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Determining Strengths & Assets of Small Congregations
Warren M. Eshbach, D.Min.Adjunct Faculty, Congregational Ministry
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg
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Questions . . .
• Who was raised in a community of less than 5000? 10,000? 30,000? 100,000?
• Who had faith formation in a congregation less than 100? 200? 500? more than 1000?
• Who believes that small congregations are generally weak?
• Who believes that gospel sharing is harder in small congregations?
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Why does Koinonia congregation survive?
• Small, dedicated core group• History of good leadership• Good community relations –
different ways in different eras
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Why is Koinonia strong and small?
• Aware of community surrounding them
• Painfully look at selves & surroundings
• Speak to relevant issues
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Common Characteristics of New Testament Churches
(Russell)• Households• Sectarian• Eschatological
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Four Futures for 21st c. Congregations (Callahan)
• Small, strong• Middle-sized• Large, regional• Mega
“Weak or dying congregations are not about size, but about a way of thinking, planning and acting” (Callahan)
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Small Congregational Health• Small/strong• Small/weak• Small/dyingEach of the above is determined by a
style of thinking, planning and acting.
SMALL IS STRONG!
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Marks of small, strong congregations• Team approach to leadership• Mission & service to local community• Compassion & shepherding • Caring for others• Worship that fosters hope• Generous givers• Self-reliance & self-suffering• Wise use of space & facilities
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“The art is to grow the real strengths God gives you in ways that match with the community that God gives you. That takes wisdom.”
Kennon Callahan
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The Church with Low Self-esteem
Suffers from remorse Denies present realities Isolates self Angry Depressed
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The church with high self-esteem
Knows its context Ministers to that context Mutual ministry of interdependence &
partnership Visions translated into goals Vital & challenging worship Empowers people Guided by hope Inner & outer directed
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Congregational Life Cycle
DNA of a Congregation. . .
EnergyAdministrationProgramInclusion
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Energy. . .
Potency & potentiality
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Administration . . .
Organization & structure
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Program . . .
Programs & services to meet various needs
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Inclusion . . .
Marketing, drawing, assimilating new people
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EpaIInfancy
EPaiAdolescence
ePAIMaturity
EPAIPrime
epAIAristocracy
epAiBureaucracy
EpaiBirth
aDeath
The Cycle of a Congregation
ByMartin
Saarinen
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Changing Congregational Culture• Technical work
Clearly defined problemClearly defined solution
• Adaptive workUnclear problemSolution requires learning &
change
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• Adaptive leadershipAsks questions re: directionOffers a critique of optionsOrients persons to new rolesDeals with conflictHelps establish new group norms
Changing Congregational Culture
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Characteristics of Alive & Growing Churches• Passionate spirituality• Empowered leadership• Gift-oriented ministry• Functional & fluid structures• Inspiring, well-executed worship• Wholistic small groups• Need-oriented evangelism• Loving, caring relationships
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SWOT Process. . .
• Strengths of congregation• Weaknesses of congregation• Opportunities for congregation• Threats for congregation
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Further Resources. . .• “Revitalizing Congregations” by William O. Avery,
2002, The Alban Institute
• “Small, Strong Congregations” by Kennon L. Callahan; 2000; Jossey-Bass
• “Leadership Without Easy Answers” by Ronald A. Heifetz;1999; Belknap/Harvard
• “Transforming Congregational Culture” by Anthony B. Robinson; 2003; Eerdmans
• “In Search of the Church” by Keith A. Russell; 1994; The Alban Institute
• “Take the Next Step” by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.; 2003; Abingdon