What happens when all the church growth principles that were working in your church, suddenly stop working when you need them the most?
As the pastor of a fast-growing church, Paul Dazet had it happen to him.
Shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer, over 100 members left, saying things like “I just can’t handle being sad at church,” and “It used to be so energetic. Your illness changed the whole vibe.” Paul’s illness and the shaved head that went with it were seen as a show of weakness, need, and vulnerability that many people were uncomfortable seeing on a church platform.
But it’s not all bad news. Paul also walks us through the positive changes he has made in his approach to pastoring, including allowing space for lament, and how he now defines ministry success.
Links
- Paul’s article on Substack
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pastorpauldazet/
- Instagram – @pauldazet
- Twitter / X – @pauldazet
- Bluesky – @pastorpaul.bsky.social
- Libby
- Hoopla
Bonus Content
The Five False Jesus’ of the “Successful” Church, with Paul Dazet
A subscribers-only conversation with Paul Dazet about how a numerically-growing church isn’t necessarily a healthy church. I talk with Paul about the 5 ways churches can be tempted to see Jesus that are not what Jesus intended for his church. They are:
- “Jesus is here to meet your every need” (Consumeristic Jesus).
- “Jesus wants you rich” (Prosperity Jesus)
- “Jesus votes red, white, and blue” (Nationalistic Jesus)
- “Jesus is disappointed in you” (Judgmental Jesus)
- “Jesus only loves people who look and believe like us” (Exclusive Jesus)
All Bonus Content is available on our YouTube channel for financial partners and newsletter subscribers. Click either button to get started.
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Credits
Producer: Veronica Beaver
Editor: Phil Vaters
Music: Composed and performed by Jack Wilkins
Logo: by Solomon Joy
