Net Results Online

“A body at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by another force.”

As a physicist, Sir Isaac Newton penned those words centuries ago to describe a law of nature. His words could also describe the reality of congregational health and growth. Plateaued or declining congregations tend to stay plateaued or declining unless changed by outside influences. What are the signs of a plateaued or declining congregation? How can these congregations experience a turnaround toward health and growth?

In his watershed book Turn-Around Churches, American church researcher George Barna identifies these eight symptoms of congregational decline:

These symptoms are magnified depending on the duration of decline. In other words, the longer a congregation has been at rest or decline, the harder it is to turn it around!

Or is turnaround toward mission possible for plateaued and declining congregations? The answer is Yes! “God has the power to make all things new!” (Revelation 21:5). Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “We will not all die, but we will all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51). Although he was referring to what would happen to individual believers at the time of the resurrection of the dead, his words apply to the “bodies” of faith communities called “congregations.” Some congregations will choose to die rather than to catch a new vision for God’s preferred future. Some congregations will “choose life” and will ride an adventurous wave of new vitality, health, and growth for the sake of the kingdom of God!

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, chose the adventurous journey of life rather than death. If your congregation is plateaued or declining, imagine how your church council would respond if your pastor said: “We have a decision to make. Either this congregation will grow into a mission-focused church or we have to close the doors. These are the only two options.”

These are the words Pastor Mary Ann Moller-Gunderson said one night to the church council of Immanuel.

Here’s what the numbers say about Immanuel’s turn-around in a recent five-year period. Average worship attendance increased 208% from 75 to 231. Baptized membership increased 64% from 294 to 484. The number of adult Affirmations of Faith increased 4000% from 1 to 41. Regular giving increased 126% from $85,000 to $194,000. Mission support increased 2524% from $900 to $22,716 (Source: ELCA Department for Research and Evaluation).

Moving from a prolonged history of plateau or decline to vitality and growth isn’t easy. It requires not only a painful acknowledgment of the past, but a bold willingness to trust the Holy Spirit and plan for a new and different future.

Mary Ann Moller Gunderson (MMG), pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lake Geneva, WI, shares what it is like to lead a turn-around congregation.

How would you describe Immanuel when you arrived?

MMG: They were a crabby church. Internal battles caused the congregation to lose 75 percent of its members over 10 years. The average member age was 72. There were no children. The congregation had not offered Sunday School or Confirmation for over a year. Worship attendance had slipped to an average of 66 people. Mission Support was only 1 percent of the budget. It was not a fun place to be.

Why did God call you to Immanuel?

MMG: I believe God called me to Immanuel because of my passion to reach those who don’t know Jesus Christ. Both of my previous congregations had prepared me to be first and foremost a mission-driven pastor. My ministry at Immanuel has been to teach our members that they have a ministry and a witness to bring. My goal is to help the congregation become outwardly focused—and to catch hold of the ministry God empowers them to do.

What challenges did Immanuel experience as the Holy Spirit moved to turn the congregation around?

MMG: The biggest challenge was learning how to stop making every decision into a fight. Each tiny step to crack open the ministry was like watching the tectonic plates shift in the earth! Initially there was great excitement at the new growth, but over time, growth was viewed as something of a threat. These challenges intensified as we moved to two worship services. No one objected to adding a contemporary service. The objections focused on not knowing, and not being able to control, those at the other service.

What were the surprises and learnings along the way for you as pastor?

MGG: My biggest learning was how most members perceived growth as a threat and a personal loss. I underestimated the pain growth would cause our small core group of long-term members. Becoming a missional church was not easy for Immanuel. I challenged the Council by saying, “You have a decision to make. Either Immanuel will grow into a mission-focused church, or we have to close the doors. These are the only two options.” The other learning is how a thriving and growing congregation is also a generous congregation. When we gladly share whatever God brings to us in the way of financial and people resources, it is a sign of the Holy Spirit within us. Our mission support grew from 1 to 14 percent in the course of six years. Each move toward generosity strengthens our anchor in the heart of God.

What are your sources of greatest joy?

MMG: The thrill of seeing people be serious about God’s Word. We have members who are lifelong Lutherans who are studying the Bible for the first time. Adult baptisms. I am so excited when an adult makes the choice of faith in Jesus Christ and asks to be baptized. Watching so many different believers be engaged in ministry and recognizing their gifts for ministry! I rejoice every time a member invites or brings a newcomer to church with him or her! We have many members who have never done this before, so it is riveting to hear them talk about their enthusiasm about the church.

What advice or words of caution would you give to a pastor redeveloper?

MMG: Be prepared for resistance. Choose your battles carefully. Stay positive and constantly emphasize God’s mission in this place. Tell them they have a ministry—and then stand back and let them do it. Be the strongest non-anxious presence in your church. If you are not prepared to help people shift gears and negotiate change very delicately, don’t take the call! Always love the people God calls you to serve.