Each month, I share seven pivotal decisions or practices designed to strengthen us as Christ-followers and help build healthier, more vibrant churches. This week I want to focus on being intentional about reaching those who have drifted away from the church.

After the resurrection of Jesus in Mark 16, the angel gives a specific instruction that we often read too quickly: “But go, tell his disciples and Peter…” (Mark 16:7). That phrase matters. We often focus on Peter and his denial of Jesus in a very public way. But it wasn’t just Peter. All of the disciples of Jesus abandoned Him. They were still scattered on the resurrection morning when the women showed up at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.

The angel announces, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter.” What a word of grace. It reminds us that the gospel is not just for those who stayed—it’s for those who drifted. Every church in our association is surrounded by people like this. Not hostile people. Not hardened people. Just people who got discouraged, distracted, hurt, or ashamed—and slowly disconnected.

The question is: Will we go after them? Below are seven practical and actionable ways to reclaim those who have drifted:

1. Identify the People Who Have Drifted

You cannot reach who you have not recognized. Take time to review your membership, attendance patterns, and small groups. Think through who hasn’t been present in recent months. Create a written list of 10–20 individuals or families who have drifted. Pray over those names regularly.

2. Take Personal Responsibility

Restoration rarely happens by accident. Someone must take initiative. The angel didn’t say, “They’ll find their way back.” He said, “Go tell…” Assign each name to a leader—pastors, deacons, or group leaders—so every person has someone intentionally pursuing them. This is not just to create more work for the pastor. Who will you pursue?

3. Lead with Grace, Not Guilt

Most people who have drifted already carry some level of shame or discomfort. Jesus didn’t lead with correction—He led with invitation. Reach out and say things like, “We’ve missed you,” “You matter to us,” and “How can we pray for you?” Grace opens hearts. Guilt closes them.

4. Make the First Move Personal

Mass communication rarely brings people back. Personal connection often does. A phone call, a handwritten note, and a coffee invitation are powerful expressions to them that you care. A simple “You’ve been on my heart” can go a long way.

5. Listen for the Real Story

People don’t drift without a reason. Often, there’s more beneath the surface. Listen more than you talk. Resist the urge to fix everything. Seek to understand first.

6. Provide a Clear Path Back

Many who have been away hesitate because they don’t know how to return. Offer simple, clear next steps like “Sit with me this Sunday,” “Join our group this week,” or “Let’s serve together.”

7. Celebrate Stories of Restoration

What you celebrate shapes your culture. When people return, it reminds the church that God is still restoring lives. Share testimonies appropriately and thoughtfully of people reconnecting and growing again.

The resurrection message was not, “Wait for them to come back.” It was, “Go tell.” Healthy churches don’t just grow by reaching new people—they grow by reclaiming those who have drifted. Somewhere near your church is someone who feels like they’ve gone too far, stayed away too long, or failed too deeply. And they are waiting to hear their name included in the grace of God.

Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA

You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.

Each month, I share seven pivotal decisions or practices designed to strengthen us as Christ-followers and help build healthier, more vibrant churches. This month I am focusing on a topic that is essential for every church to deal with. I want to discuss 7 decisions that honor the past without idolizing it.

Throughout Scripture, God commands His people to remember. It is good to remember all that God has done so we can offer our gratitude to Him. But there is a difference between gratitude and nostalgia. Gratitude thanks God for what He has done. Nostalgia quietly insists He must do it the same way again.

When it comes to our churches, we love our history. But if we are not careful, we will begin to idolize the past rather than worshipping Jesus today. The pivotal decision before many churches today is this: Will we honor the past without idolizing it? Here are seven commitments that help us refuse nostalgia as a strategy while still honoring our heritage.

1. Remember what God did and recognize Who did it.

When Israel crossed the Jordan in the book of Joshua, they stacked stones as a memorial. The purpose wasn’t to worship the stones. It was to remember the God who parted the waters. The danger for churches is that we start honoring the stones instead of the Savior.

The pastor didn’t build the church. The programs didn’t grow the church. The style of music didn’t sustain the church. God did all of that and more. When we remember correctly, we give glory to God—not to a method or a personality.

2. Refuse to confuse faithfulness with familiarity.

Faithfulness is obedience to Scripture. Familiarity is preference for what we know. Many churches say, “We just want to be faithful.” What they often mean is, “We want things to feel like they used to.” But methods change, music styles change and community needs change. The gospel does not. Faithfulness requires courage, not comfort.

3. Celebrate the past but don’t live there.

Healthy families tell stories. Healthy churches do too. Tell the stories of revivals. Tell the stories of sacrifice. Tell the stories of faith. These stories of the past should encourage us, not control us. A church cannot drive forward while staring in the rearview mirror. As someone once said, you can glance back to appreciate—but you cannot steer from there.

