Sue Thomson - New Ways to Worship, Church Leaders, and Outreach Consulting

12/13/2025

When a church struggles for an extended season, it is understandable that staff and leaders fall back on what feels familiar and manageable. Programs are repeated because they once served the congregation well. Meetings increase as people genuinely try to find the right path forward. Yet over time, activity can quietly replace progress, and effort does not always lead to impact.

Renewal begins when a church gently lifts its eyes beyond itself. Adding new programs, on its own, is rarely enough. Without intentionally welcoming and engaging people from outside the congregation, even well-designed programs tend to serve the same circle again and again. Churches that remain focused inward, no matter how busy they are, often continue to decline.
By contrast, churches that step into their communities begin to experience new life. When congregations build relationships with civic leaders, schools, nonprofits, and neighbors who are already working to make a difference, the church becomes known not only for what happens inside its walls, but for how it shows up in the community. In that outward posture, growth often follows, both in transformed lives and in the church’s role as a trusted community presence.

Outreach is not a side project; it is a turning point. When a church moves from protecting its past traditions to actively engaging outward into its local communities, its purpose becomes clearer, its leadership stronger, and its future more hopeful. Revitalization is not about returning to what once worked. It is about faithfully showing up where God has placed the church today.

Discover why revitalization fails in many churches and learn practical strategies to avoid these five critical mistakes.

04/14/2025

As you may have noticed, I haven’t posted in a couple of weeks—I’ve been busy working on this spiritually-based sculptural piece. I hope you’ll take a moment to click on this post, read about the heart behind it, and find out how you can see it in person, chat with me, and enjoy all the other amazing art on display!

03/31/2025

LEADERSHIP: I was scrolling through my newsfeed when I came across the phrase, “Be teachable. You don’t know everything, and you’re not always right.”

As pastors and church leaders, we must be willing to pause, sit, and genuinely listen—with open hearts and minds—to those around us. But are we truly listening? I've noticed leaders who often seem distracted—checking their watches, scrolling through their phones, or looking away while others are trying to engage with them. I’ve even heard some admit that they tend to skim or ignore long emails. The question is, how can we grow as leaders if we’re not fully present and engaged with those we serve?

Some leaders, especially those with many years of experience, may feel their wealth of knowledge makes them the ultimate authority. As a result, they may dismiss others' input and remain fixed in their own perspective. But is this mindset helping us grow as leaders? While experience and education are invaluable, they should never close the door to fresh ideas and perspectives.

Being dismissive of others is toxic. Entering into a discussion should be about being open—open to inspiration, open to being challenged, and open to developing new ideas and approaches. Collaborative ministries are built on this openness. Are we truly creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued?

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1. Are we truly listening to others, or are we simply distracted and dismissive during conversations?

2. How can leaders foster a culture of openness and collaboration if they are unwilling to engage fully with those around them?

3. In what ways can church leaders overcome the temptation to rely solely on their experience and education, and instead remain open to new perspectives and ideas?

03/27/2025

LEADERSHIP: We’ve discussed some difficult situations, but now it’s time to shift toward a more positive light! I recently read, "You become your best self when you work on things people can't take away from you: mindset, character, integrity, and kindness." Here’s how these four qualities connect to a servant’s heart:

1. Mindset: A servant’s heart starts with a mindset focused on others. It involves humility, understanding, and a willingness to put the needs of others first. With a mindset of service, you’re open to supporting others without expecting anything in return. It’s about generosity, compassion, and believing you can make a positive impact on the world.

2. Character: A servant’s heart reflects who you are at your core. People with strong character act selflessly, doing what is right even when no one is watching. Character is built on values like honesty, trustworthiness, and a deep responsibility to help others.

3. Integrity: Integrity ensures you serve with authenticity. When you have integrity, people can rely on your consistency, transparency, and ethical standards. You keep promises, are trustworthy, and ensure your service is genuine—not driven by personal gain.

4.Kindness: Kindness is the most visible sign of a servant’s heart. It’s not just about doing kind things—it’s about understanding and empathizing with others, supporting them through struggles, and showing their worth. Kindness directly impacts the lives of others and exemplifies true service.

In short, when you embody a servant’s heart, these four qualities—mindset, character, integrity, and kindness—work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. They guide how you approach your ministry and how you treat those around you.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1) How do you think a shift in mindset can impact how we interact with others, especially in challenging situations?

2) Can you think of a time when someone’s integrity inspired you to act selflessly? How did it affect your actions?

3) What are some small acts of kindness that have made a big difference in your life or someone else’s?

