Watching the ball drop in Times square as 2007 dawned, thoughts and new learnings about congregational development from 2006 swirled through my head (similar to the confetti falling from the buildings—while those pieces of confetti had secular inspirational messages, my own thoughts were of a decidedly Christian nature.)
In particular, I thought about congregational development, the area where God has gently led my ministry over the past year. What really is the mission of congregational development? (Equipping congregations to better experience, grow in, and make known the transformative love of Christ would be my answer.)
So many factors contribute to small membership congregational development, and what makes these congregations unique. If the factors were to fall like confetti, among them would be members’ profound sense of belonging and acceptance, the congregation’s fortitude to not just survive but to adapt and thrive under sometimes challenging circumstances, and the single-cell system dynamics. Financial sustainability and creative models of leadership are also factors. As is an innate ability to know the wider community and reach out in incredible and inspirational (Herculean) ways.
Therefore this New Year’s post serves as a virtual toast—to the small church. To all who worship, minister, and serve in small churches. May God continue to bless you with the mission, passion and energy to reach out with Christ’s love for decades to come…I consider it an honor to be part of the journey.
S.
In particular, I thought about congregational development, the area where God has gently led my ministry over the past year. What really is the mission of congregational development? (Equipping congregations to better experience, grow in, and make known the transformative love of Christ would be my answer.)
So many factors contribute to small membership congregational development, and what makes these congregations unique. If the factors were to fall like confetti, among them would be members’ profound sense of belonging and acceptance, the congregation’s fortitude to not just survive but to adapt and thrive under sometimes challenging circumstances, and the single-cell system dynamics. Financial sustainability and creative models of leadership are also factors. As is an innate ability to know the wider community and reach out in incredible and inspirational (Herculean) ways.
Therefore this New Year’s post serves as a virtual toast—to the small church. To all who worship, minister, and serve in small churches. May God continue to bless you with the mission, passion and energy to reach out with Christ’s love for decades to come…I consider it an honor to be part of the journey.
S.
3 comments:
What a great blog! we have several small congreations here in Oklahoma, and I am curious how this can be utilized in the "hinterlands" far from NY.
I have bookmarked this site and will be coming back to see how the Spirit uses it. :)
We are equally honored to be on this journey with you, Suzanne.
We too have joined the journey. It's budget time and the Vestry has decided to move our Rector of 6 months (serving part-time) into a full time position beginning 3/1. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this decision and some of the success depends on congregational growth. We are optimistic and eager to learn new ways to attract families and to keep them coming back. Thanks for the BLOG - what a neat idea!
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