"The DNA Update for United Methodists, Mid-May 2016" DNA Coaching - Dr. Don Nations for Wednesday, 18 May 2016 - The DNA Update for United Methodists, Mid-May 2016 from Sarasota, Florida, United States
The DNA Update for United Methodists Dr. Don Nations, Mid-May 2016
In This Issue:
- Take a Look at This
- The Dangers of an Aging Congregation
Check out these materials – https://gallery.mailchimp.com/e89a84886bbe82c83809be9ad/files/Vision_Night_Doc.pdf
How do they compare to what you are producing and using? This church has not even started yet. They are not part of a denomination and no one has given them a lot of money. It is easy to think that what we are doing is good or at least good enough. Often we are not aware of what other churches are doing or the options available to us.
What would it take to communicate with your community at a level higher than they expected? What would need to happen to your website, social media accounts, projected material, printed documents, etc. to make them consistently exceed the expectations of the guests you seek?
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The Dangers of an Aging Congregation
Let me say upfront that I want a church which includes people of all ages. I value the input I have received from those older than me and the impact they have had in my life. I loved watching a WWII fighter pilot keep a group of youth spellbound as he told stories to them in my last church. The doors of the church should be open to all people and we should help all people find their gifts and passion and being involved in ministry.
The reality for most mainline churches (and others) is that the majority of those who attend the church are over the age of 50. In many churches most of the congregation is over the age of 60 or even 70 or 80. A significant number of those who serve and those who financially support the church are people of retirement age and beyond. This presents several challenges/dangers for the church.
Some will move away. Health conditions, the desire to be closer to family, finances, etc. lead some to move away.
Some will no longer be able to come to church. Dementia rates are skyrocketing up and even the normal aging process can cause people to stop being an active part of the congregation.
Some will die.
Like tends to attract, and retain, like. A congregation which is composed primarily of older persons will find it more difficult to reach and keep younger people.
Older congregations can become focused on pastoral care which can lead to staff time being heavily invested in this area as opposed to things which could lead to growth and creating more disciples
Aging congregations often exist in aging facilities. Attempting to maintain these facilities drains much of the energy and many of the dollars which really need to be invested in reaching out.
Declining churches with aging congregations can have unrealistic expectations for the future. All too often their leaders say things like “next year will be better” or “we are about to turn the corner” when there is no good evidence that the statements are true. Certainly we want a better future for churches with aging congregations. We want to see them reach new people, experience new life and interact with the community in meaningful ways. This is unlikely to happen unless two things are present – someone has to help guide the congregation in the right direction and the congregation has to implement change. Neither guidance without change nor change without guidance is going to produce the desired result.
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
Let me say upfront that I want a church which includes people of all ages. I value the input I have received from those older than me and the impact they have had in my life. I loved watching a WWII fighter pilot keep a group of youth spellbound as he told stories to them in my last church. The doors of the church should be open to all people and we should help all people find their gifts and passion and being involved in ministry.
The reality for most mainline churches (and others) is that the majority of those who attend the church are over the age of 50. In many churches most of the congregation is over the age of 60 or even 70 or 80. A significant number of those who serve and those who financially support the church are people of retirement age and beyond. This presents several challenges/dangers for the church.
Some will move away. Health conditions, the desire to be closer to family, finances, etc. lead some to move away.
Some will no longer be able to come to church. Dementia rates are skyrocketing up and even the normal aging process can cause people to stop being an active part of the congregation.
Some will die.
Like tends to attract, and retain, like. A congregation which is composed primarily of older persons will find it more difficult to reach and keep younger people.
Older congregations can become focused on pastoral care which can lead to staff time being heavily invested in this area as opposed to things which could lead to growth and creating more disciples
Aging congregations often exist in aging facilities. Attempting to maintain these facilities drains much of the energy and many of the dollars which really need to be invested in reaching out.
Declining churches with aging congregations can have unrealistic expectations for the future. All too often their leaders say things like “next year will be better” or “we are about to turn the corner” when there is no good evidence that the statements are true. Certainly we want a better future for churches with aging congregations. We want to see them reach new people, experience new life and interact with the community in meaningful ways. This is unlikely to happen unless two things are present – someone has to help guide the congregation in the right direction and the congregation has to implement change. Neither guidance without change nor change without guidance is going to produce the desired result.
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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