Myths and facts about evangelism and church growth

The US congregational life survey has uncovered the following information about evangelism and church growth...

1. There are three strengths that will lead to growth. They are being a congregation that cares for Children and Youth, Welcomes New People, and where a majority of people participate in the congregation.
2. The following do not predict growth; denomination or faith group, congregational size, income levels of worshipers, average age of worshipers, and population growth around the church.
3. More than half of the fastest growing congregations were established before 1960.
4. Around 40% of small congregations are growing
5. 1/3 of worshippers are new to the congregation in the last five years, whilst 1/2 of worshippers are new in the fastest congregations.
6. Most new people are not new to the faith, but people transferring from another congregation of the same denomination (around 57%), returnees (around 18%), come from another denomination (around 18%)., with only 7% new to the faith
7. Of the new people 73% say the denomination was important in their search. However it is less important for people under the age of 25 (48%)
8. Many new people (47%) visit for the first time because someone invited them; only 6% came for the first time due to advertising.
9. Most new people will visit between 1 and 3 congregations before choosing their new home.
10. Advertising helps raise awareness of the congregation and can make current members feel proud of their congregation (and help them to talk to others about their congregation.)
11. People return to a congregation because of the quality of the sermon (36%), the friendliness of the people (32%), and the overall worship experience (30%).
12. Too many new people (38%) report no follow-up from the congregation after their first visit. In more traditional congregations 53% of new people report no follow-up.
13. Growing congregations use multiple methods to attract new people.
14. Growing congregations are more likely to hold events to meet new people or to add members, advertise in the newspaper or telephone book, use email, have a church Web site, and send materials to or telephone first-time visitors.
15. Growing congregations use multiple methods to integrate new worshipers.
16. Growing congregations are more likely to have a specific group for newcomers and to invite such people to take part in small groups or service opportunities.
17. New people are less involved in their congregations than those who have been there for longer.
18. Almost all worship services in growing Presbyterian churches (89%) include some traditional hymns.
19. Services in growing congregations are more likely to include contemporary music and laughter.
for more information visit http://www.uscongregations.org/growth.htm

Australian Conference on Lutheran Education

This year's Australian Conference on Lutheran Education is Weaving threads together creating a tapestry of Lutheran schooling.

At the MCG Melbourne Victoria
October 1-3 2008

The threads that are covered are:

• spiritual,
• social,
• communication,
• learning and teaching,
• global

The keynote speakers are:
Dr Felicity McCutcheon: will identify and explore the tension between educational truths and trends with a view to articulating how Lutheran schools might maintain their hold on truth whilst engaging in a dynamic and life affirming relationship with a changing world by enriching teaching and learning.
Mr Gregory Whitby: will explore the communication thread making the case for reframing schooling in the 21st century to meet students’ learning needs.
Rev Dr Mitri Raheb: will challenge you to not only think, but also to act, as he explores the global thread. He will challenge you to face such questions as: What does it mean to live in a global village? How does our Lutheran heritage shape how we live globally? What should our attitude as Christians be to other world religions? What are the global responsibilities of the Christian school?
Mr Ben Glenn: will entertain dinner guests as he develops a conference piece of art as part of his presentation.
Father Frank Brennan: will challenge us to look at the knots in our tapestry which are the binding activities of common purpose and shared ideas, and which provide collective empowerment and inspiration. How should those working in church schools in Australia today respond to these new possibilities?
Clay Roberts: will show how an understanding of the Developmental Assets® is a powerful framework for making a difference in increasing academic achievement and reducing high risk behaviours.

