Strengthening Lay Leaders in Seasons of Decline and Transition
When a congregation is in a season of decline, or interim leadership - it can feel overwhelming. Where should we start? What should we focus on? Is there any hope to turn things around? These are big questions and we don’t promise to answer them in a single post, but the following might help shed a little light into a season of ministry that feels darker than usual…
Try This: Shift the Lens
It’s easy to focus on what feels like “less”—fewer people, fewer resources, maybe even an empty pulpit for the time being. But in the middle of these challenges, there’s a unique opportunity to rethink what ministry means. What if this season isn’t just about sustaining what’s familiar but about reshaping your church to better reflect its mission and its people?
Ministry Matters highlights how lay leaders feel more connected and inspired when they understand how their efforts contribute to the church’s bigger story and mission:
“People are more apt to serve and lead if they see themselves as part of something bigger than themselves. For a congregation, this means not only understanding what the mission or vision guiding the congregation is, it's being able to see themselves as part of that and be a part of the larger congregation's story which is part of God's story. Lay leaders that are particularly strong, are even able to articulate or share their story with others. This story tells of how they see what they are doing in the congregation as part of their role as a leader, servant and/or steward.”
This could be a chance for your congregation to come together, dream a little, and reconnect with the core purpose that first made your church special.
Try This: Look for Strengths Already Within Your Community
Every church has untapped gifts sitting in the pews, sometimes just waiting to be noticed. Who naturally organizes gatherings? Who has a gift for making visitors feel welcome? Congregations with diverse leadership teams—especially ones built around people’s actual strengths rather than just filling roles—see lasting and meaningful impact.
“The ideal scenario, according to Barna, is when the leadership team combines four different types of leaders: a visionary motivator, a strategic decision-maker, a team-builder who mobilizes people around vision and tasks, and one who oversees the operational aspects of the team’s work. Working as a close-knit unit, such a partnership maximizes individual capabilities while compensating for individual weaknesses.”
- Barna
“They Possess a Heart Level Understanding of God’s Mission
They Possess an Understanding of the Nature of Change
They Possess the Heart of a Servant”
Take a look around and begin reaching out to people who might not have considered themselves leaders. With some gentle encouragement, they may be open to stepping into new roles that fit their skills and passions.
Try This: Invest in Training, However You Can
Lay leaders often feel more confident when they’re equipped with the right resources and training. This doesn’t have to be formal or expensive; even small gatherings for skill-building or online resources can go a long way.
“Spiritual formation. Many lay staff enter into ministry responsibilities without the benefit of the period of formation clergy generally receive in their education and ordination processes. Many lay staff report feeling spiritually unprepared for the expectations placed on them. Others, especially those without roots in the denomination of the church they are serving, expressed a need for a clearer understanding of the beliefs of the denomination. Congregations, particularly those with large lay staffs, should strive to integrate prayer, Bible study, and spiritual formation into the ongoing work of their staff team or teams and encourage spiritual mentoring of lay staff by clergy, other lay staffers, or spiritual directors.
Continuing education. A common theme among lay staff is their felt need for more training of various kinds. Pastors, supervisors, and personnel committees can help lay staff identify appropriate workshops, seminars, and learning resources; chart a course of appropriate and accessible professional growth; and provide funds for professional development.
Theological education. Most lay staff do not have seminary degrees. Nor are many likely to interrupt their careers to pursue a theological degree through the traditional channels. However, most could benefit from specialized theological instruction tailored to their circumstances and needs and made available in accessible formats — such as distance learning options or intensive study programs.
Peer learning and support networks. Lay staff can benefit greatly from establishing professional relationships with other ministry practitioners beyond their congregations. In some areas of specialization, such as church administration, church music, and Christian education, professional associations and guilds can provide enrichment and support. Additionally, informal networks with staff working in similar specialties in other churches in the region should be encouraged as a way to share ideas, resources, and best practices.
Training on confidentiality and boundaries. Lay staff generally have not received the same level of training as clergy on handling pastoral concerns, sexual ethics, or other boundary issues. Therefore, congregations must assure that their lay staff members are adequately prepared for this challenging aspect of ministry.
Accountability. For most lay staff, the legitimization of their ministry authority flows from the fact of their being hired. And supervision and evaluation generally follow a workplace model. At minimum, clearly stated job descriptions and review procedures should be in place. But congregations must ask if standard workplace mechanisms alone are sufficient for accountability in ministry. Staff covenants can clarify expectations, foster accountability, and promote communication within church staffs.”
If you need some resources to get started with, we’re regularly adding listings to our Resource Hub and developing courses alongside other Ministry partners on CHURCHx, here are several on Lay Leadership.
Try This: Celebrate Small Wins and Steady Progress
When resources are limited, it’s natural to feel like you need to push harder, but sometimes the most meaningful changes happen through small, intentional steps. Whether it’s a new prayer group, a community meal, or simple fellowship gatherings, these smaller acts build community and resilience.
Try This: Lean on Hope and Look to the Future
Finally, know that there is hope here. This season, as hard as it might be, is an invitation to reimagine what it means to be church together. It’s a chance to try new things, empower new leaders, and strengthen the bonds within your community. Even in times of transition, God is at work, often in the most unexpected ways. As your congregation moves forward, remember that there’s a quiet strength in the simple acts of coming together, leaning on each other, and focusing on your shared mission. While the journey might be different from what you imagined, it’s one that can lead to a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.