4. Recognize that every generation requires new obedience.

The Great Commission has not changed since Jesus gave it in the Gospel of Matthew 28. But the mission field around us has. The neighborhoods are different. The families are different. The questions people ask are different. Every generation must decide again to obey Jesus in its own time. We are not called to recreate 1985. We are called to fulfill the Great Commission in 2026.

5. Avoid making preferences sound like principles.

One of the subtle dangers of nostalgia is that preferences begin to masquerade as doctrine. We say: “We’ve always done it this way,” “That’s not how church is supposed to feel,” or “That’s not how we used to do it.”

But where does Scripture command it? When preferences are elevated to the level of principle, unity suffers and mission stalls. Churches flourish when they wisely distinguish between what is Biblical and what is traditional.

6. Embrace change as stewardship, not compromise.

Change does not equal compromise. Compromise is abandoning truth. Change is adjusting methods to reach people with truth. Refusing nostalgia means asking: What must never change? And what must change so the unchanging gospel can be heard? Healthy churches answer that question honestly.

7. Build a legacy for the future, not a museum of the past.

A church is not a museum preserving memories. It is a mission outpost advancing the kingdom. Museums protect artifacts. Missions deploy people.

Thank God for yesterday.
Trust Him for tomorrow.
Obey Him today.

Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA

You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.

Each month, I share seven pivotal decisions or practices designed to strengthen us as Christ-followers and help build healthier, more vibrant churches. This month, I want to focus on seven decisions churches can make to work together. I’m currently reading Radical Collaboration by Mark Hallock and Jeremy Conrad, and one observation they make really stood out to me: many pastors and churches are trying to do ministry alone—and the results have often been devastating. That rings true in a season when cultural pressure is rising, trust is declining, resources are stretched, and ministry feels more complex than ever.

At the same time, one of our greatest opportunities remains largely untapped: working together. Kingdom impact has never been about one church doing everything on its own; God’s design has always been for the Church—plural—to move forward together. Collaboration doesn’t happen by accident or good intentions alone. It requires intentional, courageous decisions from pastors and people alike. If we are going to move from isolation to cooperation—and from competition to true Kingdom impact—we must be willing to make those decisions.

1. Decide the Kingdom Is Bigger than Your Church

The first and most important decision is theological before it is practical: God’s Kingdom is bigger than any single congregation.

When churches begin to see themselves as partners rather than competitors, walls come down. The goal is not to build my church at the expense of your church, but to see the Gospel advance in our communities. When we celebrate what God is doing elsewhere, we signal that we trust Him enough to share the field.

2. Decide to Move from Competition to Celebration

Comparison is one of the quiet killers of collaboration. Churches stop working together when attendance, budgets, or social media presence become the scorecard. But when we decide to celebrate another church’s wins instead of feeling threatened by them, something changes.

3. Decide Relationships Matter More than Events

Real collaboration doesn’t start with joint services or big events—it starts with relationships. Pastors and leaders who pray together, eat together, and talk honestly together build the foundation for meaningful cooperation. Programs can be planned later. Trust must come first. Strong relationships make difficult conversations possible and shared ministry sustainable.

4. Decide to Share Resources, Not Just Ideas

One of the clearest expressions of unity is generosity. When churches decide to share resources—leaders, facilities, training, curriculum, or financial support—they demonstrate humility and mutual trust. No church has everything it needs, but together we have far more than we realize.

5. Decide to Focus on Mission, Not Method

Doctrine is important. It should be clear what we believe and we should be bold to proclaim truth. However, churches often agree on what they believe but divide over preferences. Working together requires the decision to focus on mission rather than method. Style, structure, and strategy will vary—and that’s okay. Unity does not require uniformity.

6. Decide to Speak Well of One Another Publicly

Few things undermine unity faster than careless words. Choosing to speak well of other churches—especially in public settings—builds credibility and trust in the broader community. It also sets an example for congregations to follow. When leaders model respect and honor, congregations learn to do the same.

7. Decide Collaboration Is a Long-Term Commitment

Working together is not a one-time project; it’s a long-term posture. There will be misunderstandings. There will be differences. Collaboration requires perseverance and grace. But churches that commit to long-term cooperation discover that the Kingdom impact far outweighs the inconvenience.

Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, not for their comfort, but so that the world would believe. When churches make these seven pivotal decisions, they don’t just work together better—they bear witness to a watching world.

Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA

You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.

Each month, I share seven pivotal decisions or practices designed to strengthen us as Christ-followers and to help build healthier, more vibrant churches. As we step into a new year, I want to focus on seven ways you can live with greater purpose in 2026.

Wow—it’s already 2026! The old saying is true: time flies. One of the great blessings God gives us is the gift of a fresh start every 365 days. But this new beginning is not automatic. It requires intentionality. The question is: How do we make the most of this God-given opportunity for a fresh start in 2026?

1. Commit to Sharing the Gospel

Make a clear decision to share the gospel with your friends and family. Grow confident and prepared in your approach—whether it’s the Three Circles, the Four Spiritual Laws, or another effective method. Practice often so that when God opens the door, you are ready and willing to step through it.

