Pastor's Ponderings June 2012

Recently I was reading a list of “Leadership Assumptions” written by a colleague of mine that I deeply respect. This got me thinking about where God has Metropolitan and where God is leading Metropolitan. (Of course, this will require each of us to follow, but that will be for a discussion on another day.)

In my reflection, I came across some facts on church growth that I found interesting and worth reviewing. To that end, I wanted to share these with each of you in hopes that something will be “sparked” in you so hat we may discuss and seek God’s direction in growing the church that God has planted here at 8000 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

And that brings me back to my reading of “Leadership Assumptions.” In this document, Dr. Bill Ritter has one of his assumptions as: “Growth is not a dirty word.” In explaining this, Dr. Ritter states: “I expect things to grow. I expect people to grow. I expect programs to grow….” As I read those words, I found myself saying – “YES! I AGREE!" We must expect growth as we follow and serve the Lord of the Harvest!

So, I ask you. As you read this list of “growth facts” for a church, does anything “spark” within you? Is there anything that God may be saying to the church through you? And lastly, are you growing? Are you growing in relationship with God, growing in serving God, growing in being a witness for God? I look forward to hearing from you.

May God bless you abundantly as you grow in HIM!

• Churches that are multiracial / multicultural are most likely to have experienced strong growth in worship attendance.
• Those that utilize “Contemporary Worship” styles tend to experience substantial growth versus those that utilize a more traditional worship style.
• The more worship services a congregation holds, the more likely it is to have growth.
• Congregations in growing suburbs are more likely to grow. The second best area for growth is downtown or metropolitan areas.
• Congregations that have experienced major conflict likely will have declining attendance.
• Congregations that start or maintain a website are more likely to grow.
• More important than theological orientation is the religious character of the congregation and clarity of mission and purpose. Growing churches are clear about why they exist and what they are to be doing.
• Congregations that involve children in worship are more likely to experience significant growth; as are those who can attract young adults and children with families.
• Congregations that have developed an intentional plan of evangelism are more likely to grow. Sponsorship of a program or event to attract nonmembers or the existence of support groups is particularly helpful in achieving growth.

Note: These findings are from a report written by C. Kirk Hadaway. Further information is available here.