Categories: MiscellaneousHoward Satterthwaite | 28-Jul-10
A study was undertaken by Stetzer and Dodson (Comeback Churches, 2007) of 324 “comeback churches” in America – churches that experienced 5 or more years of plateau and/or decline since 1995 and this decline was followed by significant growth over the past 2-5 years, including a membership to baptism (conversion) ratio of 35:1 or lower each year and at least a 10% increase in attendance each year. This approach overcomes the conversions-switchers problem (since it does not rely solely on measuring worship service attendance) although, it is subject to contextual restrictions, since only US churches were surveyed.
The main quality/comeback characteristics they identified were: leadership, three faith factors (renewed belief in Jesus and the mission of the church, renewed attitude for servanthood, and strategic prayer efforts), worship and preaching, intentional and strategic evangelism, connecting people to spiritual maturity, motivating and mobilizing people out of the pews (helping people discover their spiritual gifts), and connecting people through small groups.
Leadership
Proactive Leadership: “Comeback leaders took the initiative for change” (praying Matt 9:37-38 regularly and passionately and model evangelistic passion). pp.39-41
Sharing Ministry: “Comeback leaders shared the ministry…made choices about those in whom they invested their time and how they invested their time…[and] quickly gave away nonministry tasks.” pp.42-43
Intentional Planning: “Comeback leaders intentionally used their time and the time of others differently…[and] intentionally planned to spend more time doing “people stuff.”” pp.44-45
Vision: “Comeback leaders agreed that having a clear and compelling vision was foundational in the transformation of their churches.” p.45
Developing Leaders: “Comeback leaders multiplied themselves.” p.50
