From Pastor Rod - From May 2019 Newsletter
Over the past few months, I have been attending a series of programs in Manhattan called Project Regeneration. These programs are offered through the Presbytery, with the assistance of the Presbyterian Foundation. The primary message of these programs has been methods to help small churches succeed in today’s new church environment.
Perhaps the most common term used for small churches is “small and struggling.” But not all small churches are struggling. Do you consider Auburn to be a “small and struggling” church?
There are still small churches who are strong, dynamic, effective and have an impact far bigger than their footprint. There are things we can do and ways we can work toward being part of this group. One of the ways we can do this is to be aware of the “lifecycle of a church,” and how to move from the “plateau” stage back into the “growth” stage, before hitting the “declining” stage.
A recent survey of American churches found that:
· 28 percent of churches declined by 6 percent or more
· 33 percent stayed within 5 percent of their previous size
· 39 percent of churches grew by 6 percent or more
6 in 10 Protestant churches are plateaued or declining in attendance.
Small doesn’t necessarily have to mean struggling or plateaued. But when we habitually use those words to refer to our own small church, we don’t become inspired, we become discouraged. We begin to believe that we are dying, even when we’re not. Assuming the worst of a church because they’re not adding to their attendance roster every year isn’t helpful or kind. It hurts. We can do better than this.
When our small church is celebrated and encouraged instead of ignored, pitied or demeaned, it’s better for all of us. We are a small church, there is no denying. But though we are small, we can still be a strong and effective church. Even a dynamic church. Much of this starts with how we see ourselves. Let’s be sure we are seeing our own best traits, and presenting our best outward face to all we encounter as the body of Christ at Auburn Presbyterian Church.
Rod Seel