How does your congregation compare to others, in its strengths, in its weaknesses?
Because the survey was done specifically for Christian churches, you may have to "translate" the language into the theological or philosophical language that better fits your congregation. But most of the ideas are generic enough that it shouldn't be too difficult to adapt them or translate them.
If you want to "create a positive future" for your congregation, you need to begin by understanding the congregation and its strengths -- and then apply that knowledge to adapt to changing times and context.
"As part of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, about 300,000 worshipers in over 2,000 congregations in the United States completed a survey during worship services in April 2001. Worshipers in Australia, England, and New Zealand completed similar surveys. Together, the international effort included about 2 million worshipers and 17,000 congregations across three continents. The purposes of the United States Congregational Life Survey are:
- to develop resources that will help congregations better understand themselves, identify their strengths, and stimulate their efforts to create a positive future for themselves.
- to develop resources that help congregations assess their ministries and relate more effectively with their communities
- to provide a national and international congregational data base that will enable congregations to look at their ministries in relationship to denominational, national, and international benchmarks
- to provide denominational leaders, church consultants, and church planners with information and resources to assist congregations"
Order the book: A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations: Who's Going Where and Why- by Cynthia Woolever, Deborah Bruce
Visit the web site for documents, information and other resources: U.S. Congregations: the U.S. Congregational Life Survey
Posted on June 14, 2002 07:39 AM View