For generations, churches have measured success in ways that made sense for a different era—full pews, bustling Sunday school classes and steady financial giving. But in today’s rapidly changing landscape, these traditional markers may no longer reflect reality. As congregations experience shifts in attendance, financial challenges and changing community dynamics, clinging to outdated definitions of success can lead to frustration, fear, and ultimately, stagnation.
What if, instead of measuring success by the past, churches embraced a new, faithful definition of success for today? What if maintaining wasn’t the goal, but rather, thriving in new and creative ways? What if what we’ve traditionally seen as failure was actually an opportunity for transformation?
Through the Church Sustainability Initiative (CSI), CBFNC is walking alongside churches to help them redefine what success looks like—not in comparison to the past, but in light of the present and with hope for the future.
Letting Go of the Old Definitions
Many churches today find themselves in one of three places:
- Trying to recapture the past. They believe that if they just make the right hire, tweak a program, or work harder, the church can return to what it once was.
- Holding on for survival. They are focused on maintaining what’s left—keeping the doors open, managing the budget, and doing “enough” ministry to get by.
- Facing an uncertain future. They know something needs to change but feel overwhelmed by the weight of decisions and emotions that come with it.
For churches in any of these places, the journey toward a sustainable future begins with a shift in perspective.
What if success wasn’t about going back, but about moving forward—faithfully, courageously and in alignment with where God is leading today?
This shift in thinking allows churches to embrace new models for ministry that are both faithful and feasible.
Learning from the Stories of Other Churches
Across North Carolina, congregations are redefining success by stepping into new and innovative pathways—even when those pathways don’t look like traditional growth.
1.Success as Partners: The Collaborator Church
This church recognized that its space was an underutilized resource and chose to reimagine how its building could be a ministry tool.
- By partnering with community groups, they created a revenue-based model where a homeschool co-op, arts programs and a catering business rented space in the church.
- Through these partnerships, they generated 15% of their operating budget while strengthening their connection to the broader community.
- Their success wasn’t in filling pews—it was in leveraging their resources for mission in new ways.
Key Takeaway: Success doesn’t always look like more people in worship. Sometimes, it looks like faithfully stewarding what God has already given.
2. Success as Resetting: The Reset Church
This congregation had a full slate of ministries but not enough volunteers or participants to sustain them. The weight of trying to do everything left members burnt out and discouraged.
- Instead of continuing to stretch themselves too thin, they paused their programmatic expectations and discerned a new, focused mission.
- Rather than trying to be a church for young families (when few young families were present), they embraced their growing retiree population and restructured their ministries to serve them well.
- By focusing on what was actually possible, they moved from frustration to a renewed sense of purpose.
Key Takeaway: A thriving church isn’t always the one that does everything—it’s the one that does the right things well.
3. Success as Ending Well: The Legacy Church
For over 120 years, this church had served its community faithfully. But as the congregation aged and financial resources declined, they recognized that continuing in their current form was not sustainable.
- Instead of waiting until they could no longer afford to keep the doors open, they made a faithful and intentional decision to become a legacy church.
- They explored options such as gifting their building to a mission partner, maintaining a small gathering space for worship and selling their property to support future ministry endeavors.
- Their story didn’t end—it became a new chapter of kingdom impact beyond their walls.
Key Takeaway: A church’s story doesn’t end in failure when it transitions—it continues through its legacy of faithfulness.
What About Churches That Resist Change?
While some churches embrace new models, others struggle to follow through on the changes they once agreed were necessary.
Unfulfilled Promises Church
- This church had a clear strategic plan for renewal.
- They called a new, energetic pastor to help them implement it.
- But when the time came for real change, members resisted, choosing to watch from the sidelines rather than engage.
- The pastor, discouraged and defeated, left within two years, and the church remained stagnant.
Lesson: Change isn’t just about making a plan—it’s about committing to live into that plan, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The Mythological Comeback Kid Church
- This congregation believed that hiring the “right” young pastor would bring exponential growth.
- But when new leadership made unexpected changes, many long-time members felt displaced and disconnected.
- Instead of revitalization, the church saw division and decline.
Lesson: Growth is not about finding a savior in a new pastor—it’s about a whole church embracing a shared vision together.
Moving Forward: What Does Success Look Like for Your Church?
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. What worked for one church may not work for another. That’s why the Church Sustainability Initiative helps congregations explore multiple pathways forward—without fear, guilt, or pressure.
Consider these questions:
- What is God calling our church to be in this season?
- Are we holding onto an old definition of success that no longer fits?
- Do we have the courage to explore new ways of being the church?
- What might it look like to redefine success in ways that honor our history and embrace our future look like?
Next Steps: You Are Not Alone
If your church is wrestling with these questions, you don’t have to navigate them alone. The CBFNC Church Sustainability Initiative offers:
- Learning Cohorts – Connect with other churches exploring similar questions.
- Church Assessments – Take an honest look at finances, attendance, and ministry viability.
- Guided Pathway Discernment – Explore possibilities like restructuring, sharing space, merging, or transitioning into a legacy church.
- Expert Coaching – Receive wisdom and encouragement from those who have walked this path before.
Visit www.cbfnc.org/sustainability to learn more and begin your journey.
This is not the end of your church’s story. This is an opportunity to redefine success, embrace sustainability, and take a faithful next step toward the future God has for you.
This is the second article in a five-article series on church sustainability. Read the first article here.
-By Andy Hale
CBFNC Associate Executive Coordinator
