A Model for Church Growth. "How can we make sure that we keep our parish exactly the way that we...
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Transcript of A Model for Church Growth. "How can we make sure that we keep our parish exactly the way that we...
A Model for Church Growth
"How can we make sure that we keep our parish exactly the way that we
like it to be right now?"
Overview
What is Growth?
Parish Goals and Growth
Manage Events to Meet People’s Needs
Establishing a Team
The Lord's Prescription
Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Assumptions:
Growth involves both spiritual growth as well as bringing in new people and retaining them.
Our message is to know God and become holy living in unity with Him and others in love and
peace.
Establish Goals for GrowthParish Growth is complex - Increasingly becoming one with God is the “Journey” we and our children must grasp. Events & Activities should allow for people in process to share and grow in a holy life in Christ.
Growth is not merely “Physical” or numerical but also “Spiritual” A healthy parish will see signs of increase in both aspects of parish life. Spiritual growth can cause physical growth.
Grow people corporately meeting Physical and Spiritual needs to enhance maturing process.
Grow people individually by allowing opportunities for individual development & service
Establish Orthodox traditions that involve and promote active involvement of all ages and stages of the Journey
How might we look at our parishto see if we are
able to meet the needs of different age groups and different stages of
people in process?
Events for the Entire ParishPromote Worship, Peace, Unity
Corporate Spiritual & Social NeedsLove, Affection, Sense of Belonging and Security
Events that touch the lives of all agesEvents that touch the lives of all ages – Infants to the MemorializedDivine Liturgy – Orthros – Great Vespers – Special Services & Events - Coffee hour – Bookstore
Events for specific age groups or needsEvents for specific age groups or needsSunday School – Bible Study – Men and Woman’s groups – SOYO - Social Events for just plain fun
People should encourage and help these groups to increase in number and quality. Measurement could be attendance, and polling or surveys
Events for Individuals parishPromote self expression, individual service,
Esteem, Personal Value, Expression of Gifts, Helping & Developing others in their Journey
Events that allow individual development or contribution:Choir – Alter service – Parish Council – Leadership – Speaking – Teachers – Special Committees
Events that allow individuals model themselves to the benefit of othersInvolved Godparents – Greeters – Parents – Giving & Pledging
People should recognize and value those who individually express themselves for the benefit of others
Difficult to measure objectively or statistically. Use anecdotes, stories, pictures and videos
Parish Growth Team
Committed MembershipEstablish Methods
Plan and Staff EventsEvaluate Events with Stories, Pictures, Videos, Anecdotes
Celebrate achievementsCommunicate progressRecommend Change
Measuring our effectiveness?At some point in the development of a Mission or Parish, financingwill be needed. What measures need to be presented to get a loan?
These are examples of measurements a loan officer might like to see.
Average Monthly AttendancePlate Offering
ExpensesPaid Staff
What other Measures can be applied?Visitors
Inquirer/Catechumen class attendanceOrganization attendance
Home Visits
Measurements for the Parish
Pictures, Stories, Anecdotes, Videosto visualize
Historical Growth