During a recent parish visit, we were asked at coffee hour to offer our spur of the moment/ top of mind suggestions for the parish to "help them." Before responding we asked what they saw as their most important challenges. Not surprisingly the reply was M&M - "money and members". ("We can't pay the bills." "Our assets are depleting." "We're shrinking.") After duly noting that 'M&M' are long term challenges with no silver bullet solutions, we nonetheless dipped into our universal list of "GoTo suggestions" to offer four potential starter action items. With each suggestion the parishioners shared why those "just won't work here".

 

Diet and Exercise for Parishes
This reminded us of the decorative pillow we saw in a gift shop with the aphorism "I'd do anything to lose weight-- except diet & exercise." For parishes the 'diet jingle' often changes to: "We'd do anything to get more Money & Members -- except working on the actual work of a good parish."

 

1. Mission Mentality    

Focus on our real parish purpose. When did you last discuss this in your parish?

	Parishes without external ministry become isolated and insular -- and unattractive to people considering becoming a part of a church.

2. Ministry   

Acting as disciples. In too many parishes the word ministry is unknown -- and there pervades an isolation --insularity -- from the world that serves as a barrier to new members and turns off generosity of many - usually younger - members. Oddly young people actually expect churches to... act like churches! 

Good Christian behavior by parish leaders-- and all parishioners.  Do leaders act as stewards -- taking responsibility for Christ's church --or as owner/overlords wanting to get their way? Is there mutual respect between clergy and laity? 

 

Jettison practices and attitudes that no longer (or never did) work. Try something new. If it doesn't work try something else. But try something. 

 

Improving worship singing & participation to at least minimal standards. Not every parish has good singers or music leaders. But every parish can participate with energy and warmth.  

 

	If your church is relatively empty wouldn't a choir of five downstairs provide a feeling of relatively greater 'fullness' for everyone? Wouldmore worshippers sing?

At a (different) small parish the singing was poor but everyone gave their best with gusto -- loudest from the eldest. It was uplifting and welcoming -and clear they had seen the true light.  Guests don't return to tepid, lukewarm parishes!

Also when you have few people its time to move your small choir out of the choir loft -- the church will look much fuller! (See Eight Good Reasons to Sing Downstairs.) 

 

Is it time for a gloves off conversation about duties & responsibilities associated with being part of the Body of Christ. Establishing greater meaning for 'what we are doing here' establishes the positive basis for Christian generosity.  If the parish, and its work is meaningful to members they give meaningful amounts.  Much better than "Help... we need money!"

	Parishes, like people, need motivation to get from here to there.

7. Motivation