A Continuum Showing Common Differences between. Internally Focused Congregations and Mission Focused Congregations. Inte
A Continuum Showing Common Differences between Internally Focused Congregations and Mission Focused Congregations
Internally Focused Congregations
Internally Focused Mission Focused Mission Focused Congregations with Congregations with Congregations some Mission Focus some Internal Focus ÌzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzÌzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzÌzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzÌ Common Characteristics and Views Held by Members of These Types of Congregations: Facing congregational death Fearing congregational death Congregation mostly healthy Congregation has strong future Membership declining fast Membership steady with Some membership growth Most new & longtime members with few new faces some decline or some growth where a majority worships often worship weekly or more I want & like only a We will try a few other New worship styles Worship styles are in constant certain few worship styles worship styles (at times) can be exciting reformation to share the Gospel This is what I need from church We help others locally, etc. Church helps locally-globally I/WE help locally-globally A new member dare not New members are welcome We listen to a new or young New/young members often have change what I like especially if they’re similar to us member’s leadership ideas great ideas to share the Gospel I give financially what I/we should grow in giving I am/we are moving toward a God has given us all in life, I can – when I can (sometime in the near future) tithe for my/our offerings and I/we return a tithe or more Lack of money is discussed Money issues often surface in Congregation willingly shares Congregation is blessed, at most leadership meetings meetings but get resolved with other benenvolences why wouldn’t we share? Primary life focus: ME Primary life focus: WE Life focus: God, us & you Focus: God & all God’s people If it’s not my will, I’ll stop it We’ll do it if it’s the group’s will We need to seek God’s will God leads us into the world This is my church -- I’ve gone This is our church, & we must This congregation is part of This is here all or most of my life!!! first take care of our own! the larger Church on earth GOD’s Church Pastor needs to serve ME & US Pastor serves us & community Pastor helps lead us in mission WE serve God through mission We can’t afford a pastor! We need a pastor to lead us, what We follow the synod’s We set the trend for the synod’s do we need to spend to get one? compensation guidelines compensation guidelines Is the pastor always doing what We have strong expectations How can we help with WE (the congregation & I think he/she should do? of our pastor’s duties! the pastoral duties? pastor) work as a team I like to hear a good sermon º PLUS, sermons inspire us º PLUS, sermons challenges us º AND sermons are God’s Word FOCUS OF FAITH: º PLUS: Jesus is Savior º PLUS: The Church must º PLUS: Our daily lives say Jesus is MY savior º of the world º share the Gospel of Christ º that we are Jesus’ disciples
