In it for the long haul

“During the first year, the centre found huge optimism and engagement with the project on the part of the church. They saw it very much in terms of the church mingling with the community and making a difference. But over the course of time [they have been in existence about 10 years] they discovered that when the hard graft sets in, enthusiasm begins to wane.” (Gill Miles, Easton Family Centre, Bristol)

Many of the ministries; events and programmes we set up as we seek to engage with the community will be directed towards meeting real need. It’s important to realise that many of those that we engage with will have over the years been promised many things that have never materialised. They might question your willingness or ability to deliver. Why? Because they’ve been let down so many times.

For their sake, and for the sake of the reputation and future credibility of the church, it’s important that before we do anything, we count the cost of what we decide to do. Not just the financial cost - though that is crucial, and we need to recognise that the project will cost more as things develop - but also the cost in terms of manpower and man hours.

We need to assess whether we can see it through. We need to commit to being in it for the long haul.

With many of these initiatives it is faithfulness that leads to fruitfulness.

We therefore need to factor in the first flush of enthusiasm and realise that those starting the project are unlikely to still be with the project in three-five years. That is what others have found. The pioneers tend to gather round in the set-up stage, but give way to the settlers in the next.

Gill Miles also points out that it’s important to think early about how you sustain the work through the second and third generation of staffing. It’s the transitions that can be bumpy, she says - and this is also true of a change of church leader.

For this reason if for no other, it’s helpful to set the project up and set it free organisationally from the rest of the church as soon as is reasonable. The church can still support it; staff it and regard it as one of its ministries - but its future can be more secure, particularly in a denomination where leadership changes on a regular basis.