Growth & renewal

Composting the church offers flourishing in the shadow of decline

As with a garden, so with the church — the remnants at the end of one season enrich growth for new opportunities in the next, writes a Presbyterian pastor.

By McKenna Wallen Pastor, Maryland Presbyterian Church

Image link to article: Composting the church offers flourishing in the shadow of decline

Allen T. Stanton: What do small churches do well?

Small churches aren’t just waiting to grow or to die but are vibrant and healthy places with particular gifts, writes the author of “The Gift of Small.”

Five tips for churches considering property development

Churches are learning how to get started well with adaptive reuse and property development, writes the co-founder of a nonprofit that has worked with hundreds of churches.

By Mark Elsdon Social entrepreneur, strategic executive and author

Image link to article: Five tips for churches considering property development

Don’t miss the significance of congregational toads in your church’s ecosystem

If we pay attention, the presence or absence of certain indicators can help us assess the vitality of our faith communities, writes a director of grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Victoria Atkinson White Director of Grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Don’t miss the significance of congregational toads in your church’s ecosystem

Three historic Black churches come together to make a new congregation

When a fire destroyed a historic Philadelphia church building, the congregation merged with two others to form New River Presbyterian Church, dedicated to loving God and serving their neighborhood.

By Annette John-Hall Journalist

Image link to article: Three historic Black churches come together to make a new congregation

Do not swim alone, and other lessons for the church

A warning sign on a North Carolina beach reminds us that navigating life without community can put people in dangerous situations.

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

Image link to article: Do not swim alone, and other lessons for the church

Could ‘hybrid shared ministry’ help struggling congregations survive?

A pastor shares his experience with a new model in which a larger congregation helps a smaller one by digitally sharing resources, sermons and other assets.

By A. Trevor Sutton Pastor and writer

Image link to article: Could ‘hybrid shared ministry’ help struggling congregations survive?

Is church membership a privilege to enjoy or a responsibility to fulfill?

Church membership should not reflect the exclusivity that often comes with membership in our culture. Instead, it should embody the generous hospitality of God’s love.

By Chris Aho Director, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Thriving Congregations Initiative

Image link to article: Is church membership a privilege to enjoy or a responsibility to fulfill?

The church isn’t dying. It’s being remade

As the 1950s model declines, new ways of being the church are popping up all over, and gospel truths are now being found in new containers, writes a social entrepreneur.