I have been blessed by all the ways you have responded to the first posting on prayer. It is exciting to think about the ways God is already at work in the congregations around the state. For this entry we will focus on the question of why a congregation wants to enter into the transformation journey.
Let's face it many churches are not like they use to be. It can get rather depressing to look at all the statistics and balance sheets as they decline in tandem. For a majority of congregations in the Upper New York Conference we are trying to be in mission and ministry with fewer people and even fewer resources than before. At some point the realization sets in that something different is needed in the life of the congregation. Driving the conversation is usually the need to keep the doors open, to simply exist. Many have told me they need to revitalize their church because if they don't they will have to close.
It is good, and important to realize the need for something to change in our congregations. At the same time trying to keep the doors open is not the right reason to to go through congregational revitalization. When saving the church becomes our focus, I fear we have missed the point. Revitalization is not a gimmick or program to keep the church alive. The goal is not the survival of the United Methodist Church, local or General Church. Revitalization is about congregations fulfilling the calling of Jesus to make disciples. This means to develop the disciples already a part of the congregation, and to reach out and invite others into the journey of discipleship. Our goal in revitalization is to see local congregations following after what God is doing in t heir midst, not merely keeping the doors open. As followers of Jesus we are called to abundant life, not mere existence.
So, as you consider the work of revitalizing a congregation what is your motivation or intention? Everything we do in the church is focused around making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. If the motivation and intention of a congregation is other than that, then revitalization might not be for them. I realize that is a strong statement. Yet, I stand by the statement because we need to be clear about why we exist, what the out purpose is. Without clarity of purpose it is nearly impossible to have clarity of why a congregation would enter into revitalization.
Take time to search within and see what the motivation it for revitalization. Is it to recapture something that once was? Is it to be able to pay the bills? Is it to keep a full-time pastor? Is it because there is a desire to be a congregation that makes disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world? Revitalization will only begin to happen when we are clearly focused on the call of Christ. Other focus points may keep the doors open, and might even bring a few new people through the doors. The questions will still remain; are the new people becoming disciples of Jesus Christ? Is the community around the congregation transforming because of what God is doing in the local congregation?
Get clear about why you are doing what your are doing.
Thank you Aaron for this post it couldn't of come on a better day. Tonight is our church conference I think this post needs to be heard. We need help just not sure what can be done. Praying and prayers needed.
ReplyDeletePeace and Blessing my friend
Betty Jo
Hi Aaron, Thanks for this post. As our congregation is prayerfully considering joining this revitalization, could you offer us a bit more information, such as more details about the cost of the program and the location and approximate dates for the meetings? More information will help us to discern God's call upon our church(and maybe others as well).
ReplyDeleteThanks! Kim
I have to agree with Betty Jo - impecable timing. Our last Church Council meeting for the year is tomorrow, and I can take this to them to hopefully energize and excite them for the New Year! Please keep the info coming!
ReplyDelete-Sharon
Kim, over the next couple of days I will be posting some more documents to blog that will give that kind of information. Additionally, there is a brochure in the works along with some other communication pieces that will be out in the coming weeks. I can tell you we will be using the six Camp and Retreat Centers for the gatherings to limit travel time and the first round gatherings for clergy will be between Jan. 23 and Feb 1. At the first gathering the groups will set their schedule for the schedule for the rest of the year. For the laity a February date will be coming soon.
ReplyDeleteI also find this a very timely topic, and am very interested to learn more. The conversations at our church lately have very much been about how to keep the doors open, how to balance the budget, what positions/programs do we need to cut in order to keep going? Our focus (in my opinion) is not where it needs to be. It's a tough balance though, and I'd love to join with others to find ways to revitalize our congregation! Thanks for the posts -
ReplyDeleteDawn
It is interesting - all this talk about MAKING disciples. This sounds like a way to abdicate responsibility. What about helping people to simply live out their faith in Jesus Christ. I can't " make disciples" without being a disciple.
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on. Making disciples is a both and kind of thing. Helping those who follow Jesus embody Christ, and inviting people to join the journey of discipleship.
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