June 2011 "Sketchings"

“GREAT CHURCHES ARE NO ACCIDENT!!”

Had I been blessed to be a “fly on the wall” back in the mid fifties, when the founders of Morning Star gathered to create a new Lutheran church in “west Omaha”, I’m pretty sure I would have heard a conversation laced with faith in what God was doing in this area of the city. Faith would have been coupled with commitment to the cause ahead supported by a sense of excitement for the future of the Kingdom of God in this place.

In the now 55 years following, as pastor after pastor took on the mantle leadership of God’s people, as family after family and person after person grew into discipleship in this congregation, as dreams for space became buildings, there has been a sense of accomplishment and thanksgiving to God for the overwhelming blessings poured out in this place.

Entering now into the 56th year of ministry and “bringing the light of Christ to all creation”, Morning Star finds itself right back in that same meeting of 55 plus years ago – the meeting where the seeds of a church in West Omaha first were sown and spouted –asking the same question – How can we identify what God is doing here and align ourselves to be part of it? The question may also be framed in words like, “How can we regain the energy and enthusiasm we once had for being Morning Star?” “How can we deal with what seems to be a decline in our participation?” “How can we over come what feels like a general malaise in our life together?” “How can we renew our sense of mission and ministry to serve and glorify God?”

Recently, some significant research has gone into what makes some churches grow while others fail to thrive. From my ministry experience and from the reading I’ve done, as well as from the experiences of my peers, I’d suggest that these are a few of the key elements that separate healthy mission centers from churches that find themselves declining or dying.

The past is a new beginning. Healthy growing mission centers recognize that the present generation of mission and ministry stands on the shoulders of those who have gone before. Healthy growing mission centers know that good beginnings always help contribute to continued successes. These congregations also understand that yesterday is gone. Tomorrow, with new challenges and opportunities, beckons the church in mission forward.

Welcoming atmosphere. The process a congregation has for welcoming the stranger is telling about the atmosphere of a place. Expressions of welcome beginning in the parking lot, multiple hands of welcome and introduction from everyone from the greeters to the ushers to the people in the same pew (even before the visitor has a chance to meet the Pastor) is a sure sign that this is a place where I will be accepted and find a sense of "home" in the church family.

Long term pastorates. It seems like congregations that thrive, grow and mature have a series of long term pastors, those who remain in that congregation for 10 or more years. From my experience productive ministry and leadership is unlikely to present until year 7 or 8 of a pastor's tenure. The ensuing years are rich for congregational deepening, growth and the development of a strong active laity in ministry.

Spiritual Deepening. In today’s world, where "spirituality" and "spiritual journey" are spoken of with some regularity, it appears that mission centers that experience growth, spend a fair amount of time teaching and practicing spiritual disciplines (worship, prayer, Bible Study and devotions, generosity and witness) and participating in small group or worship group activities that help support spiritual deepening. This deepening usually occurs though a variety of worship expressions that are theologically sound, life changing, challenging and are created to bring the worshiper into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Smaller caring communities. Within the larger congregation there are smaller caring communities, small groups, sub “congregations”, women’s and men’s circles, youth groups and the like. Congregations that grow recognize that these smaller “congregations” are the key to success. They also find a way to become comfortable with a multitude of smaller communities within the one community. These smaller communities are where relationship are forged, ministry blooms, learning occurs and God is glorified.

Financially committed membership. Disciples in growing mission centers recognize the importance of their financial stewardship as a matter of faith. These disciples are generous not because the bills need to be paid, but because they need to give as a faithful response to God’s blessings. Disciples in growing congregations recognize that they have been financially blessed in order to be a blessing to others churches have members that recognize the importance of their financial stewardship. Growing churches aren’t afraid to talk about tithing and sacrificial giving. Members of growing churches recognize that they have been financially blessed with a trust that comes from God in order to be a blessing for others.

So, the future awaits. Maybe one or more of these key elements apply to us. Maybe one or more will help us unlock the door as we move into a time or recommitment and resolve for our future.

I look forward to the journey with you.