Rethinking Church: Lessons from Urban Sky's Innovative Ministry Model

As the host of a podcast exploring the future of the church, I've had the privilege of speaking with many insightful leaders. Recently, I sat down with Mike Sares, director of Urban Skye, and our conversation left me with fresh perspectives on ministry in today's world.

Urban Skye: A New Approach to Ministry

Urban Skye isn't your typical church organization. Instead, it acts as an umbrella for what Mike calls "freelance pastors." These are individuals called to ministries that don't fit neatly within traditional church structures. From counseling missionaries to reaching out to touring musicians, Urban Sky supports a diverse array of faith entrepreneurs.

What struck me most was Urban Skye's emphasis on entering people's worlds rather than expecting them to enter the church's. Mike shared stories of hanging out in goth clubs and attending punk concerts - not typical pastor behavior, but crucial for building authentic relationships.

Lessons for Declining Churches

As someone who often speaks with leaders of struggling churches, I was particularly interested in what declining congregations could learn from Urban Skye's model. Mike's advice was simple but profound: start doing things differently.

He emphasized the need to spend time in the culture, befriending people who would never step inside a church building. It's about relationships first, not programs or services. This approach requires humility and a willingness to decrease so that new ministries can increase.

Embracing Failure and Experimentation

One of the most refreshing aspects of our conversation was Mike's attitude toward failure. In a church culture often fixated on success and growth, Urban Skye sees failure as essential. As Mike put it, "Failure is not an option; it's essential to whatever God is doing in your hearts as a church."

This willingness to experiment and potentially fail allows for innovation and growth in ways that playing it safe never could. It's a mindset I believe more churches need to adopt.

Final Thoughts

My conversation with Mike Sares left me energized and hopeful about the future of ministry. While traditional church structures may be declining in many places, innovative models like Urban Skye show that the spirit of Christ's mission is alive and well.

As we navigate the changing landscape of faith in the 21st century, leaders like Mike remind us of the importance of authenticity, relationships, and a willingness to color outside the lines. These principles, I believe, will be crucial for the church's future vitality.

What are your thoughts on innovative ministry models like Urban Sky? I'd love to hear your perspectives in the comments below.