Is Church Consulting Biblical or Bogus? Dale Sutherland | DaleSutherland.co
The Need Growing and sustaining a healthy church is no small feat. The most recent research on church consulting trends suggests that 4,000 new churches are planted in the United States each year.
Tragically, however, an estimated 7,000 churches die within the same period. Additionally, an estimated 1,300 pastors are fired by their congregations every month, and another 1,200 quit due to stress and burnout. The number of individuals and organizations now consulting churches in the U.S. has grown significantly, as the need for external coaching and specialized training has become more recognized and accepted in communities of faith.
Establishing Biblical Precedent
The Bible makes a strong case for seeking wise counsel with regard to spiritual matters in both the Old and New Testaments. The Proverbs rightly advise, “where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory (Proverbs 11:14),” and again, “without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22).”
Consider Jethro, who offered Moses a wise strategy to more effectively lead the children of Israel that kept him from burnout and fatigue (Exodus 18:1-27). Similarly, the Apostle Paul frequently sent experienced teachers and leaders to churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe to advise and encourage them in seasons of difficulty and particular need.
Modern-Day Application Although there is a clear biblical precedent for church consulting in its most basic form, unfortunately our efforts today often look much different. Practical principles and strategies are divorced from spiritual disciplines, which was never the biblical model.
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