Congregations experience cycles of growth and decline. Many Disciples congregations have shown decline in worship attendance, giving, or in areas of program and mission during the last few years. Some congregations are even questioning the long-term sustainability of their ministries. For these churches, a new service developed by Church Extension can help a congregation make an intentional decision about its future, rather than continuing in decline.

Church Extension developed New Beginnings to assess the resources, passion, and ministries the congregation is good at, while looking at its community and ministry opportunities. "The primary goal of this service is to answer the following question: 'What is God calling your congregation to do and to be in this time and in this place?'" said the Rev. Dr. Rick Morse, vice president of Mission Initiatives and New Church Ministry for Church Extension.

Following the assessment, congregational leaders are trained in leading a congregation through change at a cluster event in their region. These leaders then lead the congregation in Cottage Meetings that engage more than 50 percent of the congregation in significant discernment about their future.

The new service, which launched in January of 2007, is working well with appropriate congregations; some churches have grown in average worship attendance, and others have made significant decisions about relocation, morphing, starting new churches, or launching new ministries.

According to Morse, "We are excited about this service and know that it can make a significant difference to our congregations as they seek to re-envision their futures."

To get additional information about New Beginnings, call Church Extension at (800) 274-1883 or en Español, (866) 534-1949.

Tonya Woodard Ellis is communications manager of the Church Extension, a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).