A Model for Church Growth

"How can we make sure that we keep our parish exactly the way that we

like it to be right now?"

Overview

What is Growth?

Parish Goals and Growth

Manage Events to Meet People’s Needs

Establishing a Team

The Lord's Prescription

Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Assumptions:

Growth involves both spiritual growth as well as bringing in new people and retaining them.

Our message is to know God and become holy living in unity with Him and others in love and

peace.

Establish Goals for GrowthParish Growth is complex - Increasingly becoming one with God is the “Journey” we and our children must grasp. Events & Activities should allow for people in process to share and grow in a holy life in Christ.

Growth is not merely “Physical” or numerical but also “Spiritual” A healthy parish will see signs of increase in both aspects of parish life. Spiritual growth can cause physical growth.

Grow people corporately meeting Physical and Spiritual needs to enhance maturing process.

Grow people individually by allowing opportunities for individual development & service

Establish Orthodox traditions that involve and promote active involvement of all ages and stages of the Journey

How might we look at our parishto see if we are

able to meet the needs of different age groups and different stages of

people in process?

Events for the Entire ParishPromote Worship, Peace, Unity

Corporate Spiritual & Social NeedsLove, Affection, Sense of Belonging and Security

Events that touch the lives of all agesEvents that touch the lives of all ages – Infants to the MemorializedDivine Liturgy – Orthros – Great Vespers – Special Services & Events - Coffee hour – Bookstore

Events for specific age groups or needsEvents for specific age groups or needsSunday School – Bible Study – Men and Woman’s groups – SOYO - Social Events for just plain fun

People should encourage and help these groups to increase in number and quality. Measurement could be attendance, and polling or surveys

Events for Individuals parishPromote self expression, individual service,

Esteem, Personal Value, Expression of Gifts, Helping & Developing others in their Journey

Events that allow individual development or contribution:Choir – Alter service – Parish Council – Leadership – Speaking – Teachers – Special Committees

Events that allow individuals model themselves to the benefit of othersInvolved Godparents – Greeters – Parents – Giving & Pledging

People should recognize and value those who individually express themselves for the benefit of others

Difficult to measure objectively or statistically. Use anecdotes, stories, pictures and videos

Parish Growth Team

Committed MembershipEstablish Methods

Plan and Staff EventsEvaluate Events with Stories, Pictures, Videos, Anecdotes

Celebrate achievementsCommunicate progressRecommend Change

Measuring our effectiveness?At some point in the development of a Mission or Parish, financingwill be needed. What measures need to be presented to get a loan?

These are examples of measurements a loan officer might like to see.

Average Monthly AttendancePlate Offering

ExpensesPaid Staff

What other Measures can be applied?Visitors

Inquirer/Catechumen class attendanceOrganization attendance

Home Visits

Measurements for the Parish

Pictures, Stories, Anecdotes, Videosto visualize

Historical Growth