Jumping the Shark

Most of us have heard the phrase, "Jumping the Shark." The term is used to describe that pivotal piont in time when a television show has reached its peak and starts to decline. The phrase came from a 1977 episode of Happy Days when Fonzie agreed to jump a shark on waterskis. From that point in time forward (though the show lasted 7 more years) it struggled to hold its audience share, went through several character changes and finally aired its last episode on September 24, 1984.

What I find most interesting about this phenomenon are the characteristics that could just as easily be applied to our approch to evangelism and church growth. I know that sounds like a strange comparison, but stay with me for a minute.

1. Most successful church works reach a plateau where they begin to ask what needs to be done to continue to grow. Sadly, many churches in an effort to stay relevant "jump the shark." They begin to pursue extreme (and often ridiculous) measures to keep people flowing in the doors. We look at the ratings and revenues rather than souls.
2. Change, change, change. Rather than spending time looking for legitimate answers to those questions, we go through a series of plot changes (new programs), character changes (turn over of staff), and any other quick fixes that might slow or stop the decline.
3. Loss of identity. At some point through this process the organization no longer looks like what it once did. Joanie loves Chachi did not have the same charm, warmth and fun that Happy Days did. It is ultimately this loss of identity and mission that causes a television show (or church) to look at the harsh realities (cancelling the programming or closing the doors).

This year I have spoken for a number of struggling churches who have taken one of two approaches to their decline. The first is to do nothing, throw up their hands and wonder what happened. The other is to embrace every new idea, ism and gimmick in an effort to keep the numbers up. How about a third option? Pray and ask for God's direction. Listen to the membership that you serve (what are their needs and impressions). Review  your guiding principles and values. What were the key elements that once made you a strong and vibrant church.