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"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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