Flourishing churches look like...
They do exist.
Much of my writing addresses the struggles that pastors and churches are dealing with because they comprise the bulk of conversation topics with my coachees. I do have some sessions, though, that focus on a specific challenge within an otherwise flourishing context or on turning up the dial on all that is going well. Based on those latter kinds of discussions I’d like to share what I’m learning about congregations that are faring well right now.
These churches:
Realize that this time calls for new approaches and are willing to experiment. While it is helpful to reflect on the past in order to be grateful and to understand who we are and how we were formed, trying to replicate our history is not. Church is no longer the center of civic life. People have reordered their priorities, particularly post-Covid. Younger people aren’t joiners. Stalwarts are transitioning to their eternal reward. Newcomers won’t arrive on our doorstep just because we have great programming. Congregations that are thriving aren’t fighting these realities. They’re figuring out, sometimes by trial and error, how to work within them.
Have a strong sense of identity. Flourishing congregations have named their core values and plotted at least a next right step (which might simply be active waiting) based on listening deeply to God and noting the Spirit’s movements. They understand and use wisely the resources available to them. They don’t try to be all things to all people, knowing that if each church understands its niche, everyone will have a faith community that welcomes their gifts and challenges.
Have invested lay leaders. Thriving congregations put into leadership positions people who are spiritually mature, attuned to possibility, solution oriented, and ready to roll up their sleeves to do the work of ministry and invite others to do the same. They also formally or informally mentor those who have been in the community for a while (i.e., not first- or second-time visitors) so that there is both continuity and creativity in leadership.
Prioritize relationships. Churches that flourish specialize in relationships that are built on the willingness to be curious and vulnerable and to address burgeoning conflict directly, knowing that disagreeing well makes them collectively stronger.
Pray and play together. Attending worship together is great! But to have the non-surface, non-transactional kinds of relationships described above, congregants need face-to-face time in addition to side-by-side time. Thriving congregations play to get to know one another, build trust, and simply experience delight. Standalone events like shared meals, game nights, chili cook-offs work, and it’s possible to build in a bit of levity in meetings and Bible studies too.
Work hard at welcoming well. While not desperate for newcomers, flourishing churches are genuinely glad to see them and ready for their arrival. These congregations have information at the ready and people or processes for helping guests move through the physical plant and connect with members.
Partner well with others. Congregations that thrive aren’t trying to go it alone. They collaborate with other local entities like schools and service providers and with the judicatory and/or denomination and the organizations that come under their umbrellas like publishing houses and mission coordination agencies. These churches understand that there is a give and take with these groups that allows all parties to get what they need in order to live into their values and direction.
Trust and respect the pastor(s) and other staff. Flourishing churches know that staff members operate optimally when congregants assume their competence and positive intent. Curiosity, then constructive criticism as needed, is offered out of care for and investment in the staff person and the church. Additionally, staff can ask for what they need, and their requests are heard and honored when at all possible.
What would you add to this list of descriptors of flourishing congregations? Where do you see your church reflected above, and what are some areas to address in your context?