Not All Change is Good; But Never Changing is Fatal

September 15, 2009

There’s a new survey of 2,525 randomly-sampled American congregations that shows some interesting results. This survey, conducted in 2008 by Faith Communities Today 2008 (FACT 2008), found:

Less than half of American congregations reported growth in the past five years of two percent or more. This is a decrease from past surveys.
Only 35 percent of congregations described themselves as spiritual vital and alive.
Only 36 percent reported having a clear mission.
Only 19 percent reported excellent financial health.
Three out of four congregations have experienced conflict in the past five years, especially over styles of worship.
44 percent of congregations with traditional styles of worship reported growth.
60 percent of those with a more contemporary style of worship experienced growth.

What is survey says to me is this: We have to work hard at staying fresh, relevant, unified, and facing forward. Worship, worship styles, and worship services must be attractive to the up-and-coming generation whom we’re trying to reach. Trends are not traps. Not all change is good; but never changing is fatal. We’re to be ministries, not museums. We’re to be firm in our faith, but fexible in our flightplans.

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