Determining Strengths & Assets of Small Congregations Warren M. Eshbach, D.Min. Adjunct Faculty, Congregational Ministry Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg

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?

Why does Koinonia congregation survive? Small, dedicated core group History of good leadership Good community relations – different ways in different eras

Why is Koinonia strong and small? Aware of community surrounding them Painfully look at selves & surroundings Speak to relevant issues

Common Characteristics of New Testament Churches (Russell) Households Sectarian Eschatological

Four Futures for 21 st 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)

Small Congregational Health Small/strong Small/weak Small/dying Each of the above is determined by a style of thinking, planning and acting. SMALL IS STRONG!

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

“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

The Church with Low Self-esteem  Suffers from remorse  Denies present realities  Isolates self  Angry  Depressed

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

Congregational Life Cycle DNA of a Congregation... Energy Administration Program Inclusion

Energy... Potency & potentiality

Administration... Organization & structure

Program... Programs & services to meet various needs

Inclusion... Marketing, drawing, assimilating new people

EpaI Infancy EPai Adolescence ePAI Maturity EPAI Prime epAI Aristocracy epAi Bureaucracy Epai Birth a Death The Cycle of a Congregation By Martin Saarinen

Changing Congregational Culture Technical work Clearly defined problem Clearly defined solution Adaptive work Unclear problem Solution requires learning & change

Adaptive leadership Asks questions re: direction Offers a critique of options Orients persons to new roles Deals with conflict Helps establish new group norms Changing Congregational Culture

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

SWOT Process... Strengths of congregation Weaknesses of congregation Opportunities for congregation Threats for congregation

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