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Determining Strengths & Assets of Small Congregations

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?

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Determining Strengths & Assets of Small Congregations

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

  2. 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?

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

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

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

  6. Four Futures for 21st 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)

  7. 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!

  8. 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

  9. “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

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

  11. 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

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

  13. Energy. . .Potency & potentiality

  14. Administration . . . Organization & structure

  15. Program . . .Programs & services to meet various needs

  16. Inclusion . . .Marketing, drawing, assimilating new people

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

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

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

  20. 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

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

  22. 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

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