Who is the TGA?

Breakout Church

by Tim West |  January 30, 2012

I’ve been thinking a lot about the unhindered church. As you know, “Unhindered” is the ministry theme for 2012. Part of my goal with this theme is designed to drive home the need to have bold churches (and pastors) that proclaim the gospel and see the church grow. The situation in the Texas CHOG is such that we desperately need a few breakout churches.

What is a “breakout” church? Thom Rainer defines it this way:

  1. The church has had at least 26 conversions annually since its breakout year. Any healthy church should be reaching at least one person with the gospel every 2 weeks.
  2. The church averaged a conversion ratio no higher than 20:1 at least 1 year since its breakout year, meaning it takes 20 members one year to reach 1 person.
  3. The church had been declining, plateaued, or had stagnated for several years prior to breakout.
  4. The church broke out of its slump and sustained new growth for several years.
  5. There was no change in leader – only change in leadership values.
  6. The church made a clear and positive impact on the community.

Here’s what I believe with all of my heart: some of you WILL be a breakout church, IF you will seek to become a different kind of leader. Pastors, there will be no change in your church until YOU change.

If you want to become a breakout church, then we have 2 key resources available for you. One is the RED ZONE. This is where we (the State) work with 2-4 churches in a cluster to help you get your church to victory. We use an outside coach, most of which is paid for by the TGA. We have clusters potentially forming in both northeast Texas and in the Houston area (clusters form by request of a pastor/s). Others are available in your area by request as well. Two, you can choose to become a reNew church. This approach is where your pastor and congregation receives directive coaching to help move your congregation to numerical growth. (Note: some have heard incorrect information about reNew, so if you are at all interested please call me today to get the real scoop).

The work of the church is precious, but we also live in changing and precarious times. Don’t delay, find a partner to help you navigate these uncertain times. But, hey, it’s just a thought…