This Roadmap is the culmination of thirty years of work with American Orthosphere Churches and the three years devoted to completing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership. It was completed because Christianity is declining in America by most observable metrics. For example:
1. approximately 64% of youth are leaving their church,
2. some denominations have lost over 47% of adults born into their faith,
3. “NONES” (who claim no religious affiliation) are the largest group in America today (27%) and growing steadily,
4. church attendance has decreased by over 50% over the last 20 years,
5. only about 20%-25% of faithful attend a church at least once a month,
6. “ the median rate of church growth is steadily declining (7% decline in the last 5 years),
7. clergy shortages are epidemic, and religious education needs are exploding,
8. financial challenges plague many parishes and denominations, and
9. we are living in exponential times with the pace of change accelerating.
We need a μετάνοια (metanoia) transformative change of heart and better strategies. The data show the top three S³ challenges churches face are:
+ Servant Leadership and Strategic Planning
+ Stewardship and Engagement
+ Spiritual Formation and Religious Education
This Roadmap is a church health and effectiveness guidebook. The first fourteen chapters provide specific step-by-step best practices strategies to address the root causes of each S³ challenge. It helps churches and ministries discover and live their WHY and Core Values to fulfill their Mission and achieve their future Vision. This Roadmap also provides people of faith the steps to pursue “a good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ” (II Corinthians 5:10).
From the beginning of the Holy Scripture (Genesis 1:26), through the teachings of Christ (John 17:21-22) and St. Paul’s instructions (Galatians 3:27-28), to the clear affirmation in the Nicene Creed developed by the heirs to the Apostles, everything sacred points toward unity and “Oneness In Christ” (“OIC”). However, without an OIC Roadmap, Christ’s churches in America today are many in division and weakness rather than one in unity and strength.
As a result: (a) Chapter 15 provides a Roadmap for “Oneness In Christ Disciples” to bring people closer to Christ and each other, (b) Chapter 16 provides a Roadmap to unify all the 18 Orthodox Christian Jurisdictions in the United States, and (c) Chapter 17 provides a high-level Roadmap for unity between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches (and perhaps eventually all Christian churches in America).
Overall, this Roadmap provides a specific path and detailed steps and strategies for you and your church to experience a μετάνοια needed to achieve a righteous “good account” in your II Corinthians 5:10 Moment.
ALL GLORY TO GOD!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please email me at: Bill@stewardshipcalling.com.