DOCTOR’S DIAGNOSE IS IN….North London 2008

Once a year we take a pulse of our congregational life.  In order to remain relevant and balanced we take surveys of church members to determine our present situation.  22 out of 30 surveys were returned by participants.  After processing and analysis at Andrews University the results are in.  if you would be asked this simple question: are we declining, plateau, or growing? What would you answer?  I’d take a liberty to say we are on a rollercoaster ride.  There’s been some decline - even if the natural growth (our children and the family members) would remain, then our membership would be doubled since mid 80s.  There has been some exciting growth times.  But most of the time – relying on the status quo.  We have lost people to false teachings, to complacency, to hurts, to misunderstandings.  Yet, it is God’s Church and God is interested in offering a revival to all His children.

But first prerequisite of revival is an honest look in the mirror, not staying in denial, as a Laodicean church would do (Revelation 3: 14-20) but responding by getting the treatment needed. 

Here’s current situation:

 

Spirituality has always been our highest quality.   Groups have become more active.  There is more participation in church, people are using their god-given gifts.  The greatest improvement has been seen in worship.  There is more anticipation of blessing, more spiritual authenticity.

However, the leadership fit, which was left unaddressed for a whole year, caused the decline in functionality of our organizational structures, and in leaders’ effectiveness. 

This year we would have to utilize our spirituality to improve our leadership, structures, and begin evangelistic efforts.  Pray for your leaders as they would review reports in details and develop a strategy for growth.

DOCTOR’S DIAGNOSE IS IN….South London 2008

Once a year we take a pulse of our congregational life.  In order to remain relevant and balanced we take surveys of church members to determine our present situation.  23 out of 30 surveys were returned by participants.  After processing and analysis at Andrews University the results are in.  Last Board meeting elder Cameron Munro asked a question for self-assessment: are we declining, plateau, or growing?  Board members shuffled, not answering immediately.  I’d take a liberty to say we have been in decline for a while.  Even if the natural growth (our children and the family members) would remain then our membership would be doubled since mid 80s.  We have lost people to false teachings, to complacency, to hurts, to misunderstandings.  Yet, it is God’s Church and God is interested in offering a revival to all His children.

But first prerequisite of revival is an honest look in the mirror, not staying in denial, as a Laodicean church would do (Revelation 3: 14-20) but responding by getting the treatment needed. 

Here’s our current situation:

The most drastic drop is in spirituality decline.  A number of new families have been added to our fellowship, but the momentum has not been carried.  3 years ago it was our highest factor. It is seen by the lack of interest in Prayer meetings, and revival efforts.  Lack of Evangelistic interest is also obvious.  Disbelief in the necessity of Evangelism is the same as declaring disobedience to Jesus’ great Commission.  A church that does not evangelism cannot be construed as a Christian.  Another major concern is leadership fit.  A special focus will be offered on empowering leaders, so they in turn can empower people for service.  This year we would have to utilize our structures, our organizational unity to improve leadership, spirituality, and begin evangelistic efforts.

Pray for your leaders as they would review reports in details and develop a strategy for growth.