2. Love Your Neighbors Well

Jesus calls us to love those closest to us—and that includes our neighbors. Get to know the people who live around you. Be intentional about spending time with them, listening to their stories, and serving their needs. Use tools like the BLESS app to pray for your neighbors by name and look for opportunities to show Christ’s love in practical ways.

3. Be Faithful to Your Local Church

There is no organization on earth that you should give more of your time, talent and money to than your local church. Commit yourself fully—worship consistently, serve faithfully, give generously, and support the mission God has entrusted to your church. Healthy churches are built by faithful people.

4. Deepen Your Walk with God

Purpose flows out of your relationship with God. Make daily time in God’s Word and prayer a non-negotiable priority. Don’t just read Scripture—let it read you. Ask the Holy Spirit to shape your heart, renew your mind, and align your life with God’s will.

5. Invest in Relationships

You were not meant to live the Christian life alone. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, challenge you, and point you toward Christ. Get connected to a Sunday School class, small group, or Bible Study.

6. Live with Eternal Perspective

Keep eternity in view. The decisions you make today shape the legacy you leave tomorrow. Ask yourself regularly: Does this matter in light of eternity? Choose to invest your time and energy in things that have lasting spiritual impact.

7. Obey God Promptly and Fully

When God speaks, respond. Delayed obedience is often disguised as wisdom, but true purpose is found in trusting God completely. Step out in faith, even when the path is unclear, believing that God honors obedience and guides those who follow Him.

As we step into 2026, may we choose to live with intention—anchored in the gospel, committed to God’s people, and focused on what matters for eternity. A fresh year is a gift from God; living it with purpose is our faithful response.

Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA

You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.

Each month, I highlight seven pivotal decisions or practices that can help us grow as followers of Christ and equip our churches to be healthier, stronger, and more effective in ministry. This December, we focus on Keeping Christ Central at Christmas: Seven Decisions Every Church Can Make.

December always brings a familiar mixture of blessings and busyness. Our calendars fill quickly, our churches become centers of activity, and our communities gather for celebrations and traditions. But for followers of Jesus, Christmas is more than a season—it is a declaration that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It is a time for the Church to lift high the name of the Savior and to shine His light into a world longing for hope.

As we enter into the Christmas season, every church in our association has an incredible opportunity: to keep Christ central in all we do. Here are seven pivotal decisions every church can make this Christmas.

1. Decide to Elevate Scripture in Every Gathering

The story of Christmas is the story of redemption. It is the fulfillment of prophecy, the unveiling of God’s glory, and the arrival of the promised Messiah. This year, make the intentional choice to base every gathering on Scripture—worship services, children’s events, musicals, and outreach programs. When people hear the Word, they encounter Savior.

2. Decide to Model Generosity

Christmas is a season of giving because it mirrors the heart of God, who “so loved the world that He gave.” Churches have a unique opportunity to model that generosity tangibly—through Lottie Moon offerings, benevolence ministries, food drives, or blessing a partner ministry. Generosity reminds our congregations that we are never more like Jesus than when we give.

3. Decide to Serve the Least of These

Jesus came for the broken, the hurting, and the overlooked. When your church intentionally seeks out those on the margins—a nursing home resident, a single parent, a struggling family, a classroom of children—you bring the Christmas story to life. Serving opens doors for gospel conversations and turns Christmas into a mission field.

4. Decide to Offer a Clear Gospel Invitation

It’s easy to assume people “know the story,” but many in our communities do not understand why Jesus came. Christmas gives us a moment of uncommon openness—hearts soften, families attend church together, and curiosity rises. This is the time to preach Christ clearly and offer a simple, compelling invitation to trust Him.

5. Decide to Strengthen Family Worship at Home

The home is the primary place discipleship happens. Encourage families to read Scripture together, light Advent candles, pray at meals, or talk about the meaning of Christmas. When families worship at home, Sunday becomes a celebration of what God is already doing throughout the week.

6. Decide to Build Bridges Into the Community

Christmas events create natural bridges for the unchurched. Community concerts, candlelight services, or simple acts of kindness open doors for connection and relationship. This season is not just about bringing people in—it’s about sending our people out with the hope of Christ.

7. Decide to Live with Joy

Joy is one of the most powerful witnesses of the believer. In a season where many feel stressed or burdened, the joy of the Lord stands out. Churches that choose joy—authentic, Spirit-led joy—shine brightly in a dark world.

Churches do not drift into Christ-centeredness. It is the result of prayerful leadership and intentional decisions—pivotal decisions—made with the glory of Christ in mind. My prayer for each church in our association is that this Christmas will not simply be busy… but deeply meaningful.

May Jesus be at the center of all we do. May He be honored in every event, every message, every act of service, and every heart. Merry Christmas—and may Christ be exalted in your church this season.

Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA

You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.