In my book "Survival Skills," I suggest seven skills pastors must master on the new millennial church. In my articles for Church Central, I will cover five of the seven. For more information on "Survival Skills," contact your local bookstore. This month: aligning your ministry with God's will.

A pastor recently asked, "If the church is the institution ordained of God to reach this lost world, why is it so sick?"

Great question! Here are some of the common church diseases that hinder proper alignment.

1. Lack of Synergism. Synergism is the process of working together. In many churches, that isn't happening. In those churches, each ministry department typically has its own focus and desired results. Each works hard to achieve its own goals and to make its own difference for the kingdom. These individual efforts are great, but that isn't working together. And that's a problem! "Competing" may sound like a strange word in relation to church ministry, but it accurately describes many church crises today.

2. Strategic Disconnection. "Jeff" pastors a large church in Kansas City. He attended every major national church conference and seminar he possibly could. He was acutely aware of the need for vision and mission.

In fact, Pastor Jeff initiated a yearly planning retreat for his staff and key lay leadership. Yet he became increasingly frustrated at the lack of impact his church was making in the community.

On the long drive toward a retreat center for his third try at strategic planning, the chairman of his leadership team asks Jeff, "Pastor, why do this when no one ever follows through on the plans?"

This was an "Ah-ha" moment for Jeff, as the remainder of the drive revolved around soul searching and intense examination. Plans are wonderful. Dreams are great. But with no follow-through and implementation, Strategic Disconnection will follow. It doesn't matter how good the strategy is if it's going to be ignored by the leadership team and the congregation.

Out of alignment!

3. "The Way We Were" syndrome. Times change, defined targets change and people change. But many churches don't change. Their best days are in the past. Their theme song is "Precious Memories." They remain committed to the way they were, and haven't retooled their ministries to fit the '80s, let alone the new millennium.

Out of alignment!

4. Bipolar Disease. There's a lot of discussion today about what is called Bipolar Disease. It's a condition that causes a person to think one way at times, and yet react in an entirely opposite way at other times.

For example, a church taskforce in Houston was asked to come up with a plan to reach the teenagers in its community. The research was compiled, the legwork finished and now it was time to present its findings to the church board.

At the conclusion of its presentation, which included recommendations for a new youth music ministry, the taskforce sat at the table stunned as one of the board members declared, "Yes, we need to reach the youth, but we will not allow any drums in this church." Bipolar Disease.

Out of alignment!

5. People Blindness. The church cannot minister in today's world without being impacted by its culture. People Blindness occurs when the church fails to see the diversity of its surrounding culture -- and the opportunity to minister to it.

Keith Phillips, president of World Impact, located in downtown Los Angeles, has had a tremendous influence on the inner city. Because of his commitment to reach its diverse population, Christian schools and inner-city clubs have been established that have brought a "Christian culture" to an environment that once was controlled by gangs. Church planting is Keith's next step. Almost every city has a similar area of ethnic diversity where a focused ministry could -- and should -- thrive. Hear the words of the Master, "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" (John 4:35b).

It's time for alignment!

6. Dead Church Walking. In the film classic, "Dead Man Walking," the final days of death row inmates were portrayed. When a prisoner began his final walk to the execution chamber, prison guards would call out to the other prisoners, "Dead man walking," so they would pay their last respects.

Unfortunately, there are thousands of "dead churches walking." They have no mission, no strategy, no aggressive ministry planning. They are blind to the community's lost condition and its accompanying needs.

Jesus gave a warning to one of them, the church at Sardis (Revelations 3:1-3), "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."

The ultimate misalignment: Being out of God's will!

Taken from "Survival Skills" by Dr. Glen Martin and Dr. Stan Toler.