Dwindling congregations cause churches to work cooperatively

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(AP)
Christmas services are always popular church events. Leaders, however, are looking for ways to keep that momentum going.

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - They have funny nicknames like the C-n-Es or the Chreasters. We call them “submarines” — because they only surface twice a year. They are the folks who come to church at Christmas and/or Easter, and not very often otherwise. Their numbers are growing.

A recent study by an influential association of evangelical churches has served as a wake-up call to church leaders across the nation. Of about 350,000 churches in America, four out of five have either plateaued or are declining. In spite of the rise of mega-churches, no county in America has a greater church population than it did a decade ago.

The new study, known as the Reveal Study and conducted by the Willow Creek Association, showed that a significant percentage of those who have attended church in recent years are either “stalled” in their spiritual growth or “dissatisfied” with their current church. The study demonstrates that people in these groups may well leave the church in the near future, causing further declines in church attendance.

All this seemingly bad news for church leaders has had a remarkably clarifying effect. Pastors and denominational leaders across the country have begun to understand that local churches are going to have to make some fundamental changes in how they operate if they are going to be effective in their mission in 21st-century America.

The trend is away from expensive programs for church members. In their place will be streamlined efforts designed to help members get out into the community to serve the poor and disadvantaged. There is a renewed emphasis on helping members become more like Jesus, which is often seen as very different from being a “Christian.”

Fading are the days when churches see themselves as competing for members. Instead, there are many new efforts to cooperate across denominational lines. For example, 13 churches in Laurel will gather early next year to pray for one another and to work together to reach out into the community in the days leading up to Easter 2008.

The pastors of these churches became friends — which is a miracle in itself. This group of ministers is black, white and brown, male and female. They conduct services in English, Spanish and sign language. In some of the churches, the pastor wears a robe and sings ancient hymns. In others, the pastor wears a polo shirt, and contemporary music is the norm. Some of the services are quiet and reflective; others have tambourines and dancing. Despite all these differences, this group has united around the faith it shares.

In the last 20 years, I have talked to hundreds of folks who are scared to death to look for a place of worship. So for those who are looking for a place where they can be more than a submarine, let me make a few practical suggestions:

» Ask around. Start with people whose faith you admire — and don’t be hung up by the “brand name” of the church. Denominational titles are becoming less and less important. Many churches have eliminated any reference to denomination in their names.

» Go to the Web, where you can preview a sermon and discover what ministries are available.

» Listen to a sermon — and don’t be afraid to ask questions. At my church, we like to say that “Jesus died to take away your sin, not to take away your mind.”

» Visit with the pastor or another church leader and ask them whether they have a plan to help you do three things: Find friends in their faith community, achieve personal spiritual growth and use your unique gifts and talents for the greater good of the community.

» Jesus said his disciples could be identified by the way they love each other, so that is the last and ultimate test. People of authentic faith live all around us — and they make great friends.

In the new year, we will devote columns to stories of former “submarines” who are now making a huge difference through the faith communities they have joined. Whether sheltering the homeless from our city streets or providing hope to those suffering with AIDS in Africa, they are truly bringing joy to the world. Merry Christmas to you, and all you love.

Kevin McGhee is a senior pastor at Bethany Community Church and a 1978 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He can be reached at

kmcghee@baltimoreexaminer.com.

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