The life of a Volunteer fan is not for the faint of heart! In the past decade the University of Tennessee’s athletic department has had it’s share of coaching changes, national championships, and scandals.

As a life-long UT fan, I have read every headline about our ups and downs.

And so far we have seen our share of second half lows.

A couple of weeks ago, our newly hyped up football team hosted the University of Oklahoma for a top 25 showdown here in Knoxville.

After an impressive start, the Vols were up 17-3 against the 17th ranked Sooners. Not a bad way to start the game! Tennessee made some important stops and played aggressively on offense.

Then the second half happened… If you are a UT your know the stress that hits you as they take the field during the second half!

As I tweeted after the game, Tennessee ended the game how Tennessee normally ends a game. (With a loss is the implied meaning.)

UT lost their lead, the Sooners forced overtime, then beat my beloved Volunteers in the 2OT.

Unfortunately, the same thing happened this weekend against the Florida Gators. Up 17-7 at halftime, UT ended up losing 28-27 on the road.

As upsetting as the losses are, there were a few turning points that dictated the outcome of the game.

Thinking about this game has made me realize that many churches and ministries have ministered the way Tennessee seemed to play in the second half – they were trying not to lose.

When churches minister with a “this has always worked” mentality, they end up missing out on opportunities to make an impact in their community.

This isn’t pitfall is not limited to established churches. Once you have a couple schedules under your belt, the temptation is to continue on with the way you have always done it — regardless if the community has shifted.

Churches must be willing to make sacrifices and take risks every now and again. Many churches encourage their members to faithfully follow God yet the church its self is unwilling to take a step of faith to reach their community.

So before your church or ministry ends up with disappointment and heartbreak, remember that the church was created for mission, not to maintain the status quo.

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