Keys to Congregational Vitality

Clergy and lay people alike know that congregational health is not about numbers; membership statistics, or worship attendance or even budget figures.  They know that not all large congregations are healthy and they know it is a mistake to think that all small congregations are unhealthy.  Church leaders have come to the correct conclusion that counting or "number crunching" is not always an accurate assessment of congregational heath.

The Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission Unit (EOCM) of our church, after a time of study and discernment has observed that there are four aspects to congregational vitality.  It has to do with a theological grounding, an awareness of the context in which congregations are located, an appreciation of lay leadership and lastly, an understanding of the congregation as a thriving community of believers.

In the coming weeks, I want to share with you the elements that are critical to congregational vitality.

First the theological aspects.

We affirm that God is with us.  We preach that God is guiding us.  We trust that we are following God's call. 

How is it for your congregation?  What is God inviting and calling your congregation to be and do?  How have you discerned God's mission for your community of believers?

You see, missional vitality can no longer be about survival or balancing the budget one more year. 

The questions God is calling us to address are far more important.  God is calling us to be open to what God's will is for us.  Therefore, the questions congregations need to address are not about what "we" want to do, or even what fits our hopes and dreams.  It is instead about what God's hopes and dreams are for the world and for the community in which you are located.  That clarity comes only through prayer and the study of scripture, and only in God's time.  Vision and mission, if from God, will come but not always on our schedules.  Allow God to speak to you in God's ways, in God's time, and you will find direction and guidance.

As you continue to discern what God's mission for your congregation might be, remember the words of Jesus . . . "I will be with you always."

Congregational vitality is first grounded in a missional theology.  It is based on a trust that ministry and mission are gleaned from prayer and the study of scripture.  Allow God to be with you as you discern where your congregation is called to go, and be.  There you will meet the Risen Christ.

Pr. Harvey Blomberg

Director for Evangelical Mission