I like to share with you a few excerpts from a book I recently read - Turnaround and Beyond: A Hopeful Future for Small Membership Churches by Ron Crandall, Abingdon, 2008.
Mr. Crandall cites the following factors impeding revitalization:
1. low congregational self-esteem
2. fear of change and taking risks
3. no vision for the future
4. an "us" versus "them" attitude
5. power cliques in the church
6. lack of finances and/or stewardship
7. apathy and burnout
8. pastors who don't lead
9. closed to "outsiders"
10. unwilling to work hard
Mr. Crandall then goes on to cite what helps churches to experience revitalization:
1. an atmosphere of love and acceptance
2. pastoral initiative
3. new programs and outreach ministries
4. alive, open, inviting worship
5. an attitude of faith and grace
6. a strong bible focus
7. an emphasiss on children and youth
8. hard work and a desire to grow
9. inviting friends to church
10. an evangelism emphasis
11. prayer
12. emphasis on gifts and discipleship
13. laypersons involved in visitation and ministry
14. blessing of God's spirit
15. the church location and growing community
16. special outreach and evangelistic events
17. using a strategic planning process
18. using new people in leadership
19. a pastor willing to stay
There are no surprises here. I read a lot of books on congregational transformation and they basically all say the same and describe a similar process for revitalization. More food for your thought!
Phil, in the scope of your work what constitutes a "Small Church" and "Community Ministry?" I would like to gain a perspective for how to look at the church I attend and how it fits within the scope Small Church and Community Ministry Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Food for Thought on church transformation and revitalization is right on with my experience as well.
Posted by: Deb Klopp | September 27, 2009 at 12:40 AM