Download the Mission vs. methods—Insights from our Carey Nieuwhof webinar
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“Mission is sacred. Methods are not.” That one line from Carey Nieuwhof cuts to the core of a tension every church leader eventually faces when introducing change.
The mission—to share the gospel, make disciples, and serve with love—doesn’t change. But the way we carry it out? That has to evolve. Too often, churches get stuck in familiar patterns, holding on to what worked in the past even as it loses impact today.
So how do you know if your church is stuck? And what does it look like to lead your team through change without losing your foundation?
In a recent webinar with Carey Nieuwhof—best-selling author and one of today’s most trusted voices in church leadership—we unpacked the difference between staying anchored in your mission and being shackled by your methods. Take a look at some of the highlights.
The mission of the Church is timeless: proclaim the good news, disciple people, love your neighbors. But the strategies we use—our methods—are tools. And tools need to change as culture shifts.
Many of us remember when we distributed sermons on cassette tapes. Now we livestream online. The mission didn’t change, but the method did because it had to.
The challenge? When we mistake our methods for our mission, we stop innovating. And we stop reaching.
How do you know when a method is holding you back?
It’s usually not a dramatic failure, but more of a slow fade. Declining attendance. Fewer young people showing up. Ministries that once thrived now feel stagnant. These aren’t signs of failure. They’re signals, and wise leaders pay attention.
Ask yourself and your team: “Is what we’re doing still helping us reach people and make disciples? Or are we just doing it because we always have?”
Sticking with outdated methods out of comfort or fear of change only delays the inevitable need to adapt, costing you precious time and momentum.
Change is hard—especially in church culture. According to Lifeway Research, 46% of pastors report resistance when trying to implement change.
That’s why how you lead change matters. It’s not about charging ahead alone. It’s about casting a compelling vision, listening well, and creating a culture where innovation is normal, not threatening.
Carey emphasized a few principles:
When your team feels heard, supported, and clear on the mission, they’re far more likely to engage with new methods.
Technology isn’t the enemy of tradition—it’s a multiplier of mission when used well.
Church apps can deepen community. Online giving platforms make generosity easier. Livestreaming takes your message beyond your building. Tools like Subsplash help churches integrate these digital methods without losing their identity.
New methods shouldn’t replace your core mission. They should help you fulfill it more effectively, in more places, with more people.
The full conversation with Carey Nieuwhof is packed with practical insights for pastors, staff, and board members who want to lead their churches into the future with boldness and clarity.
And to help you dig deeper, download our free ebook: Is Your Church Mission or Method-Minded? Created in partnership with Carey, it’s a resource to help you assess where your church stands—and where it needs to go next.
Let’s make sure our methods always serve the mission, not compete with it.
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