Stop the Boring Church Values
In the world of church revitalization, we often spend a lot of time on "what" we do, updating the worship style, fixing the roof, or launching a new small group initiative. But lasting health doesn't come from external shifts; it comes from an internal alignment of the heart. This is where values come in.
Too often, church values are treated like a dusty plaque in the foyer: "We value community," "We value the Bible," or "We value excellence." They are safe. They are agreeable. And because they are safe, they are often ignored.
If your church is going to experience a true awakening, your values shouldn't just be affirmed; they should be convicting.
Moving from Statements to Convictions
A value is only as strong as the life change it demands. If your values don’t make anyone uncomfortable, they probably aren't doing much work.
True revitalization happens when values act as a mirror, forcing us to look at the gap between who we are and who Christ is calling us to be. For a value to be convicting, it must move from a noun (an idea) to a verb (an action). It must challenge our comfort and our calendars.
The Shift: Values That Ask a Question
One of the most effective ways to make values live and breathe within a congregation is to frame them as questions.
When a value is a statement, it’s easy to nod and move on. When a value is a question, it demands an answer. It invites the Holy Spirit to poke at our preferences. Here is why "Question-Based Values" are a game-changer for leadership and the pews:
They Foster Accountability: It’s hard to hide from a question.
They Simplify Decision Making: For leadership, the right question clarifies the path forward instantly.
They Invite Participation: Questions turn the congregation from spectators into active participants in the mission.
Examples of Values-as-Questions
Consider the difference in weight between these traditional statements and their "question" counterparts:
Traditional ValueThe Convicting QuestionHospitality"Are we more concerned with the comfort of the insider or the inclusion of the outsider?"Generosity"Does our budget reflect our trust in God or our fear of the future?"Discipleship"If everyone in this church followed Jesus exactly like I do, would this city be reached?"Biblical Authority"Are we reading the Word to support our opinions, or to be transformed by His?"
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How to Lead the Change
If you are a leader looking to revitalize your local body, start by looking at your current core values. Are they posters on a wall, or are they questions that keep you up at night?
Identify the "Safe" Words: Find the values that have become white noise.
Find the Friction: What is the specific challenge your church is facing? (e.g., lack of volunteers, stagnant growth, or inward focus).
Reframing: Turn that value into a piercing, convicting question.
When your values ask a question, they stop being a destination and start being a guide. They lead your leadership team through difficult meetings and they lead your congregation toward a life of deeper surrender.