Thousands of churches in every part of our nation are powerless and largely ineffective. Many of the people in these churches see earthly obstacles — lack of money, building limitations and inadequate staff, just to name a few — but they cannot see the power of God, which is sufficient to overcome any obstacles. How can leaders lead their churches toward developing a mindset that believes in God's possibilities? Let us examine five possible strategies.

Prayer . . . Again!

My constant mention of prayer is not unintentional. Many of our churches are in dire straits. A miracle is needed for a new attitude and an openness to God's work. It can happen! Ask God. I love the New International Version translation of this verse: "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

Do you believe prayer can change attitudes? Do you believe that your prayers for your church can be powerful and effective? Take God at His Word. There is no such thing as a helpless and hopeless church. God may be waiting on your prayers for miracles to take place.

Develop Allies

Some time ago, my wife and I had dinner with a pastor and his wife. My friend told me of one man in his church who attempts to bring a negative slant to every business meeting. When the man stands to speak, others look at him with dagger-like eyes, but he still dominates the meeting and sets a negative tone for the evening.

Pastors and other church leaders need allies who can pray with them, talk with them and see God's possibilities for the church. Often the positive church members are intimidated by the actions of a few recalcitrant individuals.

As you develop allies, you will have a solid core group that will gain confidence to speak positively in both public and private settings. It may even be advantageous to ask these allies to lead the discussion on important issues. Their words can set a positive tone and possibly silence the ever-present critics.

Focus on the Church's Strengths

Even the largest churches fail to meet everyone's needs. God has given you church people with their own unique giftedness. He has also placed your church in your community for specific reasons.

What are the strengths of your church? What aspect of your church's ministry can you celebrate and promote? Help people focus on how God is already working in the church. Take the spotlight off the ministries and programs your church does not have. Make your present and potential ministries become the focus. Seek ways to strengthen those ministries and programs. Celebrate the blessings God gave you.

Challenge the People

Most Christians are hungry to do something great for God — to be someone different for the kingdom. Church members may act satisfied with the status quo; indeed they may think themselves content. But deep inside the heart of every Christian is a desire to break out of the common shell and be part of something miraculous.

The people of your church need to hear from you about God's power. They need to rediscover the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. They need to hear sermons about Simon Peter, who walked on water when he had his eyes on Jesus, but who began to sink into the depths of the sea when he looked to the side at his difficulties and problems (Matt. 14:28-32).

The people need to know that the normal Christian life is one of victories and even miracles. As one preacher said, "Christians must forever depart from the sameness, the lameness, and the tameness of life."

But you — pastor or staff member — need to believe in the power of God yourself. Your life must be one of victory and faith. You cannot lead people to a promised land unless you have known the miracle of deliverance.

I have been in churches that are at death's door. I have also seen some of those churches become vibrant testimonies in their communities when the pundits said it could not be done.

Challenge your people. Reintroduce them to the God of miracles. Help them to dream again. Lead them to open their eyes to God's possibilities. And remember the words of the Savior: "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26).