December 8, 2010

Growing Pains

I just got off the phone with a friend who’s been priest-in-charge of a congregation that's grown from an average Sunday attendance of 30 to about 80 in a little less than two years.

"It’s a tough day!" she exclaimed. It was only noon. I'd called out of the blue, just after she finished meeting with a Vestry member – one on the verge of resigning. "It was a good conversation, a necessary conversation," she said. "But a hard one."

Putting aside my original purpose for the call, I listened for a few minutes as she described the growth in the congregation and how it was affecting her and others. She sensed exhaustion setting in, because the most trying part of managing change is working with people and their dynamics. It takes a lot of energy, and tough conversations can't be avoided. Resistance from a few folks was coming to a head, exhibited in that tough morning meeting. A few of the long time members might not stay through the change. But thankfully it’s just a few…the others are slowly adapting to new systems or working actively toward the new vision.

The results are worth it. She was exuberant when talking about the new folks who were showing up, becoming engaged, and now beginning to commit. Steadily increasing their monthly attendance for over a year has been exciting. Last week at the annual planning meeting (a meeting she admits isn’t very exciting), two newcomers showed up with pledge cards in hand, saying they want to become members, and joined in deciding next year’s activities. A few new young adults have made pledges that match that of the top givers in the congregation. In 2011, the parish will be able to afford a full-time rector for the first time in years, if not decades. And with new members joining, willing to invest in their future, who knows what will happen next.

I share this story because it gives me hope. At the end of last week I felt a bit discouraged after conversations about the number of churches that will likely close in the next three to five years. I know many congregations are struggling to sustain their budget, attract and keep new members, support the clergy, and equip the laity to spread the Gospel in word and deed. So any good news on this front is worth sharing!

Congratulations, my friend! My prayers are with you all as you move into a new year of growth in size and spirit.