Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out - "A Growing Church"

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will do an article periodically called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out." He will challenge us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he will share with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve of church practices, and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

We often read about, or witness, churches that are growing in membership and church attendance. While there are many reasons for their growth - like powerful and inspiring preaching, a vigorous and robust music program, a variety of programs to meet the needs of all parishioners, outstanding facilities, adequate parking, and reaching out to the unchurched while meticulously nurturing their own members - the most important cause for growth is that the congregation wants to grow and the members invite others to attend their church. 85% of people join a church because someone asked them to attend. Most churches are surrounded by many people. There is no shortage for prospective members - but they need to be asked.

Yet, we still find the average attendance in worship of a church nationwide is only 125 in attendance. Often parishes are asking, "Why can't we grow?" There are many reasons why parishes do not grow in membership and attendance. Some are constantly involved in solving problems. They are in relentless turmoil trying to keep the lid on things and do not have energy left over to reach out to new people or encourage the present membership. Some clergy and members feel they are so busy now with their present membership that they have no desire to grow. They are comfortable as they are - feeling they are full enough, and they mentally hang out the "No Vacancy" sign even if they are not full. These parish facilities are often used only two hours a week and are closed the rest of the time. Others are swamped with bills and debts and feel the survival of the parish is at stake. Too many parishes maintain a "club house" mentality, that the congregation is only for "card-carrying" members who are qualified and pay their "dues." This brings about a fortress mentality that circles the wagons thinking we are the only "true" ones left. One needs to ask, "Are we a club house or a church?" While change is all around us, many do not want to change but long for the restoration of what they consider "the good old days." Others cause great animosity making changes only for change sake. In spite of knowing that there is normal attrition in membership each year, some congregations spend 80% of their energy on keeping the back door closed; they are afraid to let anybody go. For some congregations they foster a "Cultural Mentality" signaling outsiders don't qualify, they are not one of us. When a church has no vision, the people perish or go to another parish. Too often, a parish reaches a plateau, and they rest on laurels and become stagnate. Staffing limitations hamper growth. With one pastor and a par-time secretary, the congregation may grow to 250 membership, because this all they can handle. The failure to add additional staff limits growth.

Remember, God will continue to do His miracles amongst us in all parishes, regardless of size. May we all grasp a greater vision for our parishes and let us go forth boldly in faith, knowing that with God all things are possible.