For those of you who asked for a copy of the characteristics of growing Episcopal congregations...
What are the characteristics of growing Episcopal congregations?
This list is based on the research found in A Report on Episcopal Churches in the United States, April, 2002, prepared by C. Kirk Hadaway. Available from the Office of Congregational Development, the Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY . For web access, see http://condev.diocal.org
Growing congregations in general:
1 Are more effective in reaching our “traditional” constituency of affluent, well-educated people.
2. Are better at reaching families with children.
3. Are an integral part of a local community: we go out into the community, people know who we are, and we are present to the community.
4. Have vibrant worship that is not static or stagnant: not museum worship.
5. Emphasize faith development, spirituality, and theological education.
6. Are involved in evangelism (broadly defined)
7. Are involved in social justice issues.
8. Do not let conflicts go unresolved.
9. Have a sense of purpose – not just a purpose or mission statement – and part of that purpose is the desire and expectation to transform lives.
Note:
These are certainly not the only characteristics that accompany growth, and there can be a “shadow side” to these characteristics (such as ignoring the poor to attract the affluent, or assuming
that everyone has children, or “worshipping worship.”)