Good churches

Christian Century, May 18, 2004

GOOD CHURCHES: What makes for a strong congregation? Is it size, worship style, leadership or clarity about mission? The conclusion of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey--which polled over 300,000 worshipers in over 2,000 congregations randomly selected throughout the country--is that strong congregations have multiple strengths that interact.

Factors in strong congregations, they conclude, are: spiritual growth, meaningful worship, active participation by members, a sense of belonging, care for children and youth, focus on the community, and a capacity for sharing the faith, welcoming new people, empowering leadership and looking to the future (Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce, Beyond the Ordinary: Ten Strengths of U.S. Congregations, Westminster John Knox).