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Save the Date!
Traditional Churches Finding God’s Way in a Changing World
October 22-23, 2010 @ First Baptist Church of Wilmington, NC
Friday at 10:30 a.m. through Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Optional Sunday the 24th Worship and Dialogue with First Baptist Church Staff
Further information coming soon about costs and program details at www.FBCWilmington.org, www.CBFNC.org, and www.TheColumbiaPartnership.org
A Travel Free Learning Article from The Columbia Partnership
By Dick Hamm at DHamm@TheColumbiaPartnership.org
Download: Hamm, Mainline Congregations Can Grow!
Recent research suggests that an astounding 70-80 percent of mainline congregations are in the last quadrant of the congregational life cycle! The statistical news from mainline Protestant denominations has generally been so bad for the past two or three decades that some wonder whether mainline Protestant congregations can grow or whether they are all doomed to “twist in the wind” on the way to a slow painful death. The fact is that there are congregations of all kinds that are growing; including those in the mainline. There are growing mainline congregations that are theologically conservative, moderate and progressive.
However, there are certain characteristics that growing mainline congregations typically demonstrate, regardless of their theological perspective. These include the following four:
The Disciple's Journey: A Travel Free Learning Article from The Columbia Partnership
By Ken Kessler at KKessler@TheColumbiaPartnership.org
Download Connecting People to the Church Community
He was only eleven years old, but the day left a strong impression on his life. His mom and dad warned him before he and his brothers left for school that the house would be different when they got home, but he really had no idea.
When he got off the bus from school, he hurried home like always. His younger brother opened the door, and the shock occurred. There was not a piece of furniture in the house except one old rocking chair. The eleven year old ran to his room, and everything was gone there also – his bed, his radio, his books, and everything he cherished. He could hear one of his other brothers crying in another room. Mom tried to console all of the boys and reminded them that God would provide. But she was even affected. Her prized, old piano had been taken also.
Continue reading "Connecting People to the Church Community" »
