The "Cash for Clunker" program seems to be a success. More than 600,000 older, fuel inefficient cars have been traded in for newer, more gas efficient cars. It seems to have been great for car dealer and the customer. However, I read about one person who was tempted to trade in for a new car , but did not do it ; she loved her old clunker and just could not get rid of it , even if it was a gas guzzler and inefficient.
I wonder if we need a 'Cash for Clunker" program for the local church. In my last post, I suggested that maybe a church should look at the programs it currently offers -What programs, people, or projects produce the most stress, pain, or financial pressures? What should a church stop doing because it is no longer effective? Are there any 'clunkers'???
The truth is most congregations have a hard time stopping or dropping a program or ministry. We just love it too much to let it go. May be a cash incentive would work? Now I doubt if there are any denominational funds for a cash for clunker program, so I am not sure from where the funds would come. But the truth is when we continue ineffective programs it is already costing a congregation valuable resources- time, talent, people, and money.
Any thoughts?
I understand that many church growth consultants start the conversation with new clients by asking what programs have been discontinued in the past three years. It usually catches people off guard. Another question that is intriguing is "What is in your closets?" Do you still have years of old Sunday School materials? Is it time to move on to a new thing?
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