Analysis wrap-up

I'm going to close out my analysis of First Connecticut Open Bible Standard Church with a summation of sorts. Our pastor, who is away on vacation, asked if I would speak during the week he was away. Following is basically what I read to the congregation. If you've been following this series, you'll notice I've taken right from my previous posts. I did not tell the congregation I was speaking about our church as I read description though it became rather obvious. Beneath the paragraph are some verses and a few points which tie in. Based on the response, I think we're prepared to move forward.

A Church with Opportunity for Growth

This church stands in a mixed residential and business section of the city, centrally located, just outside of downtown on a main thoroughfare. Though typical attendance on a Sunday morning ranges from 25-35 people, there currently exists the capacity for seating around 80-85 if needed. The attendance has been fairly steady for several years without much fluctuation. In addition to the sanctuary, this church includes a nursery room for infants, a classroom, an office, a kitchen and three bathrooms.

The church’s bi-vocational pastor has been serving in this position for about eight years. Prior to this, he served as an associate pastor in another state where he and his wife made their home. This particular church includes a praise and worship team which is quite large- especially for a congregation as small as it is. Along with the worship leader there are a couple of others who are capable of leading in this capacity, and indeed do from time to time. The team includes a bassist, guitarist, drummer and five singers. In addition to the primary drummer, who also happens to be the pastor, there is another musician who fills in on the drums on occasion. That makes a total of nine individuals. As I said, it's a good-sized group- especially when on average church attendance is around 30 people or less. In fact, it is not uncommon for there to be just as many (if not more) people on the praise and worship team as there are in the congregation at the start of Sunday morning services. The songs used are diverse, comprised of a blend of traditional hymns and choruses, modern classics, newer songs, lesser known music from independent artists and even the occasional original song.

In regards to denomination, there is only one church in the entire state and this church is it. Aside from annual or semi-annual meetings with sister churches in a neighboring state, the church does not interact with other congregations in the area. Though the denomination is considered to be Pentecostal in nature, most, though not all of this church’s members and attendees, would probably not describe themselves as such. Perhaps evangelical would better characterize this group

The church’s pastor delivers weekly bible-based, Christ-centered messages which, from this writer’s perspective are enriching and challenging. Of particular note is the degree to which he grown in his speaking skills and ability to deliver relevant, expository sermons with transparency, self-effacement and even a bit of humor. He and his wife are very down-to-earth, approachable and humble servants. In addition to the pastor, the church leadership also includes two advisors who were appointed by the denomination’s regional officers. This appointment was made because rather than being self-governing, the church is and has been under regional supervision. Despite the stated relationship, the church’s pastor and advisors do not meet together.

Though small, the church’s congregation is diverse, drawing from a rich cultural palate with at least four countries and three states represented.

Although there are only a few children of various ages, the church does offer a “children’s church” on Sundays which takes place in the classroom while regular (or adult) service is being held in the sanctuary. In addition to Sunday worship services, the church holds a weekly combined prayer time and bible study with typical attendance of 4-6 people, men's and women's ministries that meet once per month and monthly potluck fellowship dinners. There are even occasional movie nights and times of praise and worship held on occasional Fridays.   

The church has taken part in a semi-annual cultural event its city, setting up a tent where passers-by can find out more about the church and its people. Over the course of several months, led by the pastor who shared his vision for surrounding the community in prayer, members prayer-walked sizeable areas of the city.

Though this church isn’t perfect- and no church is, it has a lot going for it. The problem is that it isn’t growing.

But there is hope because this is a church with opportunity for growth.

WHY AREN'T WE GROWING?

WHY SHOULD WE GROW?

The Lord Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples. The act of making disciples is not simply the work of the pastor, but the work of all of those who are followers of Christ.

MATTHEW 28:18-20

A church that isn’t growing is a church that is dying.

A church that is growing in numbers does not necessarily mean it is a growing church, but a church that is not growing in numbers is definitely not a growing church, and therefore not doing what the Lord has commissioned us to do. (Thanks to Steve G for sharing this crucial point.) The charge Yeshua has given to His disciples, His people, His church is to go forth and make disciples.

HOW DO WE GROW

Spiritual disciplines- prayer, study of the scriptures on a personal basis and through interaction with a community of believers, the body of Christ.

People who aren’t growing aren’t particularly interested in the growth of others.

You need to be growing and need to plug into opportunities for spiritual development and the building of relationships in the body of Christ.

ACTS 3:42-47

This is the basis for the small group.

People need to be involved. If not we get bored. There is no place for spectators.

Evangelism is really an extension of this growth through a resultant building of faith.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES?

At some point, someone invited you to join them on the Christian journey.

Who was it? Where and when did it occur? What community did you interact with on a regular basis that encouraged and challenged you in your faith?

IF WE’RE GOING TO GROW WE MAY NEED TO REMOVE SOME PARTITIONS

With this church being the only one of its kind in this state and within a 100+ mile radius, it may be time to look toward working together with area churches who share the same Christ-centered, Spirit-led objectives.

ADMONITION TOWARDS GROWTH

Revelation 3:1-3

I believe we are on the cusp of greater things if we search and seek the Lord for opportunities to grow in Him and reach the community He has placed us in. Are you willing?