The DNA Update for United Methodists Dr. Don Nations for Mid-November 2014

The DNA Update for United Methodists, Mid-November 2014 The DNA Update for United Methodists Dr. Don Nations, Mid-November 2014 In This Issue: Remember the Workers A Tale of Two Churches Remember the Workers Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here.  Most people are looking forward to a few days off, seeing family and friends, relaxing, perhaps catching a few games on TV and – of course – eating.  While most of us engage in these kinds of activities, we are supported by an almost invisible group of people who will be working while we are traveling, celebrating and having a good time. Think of all of the people who you really do not want to have on vacation during your holidays – firefighters, law enforcement, medical personnel, gas station operators, grocery store employees, 911 operators, restaurant employees, power plant workers, water treatment staff, air traffic controllers, pilots and flight attendants and so many more.  Millions of people will be working while most of us are taking some time off.  At the least we can remember to be kind to them and say thank you if we use their services. Your church might, however, choose to go much farther.  You could get a bunch of thank you cards, have people in the church sign them and go deliver them to one or more groups of these people in your community.  You might hold an additional Christmas service not on Christmas Eve so that those who will be working Christmas Eve can attend.  You could gather gift baskets and take them to one or more groups of these people.  Your church could offer to provide a brief Christmas service in assisted living/skilled nursing units so that residents and caregivers could attend.  Be creative.  Look for ways to reach the people we so often overlook. A Tale of Two Churches I have watched a couple of churches in the same community for the past few years.  The first is a mainline denominational church which has declined from just over 300 in worship to just over 200 in worship.  The other is a non-denominational new church start which is almost three years old.  It has gone from a few people in the church planter’s home to over 300 in worship.  These churches are located less than a mile from each other in the same community. The denominational church has a nice physical complex with a sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen and parsonage.  The new church rents a school cafetorium in which to hold worship and recently started renting a space in which to have an office, hold youth group gatherings, store equipment, have prayer gatherings, etc.  The established church gives about 11% of its income to/through the denomination as well as some additional funds to other ministries.  The new church gives 15% of its income to ministry beyond its walls.  The established church may have a few professions of faith every year.  The new church has professions of faith every month. These churches are going in very different directions.  The established church is very much like most mainline congregations – aging membership, not representative of its community, long-term gradual decline, busy calendar, lots of meetings, the pastor is involved in most activities and finances are often a challenge.  It does not have to be this way, however.  It is possible for a declining congregation to turn around and reach new people.  It requires hard work over an extended period of time with a willingness to take risks and it usually involves someone from outside the congregation helping to guide the actions of the church. Would you like to discuss your ministry situation with an experienced coach?  If so, contact us today –don@dnacoaching.com. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DNACoaching Twitter - @DNACoaching Linkedin – Don Nations DNA Coaching: http://www.dnacoaching.com Email Don: mailto:don@dnacoaching.com Our mailing address is:  DNA Coaching 6339 Sturbridge Court Sarasota, Florida 34238 United States

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