Lifecycle of a Church

I was asked to speak to our German pastors about the lifecycle of a local congregation. Since the original lifecycle theory by Larry Greiner in 1974, there have been number additions and adaptations for both secular business and non-profit organizations (e.g., churches). But the basic premise is the same. All organizations, just like humans, will go through different phases of development. In order to grow, a person will go through a crisis as he/she enters into the next phase of life (cf. Erik Erikson).This is also true of any organization. How one resolves the crises will determine further growth. Often, the solutions to past crises become the seeds for the next crisis in an organization.

One of the best adaptations for the church comes from George Bullard. He contends that there are 10 phases of life. (see graphic, click for larger view)

Every church can find itself in a stage in its lifecycle. Every stage has its unique characteristics. Bullard groups the various characteristics into four groups. Each of the four groups of characteristics should be present in a healthy, mature church. The four categories are:

• Vision – The current understanding of God’s strategic direction cast by leadership and owned by members. Includes vision, leadership, mission, purpose, core values.
• Relationships – Processes by which people are converted, assimilated, grow spiritually, utilise gifts, and develop leadership. Includes relationships, experiences, discipleship
• Programs – Provision of ministries, services, activities, and training. Includes events, ministries, services, activities.
• Management – Administration of resources, decision making, formal and informal culture, openness to change. Includes management, accountability, systems, resources.

The chart below identifies where the major emphases are or are not.