I came across church consultant Bill Tenny-Brittian’s blog about effective churches today and thought it worth a mention here. Among the hallmarks of a church that is working are:
1. Plenty of invited guests for worship services and other events and groups
Maybe what is more important to note here is why these congregations are inviting people—they are obviously excited about what is going on in their church. It isn’t a matter of asking people (or guilt-tripping them) to invite friends, family, and acquaintances. Instead, the invitations stem from what is happening at the church when members come. People are excited to share about it.
2. Congregational care
This is an easy one to write about—a much more messy idea to execute. For churches that get caught up in running programs this one gets tricky. If a church is to make disciplies, slick worship services and dynamic classes—even measured and monitored groups—have to break down to individual relationships. Ideally, taking care of people in our church is more about knowing some of them well enough to call on them, and be called on, in times of need. It’s about authentic love.
In his book, "Loving People," Dr. John Townsend notes one key aspect of love as "connecting," or making an emotional bond. I’ve known many churches to include this word in their statement of vision, mission or purpose. Townsend writes that connecting is a particularly important aspect of spiritual growth.
"What we know and experience about God is one of the most intimate things we can convey to another person," Townsend writes. "When we share our spiritual side we are letting someone in."
3. Uninvited guests
Bill writes about how this happens for churches that make themselves known in a community as a place of help and as a safe place to check out. Uninvited guests are a sign that a church’s reputation in the community is one of welcome. It may also be a sign that the power of the truth of Christ is at work there.
4. Spontaneous congregational ministry
This is the action part of faith. When church members turn their spiritual journey into physical action and step in to help others in some way the church ministers without staff or programs. This enables churches to minister and grow exponentially.
5. Regular adult baptism
Bill writes that adult baptisms are a sign that the church is reaching people to make a life change. Regular children’s baptism is also important, I think, as a clue that Christian parents are discipling their own kids. But Bill’s point is well-taken: adult baptisms signify how well a church is reaching into an increasingly unchurched American culture.
Bill writes that other signs of an effective church exist, but hinge upon these five. What do you think?
