Christian Church(Disciples of Christ)
Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
96b-13
March 1, 1996
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is
among a number of predominantly white mainline religious bodies
who face the problems of aging and a decline in membership.
Despite the steady membership drop, there are signs of stability and
growth across the church -- particularly among ethnic minorities.
African American membership within the 1 million member Disciples
of Christ has climbed to about 8 percent. American Asian and
Hispanic Disciples, with smaller numbers, are slowly increasing.
A recent evangelism event sponsored by Homeland Ministries
helped African American members across the U.S. begin moving
their congregations toward even great vitality.
Twelve congregational representatives met with general staff and
heard presentations from HM personnel in the Center for
Congregational Growth and Vitality. The program highlight was a
presentation by Gary Bateman of the Institute for Church
Development, Denver, Colo.
The church consultant introduced the gathering to ICD's critical
information survey. The survey is a tool that "shows a church where
it is" and helps it prepare for the future through assessment and
strategic planning, according to Bateman.
Churches don't think strategically enough, he said. And when they
don't, they get comfortable. As a result, traditionalism creeps in --
and "traditionalism kills them." The goal of the ICD survey is building
healthy churches.
For Bateman that means breaking down barriers preventing churches
from growing. Healthy congregations do more than hang signs out
expecting visitors to come. They meet people where they are.
The church needs to see itself as a mission outpost and go to them
(the people), he said. That means congregations must develop an
evangelistic outreach, otherwise they are "out of balance," Bateman
added.
Ministry is hard work, said the Rev. Sotello Long, coordinator of the
event. The workshop, he said, was designed to help churches extend
their reach by giving them arms and legs for the task.
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