An overview of vitality for congregations

Have you Noticed-It’s not 1955Back when…..

In 1955…….The “culture” of church and community

matched well.It was an age of “attraction”We could do in-house programs and worship

services and people just came.We often remember this as the “golden era”

when our churches were full

But since 1955 a lot has changed!

Sustainability levelsGenerational ChangesPopulation shiftsBirth ratesCultural factors

Sustainability Levels1930/30 avg. worship

2000/130 avg. worship attendance

Generational IssuesBoomers/Older Younger

Generations2/3 of the church 2/3 populationSpiritual as place Spiritual as

journeyCommittee structure small groupsSameness One size doesn’t fit allWhat is good for the groupGood for individualTraditional worship Indigenous worshipMembership orientation Belong, not join

Population ShiftsToward metropolitan areas

1960 50/502000 20/80

Toward south and coasts

Fluid-5 years is a long stay

So many congregations are indeclining population areas

Birth RatesAnglo population

1960 24/1000 2002 11/1000

Other racial/ethnic group birth rates are much higher.

By 2050 there will not be a majority population in this country.

Cultural factorsBoomers left all institutionsNow have 2 generations who have no context

for church.What image(s) does public see?65% of the population cannot remember a

time when clergy were respected.Denominational loyalty is non-existentBetween 1990 and 2000: 100,000 churches

closed in the United States.Only 17% of the population attends church

regularly.

So is the sun setting on churches?

Well there is good news as well…The not-yet-churched public is very

spiritually hungry

They are looking for 2 things An Experience of the Holy Doing something significant with limited free time

Existing Churches that turnaround and new church starts can reach this yearning publicThere are several dynamics that need to be in

play for churches to reach out in powerful new ways.

This is what we will now look at today.

And those dynamics will be the topics of workshops following this time together.

Spiritual LeadershipMost churches turnaround when there is a

“new” pastor.

Have to be intentional about raising up/nurturing spiritual giants in your congregation.

Our churches will only go as far as the leadership takes them.

Spiritual LeadershipLeaders are involved in:Keeping the focus 5 years ahead

Spiritual Leadership Growth and Change

New

Loss

New Energy and Vision

Spiritual LeadershipLooks at Organizational Change

Vision and ValuesVital churches have a sense of how and to

whom God is calling them.

Vision is discernment of the Spirit-”To put a cosmic scaffolding around the passion we feel”.

Vision becomes the litmus test for everything we do.

Vision and ValuesVision teamScriptureUnderstand the neighborhoodHistoryValuesGrowth Areas Energy

Vision and ValuesWaterfall of God’s Grace

Core DiscipleshipMartha Grace Reese“I still can’t believe-how the liberal church that

knows so much about God’s grace doesn’t understand the power of what it has to share. And they don’t share it!”

Gospel Constipation!

Core DiscipleshipHow to prayHow to share faithA discipleship systemInform Need/growCommittee Gifts and callingSupervise TrainHappy/faith? Team

Core DiscipleshipAlso look at:Small groupsHospitalityStewardshipTransformation in worship

CommunityThe “Belly Button” syndrome

CommunityAlign with your community Knowing the hopes, dreams and needs of

people Caring more about those outside than

insideLearning how to design events, programs and

worship that is on targetLearning how to have excellent hospitalityInviting, Inviting, Inviting………….

All of these vitality dynamics…Revolve around our experience of Jesus Christ

It’s all about our being in love with ChristEverything else is just strategies and tactics

If our hearts are open…..

If they aren’t then no amount of keynotes or workshops will help.

Resurrection

Which path do you want for your congregation?Complacency

Fear of change Angst over the future

Downward Spiral

ActionDiscomfort

PassionChange

Excitement Kingdom

Growth

Choice is YoursRocky Mountain Conference, UCC, is here to

help:

Workshops in this past year and todayHal YoungbloodThe Vision of Tom RehlingVitality Coaches are coming!!!New Church starts are being encouraged.

We are at the threshold!!

Your Comments, Questions and Reflections