In this church leadership resource, Kevin Martin examines the five aspects of congregational life that are key to the development and growth of a strong congregation:
Martin spent ten years in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as canon for congregational development. During that time, as he puts it, "We figured out how to grow a mainline judicatory during a time of decline for most mainline congregations."
This book agrees with the best development literature, and at the same time is very accessible. You can read it through in 90 minutes. It may be the best 90 minutes you have spent.
The new pastor is a team leader - that's the first key. You need partners to do ministry today. Martin comes down hard on what he calls the "myth of the CEO" - the belief that out there somewhere is a leader who can turn the congregation around. What is required is a pastor who can develop "a guiding coalition" for the future. It is very much a matter, as Jim Collins has told us, of getting the right people on the bus.
The secret of an effective leadership team is that they share a common vision and goals for the congregation. They have a clear idea of the congregation's mission - why it exists - and work together to achieve that.
It is important to pay attention to the differences between generations; Builders born before 1945, Baby Boomers 1945-64, Gen X 1964-78, and Millenials. He lists their characteristics, and what the church can do to meaningfully relate to these very different people. One message is that a particular congregation can no longer be "all things to all people". It may well be necessary to choose carefully where to put one's resources in order to be effective.
Key 3, "Tend the Two Doors" refers first to making the reception for new people very welcoming. That includes events worth inviting one's friends to. The best publicity is a word of mouth recommendation, but a church has to be good for people to risk recommending it to their friends. A survey found that the average Episcopalian invites someone to their church every thirty-eight years. Not good enough. Closing the back door means finding out why people leave and fixing it.
A healthy church attracts people. Folks can smell conflict or tension a mile away. That means dealing firmly with both "turf holders" and "emotional terrorists". The book includes a checklist that measures congregational health and identifies areas in need of improvement.
The fifth key involves developing a strong financial base to undergird the congregation's ministries. "All new members should receive information on how the church is funded and what the average gift is."
This book would be an ideal resource for a six week study - or for a Board or Vestry weekend retreat. This is a book you will want everyone on your congregation's leadership team to read.
Kevin Martin, 5 Keys for Church Leaders. Building a Strong, Vibrant and Growing Church. New York: Church Publishing, 2007. $15.95. Available at Revelations Book & Gift Cooperative, Edmonton. 780-485-8744
Congregational News October 2008 Vol. 15 No. 1