Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out -
"People and Money"

In each issue of The Historic Trinity Messenger, The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard presents an article called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out". He challenges us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he shares 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.

Often times, I'm asked what I think makes some churches successful and others losers. Is it the location of the church facility? Like, in real estate they say it's "location - location - location". This is often true. In the earlier years, parishes were made up of persons from the immediate neighborhood. They often built the church on a side street - down off the main street. Today, these congregations suffer from the lack of daily exposure to traffic. Yet, this can be overcome with adequate signage, adequate lighting, adequate off street parking, and good marketing. And yet, if you have an outstanding location and the finest church facility, if you do not have people, then you have a nice museum.

Others feel what makes for a successful church is the type of worship services or programs they maintain. They will say you have to have contemporary entertaining worship to reach those not familiar with church liturgies. For some, this works. Others feel what works is a big mega church, the bigger the better. Others reply, no, it must be a traditional liturgical service, or at least a blend of traditional and contemporary. Then others feel the church must become more active in social causes, doing the politically right thing, being careful not to turn anyone off. Each local parish needs to find its own "niche" - its way of being true to God's Word and faithful in loving service to its membership.

Leadership is always considered an important ingredient for a successful parish. Strong pastoral leadership, a bold pastoral team, staff oriented leadership, an aggressive lay leadership, or a good combination of all of these. Interim pastor, after interim pastor, tell me that the biggest problem they face when filling a vacancy in a parish, or preparing for the transition to a new pastor, is that too many pastors and parish leaders, today, just are not plain working at being successful. The status quo is not leadership. The just putting in your time, is not leadership. Just counting how many angels are on the head of a pin, or who is the purest in doctrine, is not leadership but navel contemplation. All the "poor me's" in the world will get you nowhere. Church pastoring, church leadership is tough - it is just plain hard Spirit filled work.

Yes, you can have a fine church building, but if you do not have people it is a museum. And, if you have a good church facility, and good worship & events, and good leadership, and people - but do not have money, you can't achieve much. It takes people and money!

It takes people, that is why so many churches struggle. The average church in America has 125 members. It takes at least 300 persons to make a parish economially possible. In Europe, many churches are nice tour venues and concert halls, but very few people attend the worship services. Also, too many American churches are private clubs, for members only. The greatest sin of a church is that it only uses its church building two hours a week. Open the doors, let the people in.

Yes, that means it takes money! Without money, you can have all the great dreams for ministries, you can have all the committees to discuss and plan, and can you have all hopes you can muster for a better day-- but it still takes money. Even in these economically hard times, successful churches find the membership is willing to support a ministry filled with vision, hope, and the love of Christ. Provide the membership with many opportunities for giving, contribution envelopes, special projects, wish lists, designated donations, any idea that will stimulate donations.