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?

• 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?

Why does Koinonia congregation survive?

• Small, dedicated core group• History of good leadership• Good community relations –

different ways in different eras

Why is Koinonia strong and small?

• Aware of community surrounding them

• Painfully look at selves & surroundings

• Speak to relevant issues

Common Characteristics of New Testament Churches

(Russell)• Households• Sectarian• Eschatological

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)

Small Congregational Health• Small/strong• Small/weak• Small/dyingEach of the above is determined by a

style of thinking, planning and acting.

SMALL IS STRONG!

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

“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

The Church with Low Self-esteem

Suffers from remorse Denies present realities Isolates self Angry Depressed

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

Congregational Life Cycle

DNA of a Congregation. . .

EnergyAdministrationProgramInclusion

Energy. . .

Potency & potentiality

Administration . . .

Organization & structure

Program . . .

Programs & services to meet various needs

Inclusion . . .

Marketing, drawing, assimilating new people

EpaIInfancy

EPaiAdolescence

ePAIMaturity

EPAIPrime

epAIAristocracy

epAiBureaucracy

EpaiBirth

aDeath

The Cycle of a Congregation

ByMartin

Saarinen

Changing Congregational Culture• Technical work

Clearly defined problemClearly defined solution

• Adaptive workUnclear problemSolution requires learning &

change

• Adaptive leadershipAsks questions re: directionOffers a critique of optionsOrients persons to new rolesDeals with conflictHelps establish new group norms

Changing Congregational Culture

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

SWOT Process. . .

• Strengths of congregation• Weaknesses of congregation• Opportunities for congregation• Threats for congregation

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