I believe the first step of any "project" would be to assess the current situation. It sounds like you have done that and found a mixed bag in your congregation with mixed tastes and expectations. That's not unusual, especially in a small church or in a rural area where choices in churches are limited.

The next step is to clearly identify what you want to accomplish. What would you consider a successful conclusion to this "project." One of the most important and challenging aspects of this step when people are involved, such as in a church, is to have unity in the determination of a goal. What does everyone want, not just the leader (pastor) nor just the congregation nor just one portion of the congregation. This can be very difficult when those involved are very different in age or experience or expectation or theology or preference. When a number of different perspectives are involved, the eventual goal is going to represent compromise on the part of everyone.

The next step would be to map out a strategy for moving from the current situation to the desired situation. This step also requires participation of everyone involved. Without participation, there is no ownership. Without ownership, there will not be full support and participation, and success will be impossible without losing people in the process. Again, just as is true with identifying a goal, different groups of people are going to have different ideas on how to reach the goal. Again, compromise will be necessary for everyone. What is important is that every voice is heard and that every person is eventually involved in some role that contributes towards reaching the goal.

The role of the pastor in the process will be different depending on his gifts, the existing level of unity within the congregation, and the breadth of differing desires. The pastor may be a coach, guiding the congregation along a path that leads to the goal. He may be a facilitator, watching and instructing others as they lead the congregation to consensus. In a few cases, he may even have to be the authority figure that makes decisions himself and asks those he serves to support them. This is the least desirable scenario, and is not even permissable in some denominations, while it may be encouraged in others. Working together, however, is always preferable. Sharing a goal and feeling personal ownership in where your church is moving is something all church-goers desire, and makes for the best and happiest results.

I don't know how much help this "theorical" advice may provide for your situation. Hopefully, some other pastors who have been through the same situation will post descriptions of their successes and failures here, something that will help all of us.

Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your challenge. May God give you insight and peace as you and your congregation continue this journey together.