An overview of vitality for congregations

Have you Noticed-It’s not 1955 Back 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 levels Generational Changes Population shifts Birth rates Cultural factors

Sustainability Levels Maturity Decline DeathBirth Key ? 1930/30 avg. worship 2000/130 avg. worship attendance

Generational Issues Boomers/OlderYounger Generations 2/3 of the church2/3 population Spiritual as placeSpiritual as journey Committee structuresmall groups SamenessOne size doesn’t fit all What is good for the groupGood for individual Traditional worshipIndigenous worship Membership orientationBelong, not join

Population Shifts Toward metropolitan areas / /80 Toward south and coasts Fluid-5 years is a long stay So many congregations are in declining population areas

Birth Rates Anglo population / /1000 Other racial/ethnic group birth rates are much higher. By 2050 there will not be a majority population in this country.

Cultural factors Boomers left all institutions Now 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-existent Between 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 public There 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.

Experience of Christ Spiritual Leadership CommunityDiscipleshipVision

Spiritual Leadership Most 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 Leadership Leaders are involved in: Keeping the focus 5 years ahead

Spiritual Leadership Growth and Change New Loss New Energy and Vision

Spiritual Leadership Looks at Organizational Change Council Comm Task Force Sub- Comm CommGroup

Vision and Values Vital 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 Values Vision team Scripture Understand the neighborhood History Values Growth Areas Energy

Vision and Values Waterfall of God’s Grace Christ CareCommunity

Core Discipleship Martha 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 Discipleship How to pray How to share faith A discipleship system InformNeed/grow CommitteeGifts and calling SuperviseTrain Happy/faith?Team

Core Discipleship Also look at: Small groups Hospitality Stewardship Transformation in worship

Community The “Belly Button” syndrome

Community Align with your community Knowing the hopes, dreams and needs of people Caring more about those outside than inside Learning how to design events, programs and worship that is on target Learning how to have excellent hospitality Inviting, Inviting, Inviting………….

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

It’s all about our being in love with Christ Everything 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 Action Discomfort Passion Change Excitement Kingdom Growth

Choice is Yours Rocky Mountain Conference, UCC, is here to help: Workshops in this past year and today Hal Youngblood The Vision of Tom Rehling Vitality Coaches are coming!!! New Church starts are being encouraged.

We are at the threshold!!

Your Comments, Questions and Reflections