Comments on: Five Marks of an Effective Congregation

By: Bill T-B

Bill T-B — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:56:13 +0000

Ron, there are two default core values for churches who have not done the work of DNA Discernment: (1) Personal Comfort; and (2) Status Quo. In other words, “I want to be comfortable” and “Don’t change anything.” Moving a congregation off of this plateau, a vista your congregation seems to be perched upon, isn’t particularly easy, but it’s not all that complex. Once again, the process begins with engaging in developing congregational behaviors and working through mission and vision and values. As congregations engage the process, the bullies and terrorists either face their own inner demons and “get on board” or else they move on down the road. When that happens, the congregation begins to move into a more missional mindset.

By: Ron Mabry

Ron Mabry — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:57:07 +0000

Bill,

Seems like a far cry from the church that would not provide a funeral dinner for a life time resident of our village because he was not a church member. How do we ever get from here to there?

Ron

By: Bill T-B

Bill T-B — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:59:55 +0000

Marty, awe inspiring worship and incredible children’s ministries grow churches, but they don’t necessarily mark an effective congregation. There are a number of churches, some very large, that have both awesome worship and excellent children’s programming, but they are a far cry from being effective congregations. Just because a church has the best “show” in town doesn’t mean it’s effective.

By: Marty Cauley

Marty Cauley — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:58:34 +0000

On your Webinar you said “awe inspiring worship” and “incredible children’s ministry” Do these need to be added to the list?

By: John Guilfoyle

John Guilfoyle — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:34:12 +0000

Bill,

What you describe seem to me to be the “after-effects” of something else? So for those of us who might be on the front end of transitioning out from “stagnant” toward “vibrant” what are some steps toward getting there? What are effective congregations doing to see those results that you’ve listed?

By: geoff

geoff — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:56:14 +0000

Well said Bill. I am using this at an event this weekend I am leading. The piece about adult baptisms is what makes my blood race. Keep those who grow up in the faith is important- that is how I came to Christ. But are we making a dent intot he culture at all? Are we allowing people to taste and see the Kingdom for the first time? Of all that our church does right (and wrong) I am so proud of all the adult baptisms. Two more this weekend! A couple in their early 60’s that have ZERO church background.

The question to ask churches you work with is this: if lost people come to your church- what will do/do you do? Because I believe God will only answer that prayer for a church when God knows the church will respond with the Gospel.

Just a bit of my bad theology of church life!!!

Blessings,

glm