The last chapter of The Church of the Perfect Storm was written by Len Sweet. If we’re going to be Jesus storm-chasers, we must get out of the harbor. We can’t do much from the shore. We might think we’re playing it safe by staying close to the shore, but “the shore is not safer” (page 147). “Hugging harbors leaves a church in a lurch. A church in the dock is a church in lockdown.” (page 147)

To be a Jesus storm-chaser and follower, we must take risks. It’s not an easy life. Jesus walked directly into the storm, and He will walk with us into and through the storm. He will put others in our lives to walk with us as well. “Small boats fare better than big supertankers and cruise vessels” (page 152). Studies show that the larger a church grows, the smaller it must become. That statement means that as churches increase in numbers in large corporate worship gatherings, then the small groups must also increase. The small groups (small boats) are going to make it through the storm together.

Churches must throw excess cargo overboard to make the load lighter to sail through the storm. They need to cut back some of the old roots and methods for new shoots to grow.

Just like in the story of the tortoise and hare, slow and steady wins the race. Churches need to steadily steer the boat to maneuver through the storm. No sudden moves or jerks to get off course in the wind. Keep our focus on Jesus Christ and the cross. He is our lighthouse for direction in the storm.

Most of all, enjoy the ride. It’s bumpy, wavy, and always an adventure, but God is in the storm and on the calm sea. Let Him drive the boat and guide you.

Chapter 10 of The Church of the Perfect Storm was written by Mark Batterson. “God is calling the church out of the church and back into the middle of the marketplace” (page 110). Years ago church was the thing to do; it was the place to go. Not anymore. Generations today have other interests and many things to do and see.

According to George Barna, 61 percent of young adults who grew up going to church stopped going to church sometime during their 20′s (page 111). We learn from Dan Kimball why these adults stop going to church: They Like Jesus But Not The Church. Why don’t they like the church? One word: relevance. The church must be relevant to all people. If we ignore, imitate, and condemn culture, then people will do the same with the church. We must create culture. “We’re called to redeem” (page 114). Churches must be creative in how they minister to others. They must be creative in meeting locations, in activities and events, and even in their jobs. All Christ-followers are ministers, not just the paid church staff members. Every career should be a God-ordained calling: doctors, teachers, business people. We can build relationships and minister to others through our daily jobs, not just at the church building.

The author says, “There are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet” (page 118). Be creative. It’s hard work to keep church alive, interesting, fresh and relevant, but we need to chase the lion of church creativity and keep it relevant to reach the generations of today and those who have stopped going to church.

Chapter 9 of The Church of the Perfect Storm was written by Michael Blewett. When we head straight into the storm, we’re going to get wet. We’re going to have to get wet in relationship. “We are intimately and ‘indissolubly’ connected to Jesus and those whom Jesus loves” (page 104). Jesus loves difficult people; therefore, our lives will be difficult, yet merciful and memorable. These relationships will make us stronger. The storm waters are like glue that seals the broken bones of the Body of Christ back together again. (page 104) It’s not about where you’re going or how you’re getting there; it’s about with whom you’re traveling.

Like the Capital One ad says, “what’s in your wallet?”

Who’s in your boat? With whom are you traveling through the storm?

Chapter 8 of The Church of the Perfect Storm was written by Bill Easum. In this chapter, he lists many equations for ministering in mid-storm. For his list of equations, see pages 92-97. I want to highlight a few of the most-interesting points of these equations.

The 21st Century church will take on a more organic than institutional form. We are beginning to see more house-churches being formed as church planting takes on multiple forms. Not every person learns by the same method and not every region attracts the same personalities; therefore, it requires multiple methods to reach people. Many times we only need a small space and a small group and we have a church. Sometimes there is no need for large mega facilities. The small group relationships are often appealing to younger generations where they feel they can make a difference in other people and causes.

Throughout this entire book, we’ve read that Jesus storm-chasers head straight into the storm. The author of this chapter is no exception. He explains that “the established church that survives mid-storm will be in continuous chaos until emerging on the other side of the storm, only to find another storm waiting” (page 93). Risk-taking leaders face the storm and create just enough chaos to destabilize the status quo to instigate changes. These leaders are big dreamers, flexible, and quick to respond.

The biggest dreamer and risk-taker of thriving churches is the pastor. “They pastor as spiritual leaders who listen to God rather than as corporate leaders who lead based on democratic rule” (page 94). Pastor-led churches are much more effective in building God’s Kingdom than congregational or democratic churches.

Every believer and Christ-follower is a minister. The church leader’s responsibility is to equip those believers to reach and teach others. The church must be engaging in the community, not sitting in church buildings in meetings. (See previous post on another chapter … In/Out-Out/In.)

Churches don’t have to be stuck on annual events and ideas. Generations today don’t plan in advance; they’re more spontaneous with events and activities. I find that true in the northeast/mid-atlantic region of the U.S. Previous churches where I’ve worked had an annual calendar and we planned one time each year for the entire next year. That doesn’t work in the mid-atlantic states. I can only plan events in 3-6 months time, and 6 months is stretching it. At best I plan 2-3 months in advance because of the fast-paced schedules, transient lifestyles, and changing interests of younger generations.

As we all head straight into the storm, let’s focus more on what we’re doing as Jesus storm-chasers instead of the method of riding the waves. It is more beneficial to build relationships to reach people, not be stuck with the traditional ways and events.