Imagine a small church in the Midwest, down to just 67 members. Yet, remarkably, 35 to 45 people attend every Sunday—that’s nearly two-thirds of the congregation showing up regularly. It’s a scenario that many larger churches would envy. This real-life example, shared by a listener of the Pivot podcast, illustrates a growing trend in church dynamics: the power of engaged lay leadership.
In a recent episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts Rev. Dr. Terri Elton, Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, and Dr. Alicia Granholm delved into the evolving landscape of church leadership, exploring the shift from clergy-led to lay-led ministry models.
As Dwight pointed out, “We’re seeing this in rural communities that can’t sustain multiple denominational churches because they have lost population or church members.” But these sorts of shifts aren’t happening only in rural areas. In a post-Christendom world, churches of all shapes and sizes are rethinking their structures and leadership models.
So how should church leaders begin to make the shift?
Embrace Collaborative Leadership
According to Terri, “Power is not a limited commodity in the life of the church. It is something that can be multiplied.” Church leaders should focus on empowering and equipping lay members, fostering a collaborative approach to ministry.
This shift requires a fundamental change in how we view leadership within the church. Instead of a top-down model where clergy make all the decisions, collaborative leadership invites all members to contribute their gifts and perspectives. This approach not only distributes the workload but also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among congregation members. Leaders can start by identifying and nurturing the unique talents within their congregation, creating opportunities for lay members to lead in areas where they excel.
Cultivate Spiritual Practices
With the changing landscape, it’s crucial for both clergy and lay leaders to deepen their connection with God. Terri highlighted the importance of “accompanying each other as we follow Jesus and make meaning.” Leaders should prioritize their own spiritual growth and create spaces for others to do the same.
This emphasis on spiritual practices goes beyond traditional Bible study or prayer meetings. It involves creating intentional spaces for deep reflection, communal discernment, and authentic sharing of spiritual experiences.
Alicia emphasized this point. “I think now is a really great time to shift back to really seeing the whole community of believers being equipped and to live out their calling,” she said. “What does it look like for each one of us to respond to God’s call and gifts in our own lives?”
Leaders might consider introducing new practices like contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, or retreats focused on listening to God. By modeling a commitment to spiritual growth, leaders can inspire their congregations to deepen their own faith journeys and find new ways of connecting with God in their daily lives.
Rethink Theological Education
If leaders are going to be raised up in new ways, theological education must also adapt. There’s a growing need for accessible, practical theological training for lay leaders. Clergy can play a vital role in this, serving as educators and mentors.
This reimagining of theological education extends beyond traditional seminary settings. It might involve developing lay leadership academies within churches, partnering with local educational institutions, or leveraging online platforms to provide flexible learning opportunities. The focus should be on equipping lay leaders with a solid theological foundation while also addressing practical ministry skills, such as biblical interpretation, church history, pastoral care, and organizational leadership.
Embrace Experimentation
Dwight encouraged churches to engage in “grassroots experimentation” to find new ways of being church. Leaders should create space for trying new things, learning from both successes and failures.
Alicia highlighted the importance of shifting from a mindset of “getting it right” to always being engaged in learning and growing. “At the end of the day, anytime we try anything new, there’s always risk involved,” she said. “And risk is a good thing. It’s not bad.”
To get congregations comfortable with calculated risks, consider creating innovation teams or setting aside resources for simple experiments that are low-stakes. These experiments could range from having heartfelt conversations with neighbors to introducing new spiritual practices in church council meetings to listening to one another’s spiritual stories. The key is to approach these experiments with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. Regular evaluation and reflection are crucial, allowing the church to refine its approach based on what works and what doesn’t in their specific context.
Foster Ecumenical Cooperation
Finally, the conversation highlighted the growing importance of ecumenical cooperation, especially in areas with declining church attendance. As Dwight noted, “There’s actually a lot of opportunity in this to claim the fundamental unity of the church, and then to recognize the different gifts that each tradition and denomination brings to the table.”
Ecumenical cooperation can take many forms, from shared community projects to joint worship services—or even merging congregations. It requires leaders to look beyond denominational boundaries and focus on the core of Christian faith and mission. By working together, churches can not only pool their resources but also present a witness of Christ’s unifying love in a divided world.
The shift to lay-led, clergy-supported ministry models represents both a challenge and an opportunity for today’s churches. By embracing this change, fostering collaborative leadership, and remaining open to new ways of being church, congregations can navigate these changing times with hope and vitality.
As Alicia beautifully summarized, “If we believe God is still at work, which we do, what might God be up to and how can we join in?”
This question serves as a powerful invitation for all church leaders to reimagine their roles and the future of their ministries in these evolving times.
