3. Is it working? This seems like a really simple question, but it's surprisingly difficult. It's difficult because in the local church we are tempted to be faithful over competent. We remain dutiful soldiers with a losing battle. I want to offer you encouragement and freedom to make the needed changes! Ask these questions: What are the results? Is it operating smoothly? Do volunteers enjoy it and invite their friends to serve in that ministry with them? If it's not working, why is that true? Do you have the right leader in place? Is it aligned with the culture of the church? Bottom line, is there a better way to do it?

4. Is the effort greater than the return? I talked about this question earlier in reference to a discipleship process we used nearly a decade ago. There is no way to avoid good old-fashioned hard work, but we can also work smart. Lack of efficiency isn't akin to holiness. God gives us freedom to make changes so that we see maximum return for appropriate levels of investment. Again, you may need to shut it down as you currently know it and start fresh!

5. Could your resources be better invested in another ministry? This is a great leadership question, and one that your top staff and board should ask often. Every church has finite financial and people resources. Therefore, every dollar and ever hour must be invested for the highest and greatest good. This often requires complicated and difficult decisions to be made.

How about your church? Any trees that need to come down? Do you have any ministries that were once strong, beautiful and productive that now require far more work and maintenance than they produce results? Which of your ministries needs a fresh start?

It might seem crazy at first, but it may be time for the wood chipper.

Dan Reiland is the executive pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with John Maxwell for 20 years, first as executive pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, then as vice president of leadership and church development at INJOY.

For the original article, visit danreiland.com.

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