Just finished reviewing a Journal dated 1984. One of the topics I really enjoyed is CLIMATE CONTROL: CONDITIONS OF A GROWING CHURCH by Donald Gerig. The author discusses the role church climate play in attracting people to church. He noted that programs seldom produce the spiritual dynamic necessary for growth; rather, the right spiritual climate produces programs that enhances growth. He contends that even if we can’t change the weather, we can alter the atmosphere of the church. The right climate is the fuel for effective programming. The author identified six atmospheric conditions that contribute to growth and I think they are still relevant today: (i) A positive atmosphere, (ii) Trust (and the burden of trust rest on the one who want to be trusted), (iii) Excellence where all people individually and congregationally do their best with the unique resources and limitations they have (avoiding making peace with mediocrity, rationalizing substandard efforts), (iv) Orientation to outreach – avoid establishing antigrowth climate by predominantly focusing on the needs of those already in the church, this will not produce growth. (v) Flexibility – willingness to experiment, to innovate, and even to fail are part of flexibility. (vi) A serving Spirit which is a summary of growth climate. Where people truly want to serve and minister, they will be positive, trustworthy, devoted to excellence, oriented to outreach and flexible.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:43:34 +0000
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