Recognizing and Addressing Church Momentum Addiction

Churches, like any other organizations, can have an addiction to momentum. Always running, always moving, always seems to be innovating - but are we pushing too hard and moving too fast to notice when things start to break down?

The Illusion of Progress

Church leadership often becomes enamored with the idea of momentum. After all, momentum feels like growth, like success. A busy calendar, packed programming, positive numbers on stat sheets – these can all feel like signs that the church is moving in the right direction. But not all movement is progress. Sometimes we just keep the foot on the gas but the direction is lost. And in the hustle and bustle, crucial factors like staff wellbeing, unity among church staff, or even personal health can often be overlooked.

The Hidden Dangers of Unresolved Conflicts

Keeping busy, staying in constant motion can be a coping mechanism, a way to deceive ourselves that everything is okay. This relentless pace can mask deep-seated conflicts, unresolved issues and inadequacies that need to be faced, not ignored.

Slowing Down: A Leadership Test of Faith

Slowing down for a brief period isn't a failure but an act of faith. Consider Jesus who often retreated, Sabbathed, and knew when to say no, even in the heights of his ministry. Perhaps it's time your church embraced a season of intentional stillness.

Engage in meaningful reflection, process past conflicts, and build strategies to prevent burnout among the leadership and the church staff. This pause in the constant motion could be the stepping-stone towards deeper, healthier growth.

Warning Signs of an Addiction to Momentum

Here are a few indicators that your church may be addicted to momentum:

• Phrases like "We don't have time for that" have become a common refrain.
• New programs get launched without evaluating old ones for effectiveness or resource drain.
• Conflict resolution gets postponed repeatedly.
• Rest is seen as a reward, not a rhythm of life.
• More focus on hustle than health.

Slowing Down Isn't Stopping

Slowing down doesn't mean shutting everything down. But maybe cancel one thing this month, and take that time to process unresolved issues. Ask your staff what they truly need right now. Teach the congregation that this slower season is an intentional and spiritual decision.

Focus on deeper health, not just faster growth. Find one thing you can deliberately slow down before something breaks. Healthy churches grow stronger, not just faster.

Want to learn more about managing church momentum and avoiding burnout in ministry? Listen to today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. It's packed with insights and real-life examples to guide you in leading a healthy, effective church.