Reprinted from the Edmonton Journal,
January 27, 2001. Article by
Bob Gilmour, Journal Staff Writer.
Church congregations can be transformed into thriving communities that support their members and care for their larger community.
But it takes dreaming, sharing, and praying, says Clair Woodbury and Joyce Madsen, authors of Wings Like Eagles — How to be a Thriving Congregation In the 21st Century.
The fee-for-service consultants, who work for the local non-profit Congregational Life Centre, say transforming congregations must address four types of growth — in numbers, individual faith, ability to support their ministry, and putting faith into action.
"It’s more important that growth occur in individuals and their relationships with one another and their relationships with God than that they actively increase in numbers," says Madsen.
She says numbers growth is often the reason congregations enter into transformation "but if that is the only reason it will not be successful."
It’s like a company that goes into business strictly to make a profit, says Woodbury. It usually won’t survive, while one that tries to serve people and meet needs is more than likely to succeed.
"What we tell churches is that if they really set out to meet people’s needs, then the rest is going to come along," he says.
Madsen says transforming is moving forward and not going back to the past.
"Lots of people who are 50 and over can remember the ‘60s in the church when pews were full and Sunday schools were full. And that’s what they want to have again."
"That was really the anomaly in the history of Christianity and it’s not coming back. We’re talking about postwar families. Guys who had gone off to kill people needed community and comfort and safety."
The authors say that five major aspects that congregations who wish to transform must address are identity, context, leadership, spirituality and vision.
They interviewed 27 new church congregations some years ago and found those that thrived said "the number one factor was leadership that was committed, energetic, visionary and enthusiastic.
"Strong leadership is the most critical factor in determining whether or not a congregation is thriving. Transforming leaders are motivators more than managers, less committed to the status quo, an innovator and source of inspiration."
Leaders should be chosen carefully because congregations with blocked growth said the main cause was inappropriate, non-communicative leadership which was a poor match.
"We have discovered that where the lay/clergy leadership team communicates vision, models spiritual community and focuses on the future, you will see a thriving parish."
Research also found that a congregation’s positive identity of who it is and what it is about, not fancy welcoming techniques, is a key for those who want to attract and include new members.
Growing congregations have a positive personality which shows in their energy, belief in inclusion, and sense of a unique identity.
The authors found a congregation can’t exist isolated from the surrounding community. "You have to understand the needs of the people you hope to serve."
Once community needs have been identified, the congregation must identify those needs it will meet.
"You cannot be all things to all people. The ministries you choose need to be those that energize and excite members of your congregation."
"Spirituality is the fourth secret to congregational transformation. This desire to experience a connection with God is what brings most people into churches today and it’s the congregation’s role to help them find it.
"The key to it all, however, remains vision — a vision that the leadership team and congregation share in common. The parish needs to articulate that vision so it can be shared."
Finding the vision includes risking, dreaming, sharing and praying together. One way is to craft a statement of the unique ministry of the congregation.
"Each new program is introduced in a way that everyone can see its relation to the congregation’s overall vision."
The authors say once these five have been explored, a congregation can identify its goals, create an action plan and celebrate every accomplishment.
"An action plan or strategic map that is doable will encourage everyone to participate. The goal is to create a community that shares an identity and a vision, and where everyone feels that their gift is valued and they have permission to carry out their ministry as they feel called."
Congregational Life Vol. 7.1 February 2001