Our Community Conversation (Week 6)

Together we read an 2013 article from the Christian Century magazine that details the radical decline in church attendance and religious fervor among Christians in America. (See the article below)

http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2013-11/negative-numbers

Then we asked the question:

What are some of the non-numerical signs of church vitality?

Here's what people said during our discussion:

• Rehashing old church growth solutions from the 60's and 70's to get more people in the pews is futile. These strategies might work for a short period of time but it never gets the children because they recognize manipulation when they see it. 
• Churches with ethnic diversity are growing faster than everyone else. 
• Church members in America are not just declining in numbers but also in how often they pray. 
• Will Willimon says that numbers matter but we're often counting the wrong things. 
• We can measure vitality by whether you feel the love and care of God not whether you attend the church. 
• Screens, videos, computers are a sign of the times. The traditional church doesn't appeal anymore. 
• What was going on in the world from 2005-2010? The Great Recession! People had to focus on putting food on their tables and not feeding their spiritual needs. 
• The idea of organization and control is a problem for young folks. Other kinds of groups are looking for spiritual guidance in other ways. 
• Involvement in mission and helping others is a sign of vitality. Also, what's happening in the community around us. 
• A sense of joy in the congregation.
• Caring church members - especially when they experience trouble. 
• Are the lights on most of the time? Are things happening?
• The number of people involved in a particular ministry.
• The weight of ministry is carried and shared by all and not done by only 20% of the congregation.
• Meaningful worship services are signs of vitality.
• Variety and different styles of music. Being open to receiving other styles. 
• Educating our children and including them in worship and missions. 
• Being involved in social issues. 
• I wonder what it would be like if none of the businesses were open on Sunday morning?
• We need more small groups for spiritual renewal to happen in our church. 

Here's a list of 15 non-numerical signs of church vitality:

1. A high percentage of the congregation is involved in the life of the community and the mission of the church.

2. The congregation is working to reflect the demographics of the surrounding community. 

3. Worship is highly attended and members are active participants in the service. 

4. Leaders don't have to beg people to serve/there are no volunteer crises. 

5. People are more focused on the positive movement of the Spirit rather than the things they don't like.

6. Different demographics within the community fellowship with one another on a regular basis.

7. People take care of each other (physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.)

8. More ministry is happening than committee work.

9. The church is hospitable to strangers, newcomers, and people who are different than them.  

10. The congregation has a teachable spirit.

11. New leadership is embraced and faithful leadership is appreciated.

12. The focus is on faith formation and not programming.

13. It is a safe place for truth telling.

14. People pray. 

15. People are serious about following Jesus both individually and as a community.