There are 65 electives covering the 5 threads. Some of the electives include:
Contemporary spirituality for Lutheran schools Neville Grieger
International mindedness and the Lutheran school Lisa Kraft
Weaving restorative practices into Lutheran school communities Steve Brady, Jonathan Kotzur
Responsible stewardship of God’s earth Jeff Silcock
Teacher as leader Jonathan Laabs
The Rite Journey: helping develop healthy young people Graham Gallasch
Bounce back for grown-ups: developing personal and professional resilience Bev Saegenschnitter
What tapestry will we weave in the future? Will senior Christian Studies survive? Dominique Jaaniste
The truth about life, love and sex – helping young people make healthy choices Dale Stagg
Being a Lutheran university in an Islamic context – challenges and opportunities Jongkers Tamubolon
Cherishing Baptism: relevant mission strategies which anticipate God’s choice to work in and through the waters of baptism Paul Smith
Best practice governance for Lutheran schools Michael Dean
What makes a Lutheran school Lutheran and is that an important question anyway? Mal Wegener
Teaching Jesus in a world of many religions Dean Zweck
The Holy Land, a fifth Gospel: teaching Scripture through living stones Mitri Raheb
Religious clichés begone: re-imaging the faith Flossie Peitsch
Establishing partnership arrangements with Lutheran schools in Papua New Guinea Rob Fysh and Genevieve Clark
Boasting in God’s graciousness: marketing strategies for Lutheran schools – developing learning journey options for young families Sue Ellis
Sex, drugs and God Andrew Dewhirst
Anthropology and childhood spirituality: what do children say about their Lutheran-educated ‘self’? Cathy Nitschke

For more details visit http://www.sapmea.asn.au/conventions/acle3/index.html

Ministry to the aged: a confernce United in Spirit

In many Western countries the simple fact is that we have an aging population. So it is important that we continue exploring how we minister, look after and outreach to the aged.

The Board for Lutheran Aged Care Australia is holding a conference called United in Spirit, which offers a number of presentations that help those involved in ministry and mission to the aged.
These presentations include:
Being Aged: A Matter for Respect
Exploring Affordable Housing Options for Older Australians
Trends in Ageing
Aged Care Funding Instrument
Youngcare - A relevant and dignified lifestyle for young people with high care needs
Shaken-ness and Engaged Spirituality in Social Care
PeaceWise – Spiritual Perspective on Conflict Resolution
Sacred Spaces
Lifestyle in Dementia – Creating a Sense of Joy and Happiness
Caring in a Time of Complaint

Dates: 11-12 September 2008
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland Australia

For more details visit http://www.lca.org.au/action/agedcare/BLACA_Conference_Registration_08.pdf

Adventures in Lifelong faith formation

Adventures in Lifelong faith formation has been developed by the Office of the Lifelong faith formation in the Roman Catholic Church.

It is a simple to follow guide of approaches that are suitable in Faith Formation.

Life-Span Faith Formation
1. Thematic Lifelong Faith Formation
2. Milestones Lifelong Faith Formation
3. Events-Centered Intergenerational Lifelong Faith Formation
4. Faith Formation in Christian Practices

Family and Intergenerational Faith Formation
1. Family Faith Formation
2. Intergenerational Faith Formation

Age-Group Faith Formation
1. Children
2. Adolescents
3. Young Adults
4. Adults

Internet & Communication Media

It offers disscussion and suggestions about a range of resources relating to the above approaches including some currently used by Lutheran congregations.

A handbook for small Sunday School leaders

Being a leader of 3 small congregations can be frustrating, especially when we have some enthuastic Sunday School leaders and a very small Sunday School.

Sunday School leaders at small Sunday Schools should be applauded and need constant encouragement and often some inspiration. Whilst the handbook for small Sunday School leaders will not give all the answers it is a good resource for any Sunday School leader to work through with their pastor and/or church council.

The handbook covers:

• Blessings and Challenges - reflections on some of the gifts and obstacles unique to the small Sunday School experience. This section also includes some practical strategies and “solutions” for specific challenges.
• “Here’s What We Do” - inspirational ideas that have been used with success in small Sunday Schools (shared by small Sunday School leaders from the MNO Synod)
• Educational Resources - links to professionally-developed curricula, teaching materials, and other educational resources for small Sunday School leaders.