2. Studying Church Growth Considering Culture Choices

3. 1 Corinthians 9:22 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. Methods change, but not the message.

4. THREE CHORES FOR EVERY CHURCH 1. Think… about what we’re doing 2. Determine… how to do the best we can 3. Always abound! 1 Corinthians 15:58

5. Influencing Our Growth 1.The CHOICE factor, 1 Cor. 3:6-8 2.The ISSACHAR factor, 1 Chron. 12:32 3.The ISRAEL fallacy, Amos 9:7 4.The NUMBERS factor, Acts 2:41-6:7

6. THE FACTS ARE IN… 1940-70 – everyone rode the wave 1940-70 – everyone rode the wave 1970’s- started asking questions 1970’s- started asking questions 1970-95- numerous studies 1970-95- numerous studiesCONCLUSION? Growth is largely in the hands of the congregation.

7. Trends among growing and declining churches of Christ indicate 6 clear choices for churches that have decided to grow. Not really open to discussion anymore. It’s just a matter of whether we’ll choose to act.

8. Trends indicate 6 clear choices for churches that have decided to grow. CHOICE #1 The Culture Choice Recognizing the generation gap is now a culture gap!?!

9. How It Was… Stable homes Stable commun. Stable schools Stable marriages Support systems Auth. Leadership Linear lifestyles High marital expectations

10. How It Is… Value freedom Team oriented Mobile lifestyles Low marital expectation Question all Resist authority Open to change Desire warm personal atmosphere

11. The culture difference has become so great that over a decade ago the Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary determined that it would train all future American ministers as foreign missionaries assigned to a foreign culture. Edward E. Plowman, National and International Religion Report 5. no. 11 (20 May 1991.

12. Most young adults today…  Have never experienced the benefits of a stable two parent home, an extended family, or growing in one community.  Are more concerned with meaningful relationships than pre-war adults  Are attracted to small personal home groups  Prefer an enthusiastic, warm, and personal atmosphere in worship services  Seek churches with community, practical Bible teaching, and uplifting, inspiring worship.

13. Composite of most receptive potential new Christian? Age 20-39- married with children Been in community 1 to 5 yrs. 30 somethings- attracted by quality preaching and excellent worship 20 somethings- attracted by need meeting ministry and warm accepting congregation.

14. 5 yr. Study in Churches of Christ, 12 Congregations, 1,085 new members 5 yr. Study in Churches of Christ, 12 Congregations, 1,085 new members In Growing Churches 65% of new members were 18-39 years old.  Focused on young adults  And on non-members

15. 5 yr. Study in Churches of Christ, 12 Congregations, 1,085 new members 5 yr. Study in Churches of Christ, 12 Congregations, 1,085 new members Declining churches concentrated on satisfying older members by maintaining past practices, maintaining past practices, and were inward focused. and were inward focused.

16. EZ Study Results Seen… Similar trends in denominations and churches of Christ In spite of culture differences, age balance is key for church growth  Growing churches have a greater percentage of young adults; a balance in age groups between children, young adults, and older adults.  Declining churches have a greater percentage of older adults

17. Why is age balance important?  Balanced churches feel more of a positive atmosphere among members vs. low morale when the balance is older  People look forward to assemblies and feel they’re warm and friendly to visitors  Members felt their church is more accepting of people with differences vs. a narrow and critical spirit

18. Conclusion??? Growing churches are willing to do the ministry to reach out, and are looking to balance ages in spite of culture differences.

19. Evangelize or Fossilize …I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22