>In economics class we studied the life-cycle curve of products and businesses in order to understand the concept that unless a product or service is able to re-invent itself for its customers, it will eventually lose relevancy.
In the realm of nonprofits and churches, a similar life-cycle analysis can be helpful, only be sure to substitute services and outreach for products, and participants and users for customers.
The chart (click on it for a larger picture) below is one example of a life-cycle chart for a congregation. It shows the overall trend of a life-cycle, which could be as short as a few years or as long as several centuries.
This chart above was created by John Piper, but I have added the four quadrants to assist with showing when a congregation moves into a level of sustainability (able to afford all of its expenses with operational income), as well as to chart growth and decline.*
As a leader in a nonprofit or church, I would encourage you to look at this chart and to plot your organization on it. This action will help you frame the types of issues facing your organization, and it may help you plan for the future.
If you would like more information about the life-cycles of churches, I would also encourage you to visit the New Beginnings section of Church Extension’s website. There is several diagrams and videos that can explain the life-cycle theory in more depth.
* Please note that I am not the inventor of this chart or the person who first added quadrants- all I did was add them to this particular picture.
[…] today, I work with many churches that are dying. Some are clearly in the 4th Quadrant of the Life Cycle of the Church. Others are in the 3rd […]