Chapter Nine

Let's review:

•Our wider context in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and among churches generally in the United States, is one of decline.

•There are faith groups with slower current rates of decline, but we are all under pressure, with some communions shrinking at an alarming rate.

•The Christian Church in Ohio is shrinking at an alarming rate, as are Protestant mainline/traditional churches across Licking County.

•The only apparent growth currently is in contemporary style worship.

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•There is a great deal of literature and advice out there about the church life “150/200 barrier” – it is a common & widely understood challenge around changing the culture of a congregation.

•The pastoral or family-style church of 150 and less is more directly relational & personal; to get to and above 200 a Sunday requires a church become more program-centered & managerial.

•Newark Central has been above 200 average Sunday attendance 3 times since our 1951 relocation to this church building (~70 years). And below it 3 times!

Review: Realities under 150

•Church attendance has changed.  (Absences are common, travel frequent)

•Worship preferences have changed.  (Suits, ties, dresses, hats & gloves)

•Fiscal realities around staffing have changed:
  Clergy, custodial, secretarial, program staffing

•Growth can be a sign of faithful witness for a church . . . But not always!

•Without growth, cultural & practical changes are inevitable.
  Cincinnati Christian University has just announced its closure