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The Effective Congregation |
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Several overriding principles appear to foster
vitality, effectiveness, and growth in a congregation.
The following areas of concentration are of extreme importance to
congregations desiring a vibrant and effective ministry. + Be the living Body of Christ on earth today + Focus on People rather than programs + Understand nonmember and minister to their needs + Help people establish meaningful friendships + Help new members quickly find their place
in ministry + Create disciples
rather than just disciples Many of these concentrations work hand in hand.
The effective congregation focuses on people C those outside of Christ as well as church members.
It assists new members in becoming a vital part of the congregation
by helping them develop deep friendships.
It helps new members find their place in ministry by leading them
to discover and develop their particular areas of giftedness.
It completes the entire process by helping the convert become a
person who earnestly seeks and shares the Good News with others. The extent to which these concentrations are
intentionally utilized and implemented will determine the growth potential
and ministry effectiveness of your congregation.
The extent to which these concentrations are absent in the life of
your congregation will determine the extent to which your congregation
will become institutional rather than relational. Resources: Finding
Them, Keeping Them Effective Strategies for Evangelism and Assimilation in the
Local church, by Gary McIntosh and Glen Martin The
authors share principles for finding and keeping new Christians in a local
church that have proven to be effective and well-received, includes
worksheets to evaluate and plan greater effectiveness in your own
situation along with practical steps for implementation in order to attain
your goals. Paperback: (142
pages) $6.95. The
Exodus Principle A 5-Part Strategy to Free Your People for Ministry, by Gary
McIntosh Christ
has called the church to serve Himself and others.
But for many congregations today, the emphasis is more on personal
comfort than personal service. The Exodus Principle explores the critical need of churches to serve
both members and visitors as valued, respected guests in God=s
house. It is only by
extending the hand of sincere Christian hospitality, both inside and
outside the church, that congregations can continue to grow.
Hardback: (204 pages)
$17.95. Both
of the above books are available from:
The Church Growth Network (CGN), P.O. Box 892589, Temecula, CA
92589-2589, Phone or FAX: (909)
506-3086, or e-mail: gary_mcintosh@peter.biola.edu Lou Jander Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Area D Texas District Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
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