03/24/2025

LEADERSHIP: I came across a meme that said, "Never forget what someone says to you when they are angry, because that's when the truth comes out." This can be true in many areas of life, but what stood out to me was a specific moment in church. An interim pastor became upset when I questioned something that seemed insignificant—the placement of music stands and equipment, as our team was growing. As he raised his voice, accusations flew. He said I was too passionate in my ministry and that I asked for too much. I have to admit, I was stunned.

I didn’t want to continue this heated discussion, but I was told that we needed to step into the sanctuary to finish the conversation. It felt as though I was being accused of not being a team player. I quickly pointed out how I had always supported him and mentioned conversations I had with others to help them better understand his vision for the church. Unfortunately, I felt small as his powerful words and strong voice surrounded me.

He had me in tears, and then, at the end, gave me an uncomfortable hug. In ministry, it’s hard when you know something’s not right. The quiet voices that had warned me for some time to be wary of his agenda became crystal clear. In that moment, his anger, insecurity, and need for control spilled out through his words, revealing the truth of what he had been feeling toward me all along. It changed our dynamic because I saw, with my own eyes, who he truly was. I soon realized that this wasn’t just a bad day; it was something I had been sensing for quite some time. In moments of anger, the truth can come out, and we need to listen carefully. Is this something that can be worked through together, or have you reached a point where your contributions are clearly not valued, and the working relationship you once hoped for is no longer a possibility?

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1) How do you think anger can shape or reveal the dynamics of a relationship, especially in leadership roles?

2) In your experience, how do you handle situations where you feel powerless or overwhelmed in a professional or ministry setting?

3) What lessons did you learn from this experience that have influenced how you approach your ministry or your relationships with others in leadership?

03/20/2025

LEADERSHIP: In today’s world, standing up for what you believe is right can be difficult, especially when you feel alone. This could involve something significant, like speaking out to protect the marginalized, or something seemingly smaller, but equally important—such as addressing the disconnect you observe when your church repeatedly discusses important issues but never takes meaningful action, leaving you to watch it grow smaller.

At times, it can be hard to determine whether your discomfort stems from personal preferences or a genuine concern for the broader community. For example, if children in worship services are distracting, you might feel frustrated. Instead of simply being upset, consider sitting closer to the front to minimize the distraction. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about overworked volunteers or lacking outreach efforts, don’t be afraid to speak up. But also be willing to roll up your sleeves and help, if they’ll let you.

We should approach these situations with respect and thoughtfulness. When addressing concerns, ask yourself, “How would Jesus approach this?” I’m not referring to the moment when He flipped over the tables of the money changers! Rather, it’s about standing up for what truly matters in a way that is compassionate and constructive.

If your voice is ignored or rejected, you’ll face the difficult decision of whether to stay, hoping things will change, or move on. It’s not always an easy choice, but remember: standing up for what’s right is never wrong, even when it feels uncomfortable.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1) How can you discern when your discomfort in a church setting is a personal preference versus a genuine concern for the community's well-being?

2) What are some practical ways to balance speaking up for what’s right while maintaining respect and unity within the church community?

3) If your voice is ignored or rejected, how do you decide when it’s time to stay and keep advocating for change, versus when it’s time to move on and find a new community?

03/17/2025

LEADERSHIP: I recently saw a meme that said, "Crazy how your spirit knows something is off before you physically see it." It really resonated with me, as I’ve often experienced the ability to sense things long before others do. This ability, which I believe is God-guided, has been with me for over thirty years. I can recognize behaviors and their consequences before they become apparent to others. Over the years, I’ve observed pastors, interim leaders, staff, and lay leaders who presented themselves differently in public than in private. Sadly, power and ministry can become diluted when it's more about personal gain than what’s truly best for the church, ultimately causing harm. I've also seen individuals manipulate situations without anyone noticing.

When I try to bring it up, people are rarely receptive, and it can be difficult to voice concerns that others haven’t yet realized. I’ve learned to trust my inner guide, the Holy Spirit, which shows me when to stay and speak up, move forward with purpose, or sadly walk away. While it’s frustrating—and at times gut-wrenching—to see the bigger picture when others don’t, trusting this inner voice has helped me navigate situations with greater awareness. It is not always easy, and often quite the opposite, but I’ve learned to trust these instincts, even when others can't or don't want to see what is unfolding. It is a gift that I am amazed to have been given. Because of it, I can urge others on and help guide the church to a better, stronger tomorrow.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1) How has your ability to sense things before others affected your relationships with those around you, particularly in church settings?

2) What are some specific instances where you’ve had to trust your instincts, even when others didn’t understand or see things the way you did?

3) How do you balance speaking up about what you sense with the potential for conflict or being misunderstood by others?

