Description: The church in the US has fallen on some hard times. According to pre-COVID statistics, about 85 percent of US churches are in some state of decline ... and that number's worse in the Mainline church! Add to that the COVID-Crisis and it's difficult to find a church that's experiencing anything that looks like "real growth." In this seminar, we'll explore church growth that was, church growth that is, and the church growth to come. You'll learn what isn't working, what is working, what will most likely work, and get some tools to help make it a reality in your church. 

 

Church Growth Yesterday: A look at what grew churches in the past and why it's time to move on.

 

Church Growth Today: The COVID-Crisis changed everything. Literally. In this session we'll explore how the church can make the most of these "odd" times to experience measurable growth. 

 

Church Growth Tomorrow: The COVID-Crisis will not last forever. Eventually, we'll all be back in our buildings and though things will never go back to the old normal, there will be a new normal to contend with. At that point, we'll need to put some new church growth tools in our tool belts. 

 

Bill Tenny-Brittian is the president of The Effective Church Group and the author of nearly a dozen books on church growth and personal spirituality. He took over as publisher of Net Results Magazine in 2007 (the nation's oldest church growth magazine – in publication since 1980) and continues to write for a number of publications. He's been in ministry for over thirty-five years and has served as a church planter and church-turnaround pastor from coast to coast. He's ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served in leadership in the PCUSA, UMC, DOC, SBC, and Christian Church Independent. He received his doctorate from Bakke Graduate School in Seattle. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian and they make their home in Columbia, Missouri. 

The first one will be at noon on Tuesday, September 29. The book for this gathering is Susan Beaumont’s book, How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season. Send the Presbytery your receipt and the Presbytery will gladly reimburse you for either the hard copy or electronic copy of the book.

If you are interested in participating, contact Rev. Dr. Beborah Boucher-Payne, General Presbyter, at [email protected]

Upcoming Continuing Education online opportunities at Union Seminary feature presentations on Pastoral Care within a Pandemic, New Testament & Current Social Concerns, La Dimensión Terapéutica del Ministerio Pastoral, Feminist Theology & the Historical Christian Faith and more.

Missouri Union Presbytery continues its Zoom meeting for pastoral leaders. The group resumes meeting on a weekly basis in the fall.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Jim Cruickshank and family on the passing of Jim's son. Even at the grave, we make our song 'Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!'

This is Our Prayer Basket. If you have prayers of intercession or thanksgiving, please submit them via the e-mail link below.