A few years ago, James Merrit sent out a couple of letters dealing with retaining members. It has new meaning to me.
Dear Friends,
Recently, I was discussing the issue of membership retention with a good friend from the North American Mission Board. Realizing that churches across the nation seem to be struggling with the same issue, I decided to include an article with many of his insights in this Month's newsletter.
Every church since the very beginning has struggled with retaining members. (Remember 1 John 2:19, where we read about they that "went out from us?") But today it seems that the problem is greater than it has ever been. I know one pastor who described his membership as a "parade in motion" rather than a body of believers celebrating healthy growth.
While our pastors and churches cannot escape blame, I don't think they are the only culprits. Several cultural factors are also at play. In Part 1 of this 2 part newsletter, I want to discuss the "Why?" of the back door problem. Then in part 2 we will discuss how to stop the back door bleeding.
First, we should keep in mind that post-modern believers aren't as loyal. They are consumeristic, and choose a church like a Saturday night restaurant. Rather than joining a body to be integrated and utilized, they go where they can get fed the best for the least amount of money. So don't be surprised when some members migrate after a new, cool church opens up down the street.
We have to accept that some of our consumerist members will expect more from our church than we can deliver. Don't let yourself become so obsessed with gaining and keeping new members that you forget the simple things we must do to help mature and equip those who "remain with us" and "are of us."
Another reason we are experiencing this phenomenon is that Americans' view of leadership has shifted. When I was a kid, leaders like presidents and pastors were appreciated, honored, and respected. But times have changed. Today people believe they should hold their leadership accountable, and so we get viewed through a microscope. When you or your staff get ripped apart at home, in meetings, and over the water-cooler, your church will suffer.
Finally, we have to remember that regardless what society does, the buck stops elsewhere ... namely at the feet of the pastor. Like it or not, today's church leaders have done their part to contribute to the problem. . For example, the average tenure of a Southern Baptist pastor is estimated to be less than two years.! In other words, the leadership is joining in the migration of the membership. When the membership knows that their pastor isn't leaving they are much more likely to stay.
This picture may seem dark, but there are several ways that you can shine a bright light on the situation in your own church that we will discuss in my next letter to you. Until then, think on these things and how you can begin closing your church's back door.
Laborers together,
James Merritt
Dear Friends,
Recently, I was discussing the issue of membership retention with a good friend from the North American Mission Board. Realizing that churches across the nation seem to be struggling with the same issue, I decided to include an article with many of his insights in this Month's newsletter.
Every church since the very beginning has struggled with retaining members. (Remember 1 John 2:19, where we read about they that "went out from us?") But today it seems that the problem is greater than it has ever been. I know one pastor who described his membership as a "parade in motion" rather than a body of believers celebrating healthy growth.
While our pastors and churches cannot escape blame, I don't think they are the only culprits. Several cultural factors are also at play. In Part 1 of this 2 part newsletter, I want to discuss the "Why?" of the back door problem. Then in part 2 we will discuss how to stop the back door bleeding.
First, we should keep in mind that post-modern believers aren't as loyal. They are consumeristic, and choose a church like a Saturday night restaurant. Rather than joining a body to be integrated and utilized, they go where they can get fed the best for the least amount of money. So don't be surprised when some members migrate after a new, cool church opens up down the street.
We have to accept that some of our consumerist members will expect more from our church than we can deliver. Don't let yourself become so obsessed with gaining and keeping new members that you forget the simple things we must do to help mature and equip those who "remain with us" and "are of us."
Another reason we are experiencing this phenomenon is that Americans' view of leadership has shifted. When I was a kid, leaders like presidents and pastors were appreciated, honored, and respected. But times have changed. Today people believe they should hold their leadership accountable, and so we get viewed through a microscope. When you or your staff get ripped apart at home, in meetings, and over the water-cooler, your church will suffer.
Finally, we have to remember that regardless what society does, the buck stops elsewhere ... namely at the feet of the pastor. Like it or not, today's church leaders have done their part to contribute to the problem. . For example, the average tenure of a Southern Baptist pastor is estimated to be less than two years.! In other words, the leadership is joining in the migration of the membership. When the membership knows that their pastor isn't leaving they are much more likely to stay.
This picture may seem dark, but there are several ways that you can shine a bright light on the situation in your own church that we will discuss in my next letter to you. Until then, think on these things and how you can begin closing your church's back door.
Laborers together,
James Merritt
