"Every church should see growth as a never-ending process. Persistent efforts, constant prayer, and appropriate changes should characterize our lives and churches. And we can have strong faith that God will reward our labors."
Churches face a variety of conditions that can prevent numerical increase-called "growth barriers." The lack of adequate parking or ample auditorium seating are very tangible barriers. On the other hand, less obvious conditions develop such as critical attitudes or low morale. Barriers come in a variety of types, but there are several consistent numerical barriers all churches face as they grow and approach different attendance figures.
The 200 Barrier
First United Methodist Church is challenged by the single greatest numerical obstacle that any congregation can confront -- "The 200 Barrier." Eighty-five percent of churches never grow beyond 150 to 250 in their Sunday morning assembly attendance. Any congregation wanting to move beyond a small (less than 100) or middle-size church (100-250) must overcome this barrier to become a large church (more than 250).
Growing beyond approximately 200 in Sunday morning attendance requires significant changes in the way a church operates. These changes are so critical for success that they constitute a formidable set of obstacles to growth. These obstacles are often invisible to the average member. A vague sense of their presence may exist for some members, but seldom are they seen as a collective force, working together, holding a church back from growing. And to make conditions worse, some members are very resistant to implementing any of the required changes necessary for growth.
The 200 barrier is the most documented problem in church growth studies. This barrier is more of a mindset, a belief that reaching people is for someone else to do, or a resistant to change the status quo and allow others to enter the fellowship. Have you ever heard someone say, "with all these new people, I just don't know everyone any more." And it isn't said with a positive attitude. In general, there are at least seven characteristics present that make this barrier extremely resistant to breaking:
· One minister
· One Sunday morning assembly
· One fellowship formation
· Facility crowding
· Small church attitudes
· Inadequate member involvement
· Attendance between 150-250
Our congregation is currently facing the 200 barrier because of some or all of the above attitudes. You may, of course, have thought of others that you would like to add. Any one of these conditions can be a growth barrier alone, and can halt a church's progress if gone unchecked. So in the weeks ahead, we will address some of these problems and potential solutions. For example, the lack of adequate member involvement plagues almost all congregations, and even after corrected can redevelop in a matter of 12 to 24 months. It's called Apathy.
What problems, barriers, attitudes, beliefs do you feel are keeping us from reaching an unsaved community with the Extravagant Grace of Jesus Christ?
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My prayer is for us as a congregation is to understand that Christianity is not a Sunday morning spectator sport and that it is a full-time relationship with Jesus Christ that requires us to be fully engaged as participants rather than just consumers of “paid ministry.” God’s extravagant grace requires a better response from us than filling pews on Sunday mornings. Yet too many of us seem not only content with being spectators, but downright offended that anything more might be expected of us. So many of us are afraid that full engagement of our faith is an imposition on us…it might require more work, or more time out of an already over-stressed schedule. But what we miss out on is not something that drains our time and energy, but rather is more fulfilling than any other pursuit we could possibly imagine.
The more we can identify our individual spiritual gifts and discern the unique call that God puts on each of us, the more we can truly develop an environment where discipleship can grow. Allowing and equipping people to break free of the impositions and restrainments of a bureaucratic system and pursue personal ministries that bring fulfillment is the way to break past the 200 barrier. We need to understand that doing whatever we love doing, and doing it to glorify God, is an opportunity for spiritual growth and ministry.
You said that just prefectly. I hope you don’t mind me sharing that with others.
very interesting. i’m adding in RSS Reader
You mention in your commentary that in the weeks ahead you will be discussing the problems churches face in breaking the 200 barrier. Are they available?