Paul Wilczynski's Observations

Unitarian Universalist Thomas Jefferson District Growth Conference

In January 2009, the Unitarian Universalist Thomas Jefferson District held a Growth Conference. One presentation outlined which factors promote church group in UU congregations. Below are notes from that presentation, written by Rev. Peter Lanzillotta of the Unitarian Church in Charleston (SC) which sponsored the event. The notes are reproduced with permission.

1) Churches located in cities have the second best chance to grow (The suburbs are the first; rural is the least.)

2) The age of the congregation is a factor; generally speaking, older churches are less likely to grow... If there are only 10% that are over 60, and there is an increasing young adult population, it is a positive sign for potential growth.

3) When your church is 60% or more female, it is less likely to grow; More men indicate more intact families -- long term growth and stability are often connected to family participation and family involvement.

4) Among the mainline churches, the ones that are most likely to grow are the more liberally minded; Among the evangelicals or more conservative theological churches, it is the moderates to mega-churches that will show the greatest potentials for growth.

5) One of the most universal factors of significant growth is when there is a greater clarity of purpose shared among the existing members... They know who and what they are, and that they share a inclusive sense of religious vitality among them. Congregations that are more open to a spiritual approach are more likely to grow than those who insist on a particular approach, viewpoint, or theology.

6) The degree of closeness and familiarity (a close-knit group) is NOT conducive to growth; churches that are growing will often disagree among themselves. What replaces the intimacy of a small church family includes more small group ministries, and more Connecting circles, interest groups, Pastoral care programs, adult religious education, Intergenerational activities all done on a smaller geographical scale than what any Sunday morning gathering of a larger church can provide.

7) Another central and important factor to consider in measuring growth potentials is the "willingness to change." The greater the flexibility or openness to change, adaptation, innovation, etc., the congregation is, the greater will be the opportunity to grow.

8) IF the congregation has had a major conflict in the last two to three years, then they are much less likely to grow.

Considerations around Worship

9) Growing congregations have at least 3 services per weekend!!!

This can mean 2 services on a Sunday at different times, but it also means different themes, approaches, and styles of worship that are tailored to a variety of audiences; Family style, Traditional, spiritual; musical, etc.

10) There is a factor called "irreverence." Which does not mean a lack of spiritual or theological content; it refers to the energy, and the enthusiasm of the worship style; The kind of music chosen; the style of preaching used, etc.; Whether the service is too staid and intellectual versus more joyous and inspirational... Also allowing for some innovation and variety is important.

One interesting note here about music- it seems as if there is a very positive correlation between the use of drums or percussion and the rate of growth!

Considerations linked to Families & Religious Education

11) The visibility of children and their participation in at least a portion of the worship time has a strong correlation to growth.

Considerations pertaining to internal structure and outreach; What the Public Relations and Outreach committees can do along with the Membership Committee that could improve growth:

12) Be willing to sponsor programs at your church that are welcoming to nonmembers... Hosting various social, political, environmental, and cultural events promote awareness of mission and can foster growth. There is an approach called growing "sideways" that is important... Utility and value to the larger community is a crucial point.

13) Sponsoring or providing room for support groups to meet... Tailoring the groups to the social need; today's job market and support for the unemployed, for an example.

14) Turning visitors into members: a) invitation to Gage Hall [coffee hour]; b) mugs; c) 3-5 greetings from members, d) a follow-up letter, and most of all- a call or e-mail from someone they met inviting them back to church! Having the Minister greet them at the door, is seen as a positive activity.

15) Churches that involve people in the planning of growth do better than those who just keep their doors open; its a matter of intention... And this caveat: One does not welcome growth as a solution to their money problems; we encourage growth to promote our mission, purpose, and value to the community!

Concerning tracking and Computer resources

16) There needs to be a membership module on your administrative software that allows you to record the entrance and exit of members; it should list their children; their address; contact numbers, etc.; any particular talents or interests, and any other issue or concern ( health, etc.) They might have.

The church's web site needs to be kept up to date! A poor design or a cluttered site is discouraging; It has to include easy navigation, pictures, directions, and contain a readily available page of essential listings and information.

posted by Paul Wilczynski @ 12:10 PM