03/13/2025

NEW MEMBERS: When onboarding new members, it’s easy to focus on logistics and overlook what truly matters—nurturing a sense of belonging and connection. Often, new members can still feel like outsiders in the crowd. For example, my adult children, despite attending every week, were mistaken for newcomers multiple times.

One way to foster belonging is by pairing new members with mentors. These mentors can invite new members to join them at upcoming events and help them build connections with others. Additionally, providing the congregation with a bulletin insert and a newsletter that includes pictures and information about new members, their occupations, and hobbies can help spark natural conversations.

It would also be thoughtful to give new members a packet with relevant information about groups, committees, and contact details. Including a staff hierarchy tree and a map of the building ensures that there are no hidden mysteries and promotes a sense of equality, whether members are new or long-standing. Some churches make it feel like knowledge is something to be earned over time, which can unintentionally create barriers. Unfortunately, other churches pressure new members into joining groups or leadership roles immediately. The best approach is through casual conversations, where we can learn about their interests and how they’d like to get involved. Providing them with a packet of information about groups, committees, and contact details is a welcoming, non-aggressive way to help them understand what opportunities the church can offer.

When hosting a gathering for new members, offering a tour of the facility is a considerate gesture. By taking these steps, we can ensure that new members feel genuinely welcomed and supported in their journey with the church.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1) How do you think mentors could be selected or trained to effectively support new members?

2) What are some creative ways to encourage natural conversations between new members and long-time members?

3) How can we make sure the onboarding process is inclusive for people with different backgrounds or experiences?

03/10/2025

OUTREACH / PROPERTY: Have you ever been shopping for a new home? At night, you might notice the outdoor lights, and your eyes are drawn to the warm light spilling through the windows, cutting through the darkness and creating a welcoming atmosphere. The same can be said for churches. When I see a church dark and tightly buttoned up, casting only a shadowy silhouette, it feels lifeless—almost like a mausoleum.

Whether it's the twilight hours of the morning or late at night, those shadowy, unlit buildings seem to harshly say, "We’re closed. No one is here. Even God is gone for the day." A well-lit façade, however, warmly invites people to return and says, "We would love for you to come back when we open for the day, and don't forget—God is always with us!"

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1. Is this something your church needs to work on? Why or why not?

2. How could you strategically light a few areas inside the building?

3. How could you add or enhance lighting outside your building?

03/06/2025

OUTREACH / PROPERTY: The state of a church’s grounds often serves as a major first impression. If the landscaping hides your church and signage, there’s a good chance that people will not even notice your building when driving by. I’ve even spoken to people who said they drove right past the church when coming to visit because trees and bushes had blocked their view. We must recognize that the appearance of a church's exterior plays a significant role in how our outside community perceives us.

For many people searching for a church home, overgrowth can be seen as a sign of an aging congregation. Think about this: when a new family moves into a house, they often remove the overgrown, aging landscape and replace it with simpler, more modern designs that highlight their home rather than hide it. Addressing overgrown landscaping is an investment in the church's future and its outreach. Well-maintained landscaping can become an extension of your church's mission, inviting new visitors and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the surrounding community.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1. Have you noticed how well-maintained landscaping impacts your first impression of a church or business?

2. Do you think your church's interior appearance is just as important as its exterior when it comes to outreach and community engagement? Why or why not?

3. What steps can your church take to ensure its exterior is inviting and welcoming to those who pass by?

03/03/2025

I started this page and my consulting work because I’m deeply concerned about the future of our churches. This FB page is for a wide range of readers—leaders, volunteers, members, and even those who’ve stepped away from church due to burnout or a sense of unfulfillment. My goal is to cover a broad variety of topics, with each post ending with questions designed to spark reflection and discussion, both here on this page and with others involved in your own ministries. My biggest hope is that some of these topics will lead to action, not just more church discussions that eventually fade away.

I’ve received many thoughtful comments privately, but I really want to encourage you to actively participate here on this page. Whether you agree, disagree, or offer a unique perspective, your feedback is crucial in fostering meaningful dialogue. My hope is that you’ll see this space as a toolbox of ideas and solutions, where your insights and experiences will play a vital role in shaping these conversations.

If you find this content valuable, please remember to "Like," "Follow," and even "Share" posts from my Sue Thomson - Church Consulting page! And if you'd like to explore things further, I’d be happy to meet with you—and possibly your church—as well!

02/27/2025

OUTREACH: If your church were to close tomorrow:

-Would the outside world notice?

-Would your surrounding communities feel a genuine sense of loss, or would it go basically unnoticed?

-Think about churches that are well known in your surrounding communities. Is your church one of them? Why or why not?