scriptures at this point in God’s history, he is eager to pour out his Spirit in our midst – upon all flesh.  One small detail - his outpouring seems to be limited to those who are willing to poured upon.  Are 100% of the named leaders at your church willing to be poured upon?  He is looking in the highways and byways for open vessels who are willing to co-operate with him – who will carry out his simple kingdom plans.  (HINT:  His kingdom plan has nothing to do with the empire building plans of people.  You might want to copy and paste that last line in your journal…  I have.)

This idea is simple – not simplistic.

As we do the deeds of the kingdom – make ourselves available to do the deeds of Jesus – the Holy Spirit tends to show up in the time of need of those we step out to serve.  We are available.  He loves those around us dearly, unspeakably.  He flows through us – not in an equation-like manner by any means.
 
Why do great things happen sometimes and sometimes not?  My hunch is it comes down to a numbers issue.  We pray for hundreds – thousands actually.  We grow in our capacity to hear him – better yet to “notice” what he is doing.  Thus, our effectiveness grows.
 
But what about how we relate in a healthy way to those we work with?  Does that or can that have a negative bearing on how healing, progress in the kingdom’s expansion occurs?  Can a lack of health at the root of the tree, so to speak, cause the tree to cease to expand?  In both the metaphor and in science this is certainly true.
 
Consider the following factors regarding your current team.

Team Atmosphere Killers

No matter what image comes to mind when the word “team” is mentioned, there are a number of atmosphere assassins each of us want to avoid like the flu epidemic of 1917.  These atmosphere issues spread much faster than that flu bug.  Unfortunately, even a fantastic team morale that has been built faithfully over a long time frame can be devastated in short order if the “skipper” is not clearly architect-ing the atmosphere of the “Love Boat.”
 
Like it or not, if you are in charge on the org chart, your role is clear.  (Yes, there is just one person in charge – no committee has ever effectively run any church… committees have endless meetings.  Leaders take charge, hear from God, and grasp the helm – as scary as that may sound to some reading this, all biblical patterns of leadership – Old and New Testament, boil down to a single visionary-leader.)  If you remember (or have seen reruns on TVLand of) The Love Boat, you are Captain Stubbing, regardless of how wide your hair is parted.  Your job, accept it or not, is to see to it that the atmosphere of the kingdom, the culture of the love of God, is prevailing at all levels in your organization.

Atmosphere Flu Is Carried By These Common Misunderstandings:

“Money Savings Is Paramount”
The fear of “not enough” whatever the issue is the root of most of the “stuckness” in churches today.  Money fears are typically greatly over-rated.  Pray for clarity as a leader.  Ask for God’s strategy to be apparent.  Maybe you will become simple, but where he leads there will be ample funding – always!  Pay people accordingly or you will build into your entire spiritual environment a horrible “not enough” mentality that is close to impossible to reverse.
“All Must Give A Close Accounting Of Their Time Spent”
This is silly.  Many ministers spend a good part of their week hiding in their offices.  (Not all, but many – if you aren’t growing you might consider getting out and actually meeting people now and them – people talk when you buy them a cup of coffee!)  Don’t punish the ones who are out “with the people” as the Gospels speak of Jesus’ routine as well as Acts does of the Apostles.
“Reporting Relationships – Who Connects to Whom – Is A Negotiable Deal”
This mistake is often the beginning of a deal buster.  As the leader you may have recruited a super talent, but the hand off to someone who doesn’t see even a fraction of what you do – well that’s just unacceptable.  Three words:  Communication, communication, communication.  After the hand off, continue to check in.  With key people, this step is absolutely necessary or you will likely lose a given talent.  This is not the same as not trusting another to do a great job in developing others.  It is just great strategy.
Setting Artificial Deadlines
Don’t do it.  No, it’s not good for anyone.  They will always figure out that the deadline was simply a made up one.  Always.
“We’ll Save Money By Cutting Salaries”
This is a very common mistake especially with growing churches.  A much better move is to simply lay people off.  Cutting salaries hurts entire families – it’s that simple. I have yet to meet a pastor who has done this who later thought it was a good move.
Showing Consistent Disrespect
This is due a book in itself.  No emotionally healthy person can work in any sort of ongoing way with someone who doesn’t respect them.  None of us are stupid.  We can all pick up on clear signals that we are not held in high esteem.
Every member of your team is not only due respect.  They are each a gift from God himself.  Celebrate the gift they bring.  Let them shine where they are strong – and they probably will!  Do what it takes to deal with conflict.  See a therapist – whatever.  Great churches have long term employees that become like family over the long haul.
 
Steve Sjogren is the senior leader of CoastlandTampa – an innovative church launch that emphasizes outwardness, generosity, using one’s seminal gifts and most importantly – the ease of networking with the vast network of not-yet believers that is all around all us if we only open our eyes and begin to notice those God notices.