Workshops and classes to help small membership churches thrive.
By Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis |
The Academy believes the Small Membership Church is called to model itself after the disciples in the Book of Acts and offers workshops and classes to help small membership churches thrive.
Is there hope for our aging churches? Can the older members be happy with a new, faster style of worship? Can the younger generation find hope in ancient traditions?
Is the church playing "keep away" in it's worship, music, and programs? Friends, if we want our small membership churches to grow and be around for tomorrow, we must stop playing "keep away" where others are excluded from our community.
When Jesus visited the home of Martha, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet while he shared the word with the other guests. Martha was left to prepare the meal without any help. I imagine the longer she worked, the angrier and more upset she became.
I wonder if we forget that Jesus' love and grace are for all. When we reach out to those in physical or spiritual need, we reach out to Jesus. When we build walls keeping people out and are unwilling to help those in physical and emotional need, we turn Jesus away.
Remember Rule number IV in Wesely's Directions for Singing, "Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength.
The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries has designed “Foundations for a Thriving Church” to help congregations thrive. The program is designed so that church members and their pastor work together with small membership church coaches and develop a working vision and mission that leads to a thriving church.
If you feel God calling you to be an answer to helping churches thrive and are ready to step forward, even if you feel unqualified, I invite you to explore your call and take The Academy for Small Membership Church Ministries Certified Lay Ministry training.