Why do some churches see a robust increase in attendance and membership, while for others, it's negligible? Let me qualify: I am speaking of churches where there is sound doctrine coming from the pulpit, and whose members are reasonably active in some kind of personal evangelism or group outreach program. . Here is my theory. A church that is otherwise healthy, might suffer with attendance issues if their incubator is not up to code. . In other words, if this described my church, I would begin by asking something like, "Is my church an ideal environment for new believers?" How might we determine that? I recommend performing a self-examination, based on the practical application of "one another" commands from the Bible's Pauline and General Epistles. . For now, this idea is simply one fool's speculation. (Mine.) Do you have any other thoughts on the matter or is my incubator theory not all it's cracked up to be? .
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Well your puns are right on target.
This is long, sorry, but it got my mind racing.
I think the incubator theory is correct, however I think *some* churches have other factors. Such as that not all small churches are intended to become large churches (the vast majority of Southern Baptist churches have less than 100 members...the vast majority are also located in small towns). Or sometimes He has them in a period of personal growth where even though evangelism and outreach are taking place, He is developing even stronger disciples before He opens the door to growth. It can also be a matter of geography. For example, a few years ago we flew to Oklahoma to visit Wes' former pastor (the one who married us). It was a very small town he lived in and pretty much everyone in the town attended church (it was a town where everyone knew everyone). The church this pastor was at was sound. And from talking to him, so were the area churches. So how do you get the church to grow when everyone in town is already attending another sound church and the next town (which was OK City) is over an hour away? There was one Catholic church, but then does it become a competition of sorts to get those attenders to come to your church rather than the one that may be just down the street from them but also has sound teaching? There is also the issue of "false growth"...where the growth is merely a transfer of membership from one church to another. This tends to happen quite a bit in the churches here in Louisville and southern Indiana with new & graduating seminary students.
Now yes, I would say these are the "exceptions" to the "rule." I do think that the majority of churches struggling with a lack of growth comes from not having the most fostering environment for new visitors, believers or not. But I just want to point out that other factors can and do exist. However, I think it's important for churches to first look inward at what could be changed before concluding that it's any other factor.
I'm glad you mentioned small churches, Mrrr. For the record, I am not pro growth programs and against small churches per se. The thing that I am addressing is stunted growth due to something unhealthy in the environment. So, if someone brings their coworker to my church, am I going to blow it by something like gossip, backbiting, favoritism or bigotry? Or something else perhaps? What other growth inhibitors might you identify for otherwise healthy churches?
Can I have mine sunnyside up?
I'll come back for a real comment on this later - something I was reading this morning addressed it actually!
But as to you young man - you'll have to do without your Sunday slug this weekend - I'll be in San Diego being a nerd in a huge herd of nerds - 25,000 of them to be exact! Not my favorite meeting for sure!
Sincerely,
The new sluggo
Other growth inhibitors...
A big one that comes to mind would be cliques. While it's natural to bond with people who you can relate to, there also needs to be careful attention given to not forming cliques. We had that at our last church and never fit in to any clique. Wes & I recently discussed this issue with our associate pastor and his wife...and what a blessing it is that there is integration of different groups....we go out to lunch with the senior group, the men in the church desire to be a servant leader to the young boys and teens that walk in our doors, etc. But we also discussed how we need to make sure that continues, that we foster an environment that welcomes anyone, not just someone who fits our mold.
It can be hurtful, these cliques. You can quickly lose a potential or even current member...or even turn away an unbelieving visitor.
i think that each one of us should look within our selves, and ask ourself if we are being the chruch for any new believers of non believers no matter where we meet them.
It's your kitchen, LL. I'm sure you're an egg-celent contribution to your local church.
A herd of nerds, Halfmom (a.k.a. the new sluggo? No. I won't touch that one. Thanks for the grace of not slugging me for one week. I think I'm going to get emotional just thinking about it.
I'm glad you brought up cliques, Mrrr. The difference between favor and favoritism may seem to be minor at first, but the repercussions of the latter can be drastic to a community. Good observation.
Welcome, NaNcY! While I hold the position that the gathering on Sunday morning is for believers, (that is to say, visitors are certainly welcome, but it's not primarily an outreach program) I am glad for your input, and especially that you point out the personal application for each of us, rather than blameshifting.
Good question Craver.
I have a few crazy thoughts.
It can be tough to break free from a plateaued group of believers: When a church becomes the "Status Quo".
No matter the reason, the church needs to break free, that's for sure.
The problem is that we climb up the mountain to a fair enough and comfortable ledge, where we can look down on all those still climbing.
We need to keeping looking up.
God's grace and power is infinite, and the fruit we can produce for His glory, whether in converts, or in hearts conforming us into Christ's image, we need to pervevere, and not grow weary, which we do.
It may be helpful to have outside evangelists and pastors visit our churches, and ask them what they see, and to honestly share what short comings they may see.
But, you know, if a church is preaching the Word from the pulpit, and the pastor loves Christ and the people, and he is feeding them and tending them, then what more can be done. This church should be healthy and growing.
For from the Word comes all else, worship, prayer, evangelism.
This is all birthed out of a love for Christ and His Word.
There's no easy answer to that. People flock to churches with good preachers, with meaningful activities and - most importantly - with good youth programs.
All of which sounds like your incubator theory.
Novel's done - and I'm back in blogland!
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