To read more about the change in American religious identification, read the 26-page ARIS (American Religious Identification Survey) summary report. Here is the statistical confirmation of most of the statistics I have provided.
This Congregational Initial Assessment Tool, designed by experienced church coach George Bullard, is intended to help c0ngregations assess their readiness for change. As you read the one-page article, you will see two embedded links that are helpful. I suggest you work through both of them – preferably as part of a group dedicated to helping the church transform.
(Note: the Congregational Resources Guide website administrators have given notice that they are going to substantially redesign their website this fall, dropping about 60% of their material. I wish they wouldn’t, they have the best online material. However, it would be wise for someone to take the time to download all of these articles and links – just in case this is one of the resources eliminated.)
The first embedded link is an on-line version of the initial assessment tool. It is also possible to copy and print the tool for use with members who do not have computers. Notice that after you take the assessment, you are directed to a page with additional links to help you create strategies for addressing areas of needed improvement. The information at these links could inform a strategic plan to prepare a church for the rigors of change. Bullard calls them “Readiness Activities.”
The second embedded link will take you to Bullard’s online “Tutorial for Congregational Redevelopment.” It’s an excellent resource for guiding a congregation through the whole process of finding new life.
The U.S. Congregations Study surveyed over 300,000 Americans in more than 2,000 congregations in 2001. Additional surveys were conducted in Australia, England and New Zealand, resulting in an international survey of more than 2 million adults. In 2008 and 2009, a second wave of surveys of U.S. congregations was conducted. That data is still being analyzed, and will point to ways that U.S. congregations have been changing over the last decade.
In the meanwhile, the Study has identified 4 key elements to congregational vitality. These are elements characteristic of vibrant, strong congregations. Be sure to also click on the “challenges” link at the bottom of the article to learn about the 4 key challenges to vitality that are facing U.S. congregations.
The U.S. Congregations Study included people in attendance at surveyed churches who were visiting for the first time. By looking at those responses separately, the study team was able to develop some basic information about who visits congregations, summarized here.
The Center for Congregations is an organization dedicated to helping strengthen Indiana congregations. In their 2008 Annual Report, they offer some basic perspective on church redevelopment, and highlight 4 congregations that have discovered what the Center considers a truism: that effective growth and transformation begins with introspection. Access the download here.
Finally, if you’d like to read more about the issues involved in church redevelopment, you can rummage around in my blog on the subject, Church Change.
