From The Interim Minister

GROWING FOR GOOD

What are the signs of a thriving congregation? Every faith community is unique, yet there are some commonalities among those who are making a real difference for their members and the wider community.  Among them:

Good congregations have visitors attending every Sunday.  Three is a buzz among non-aligned seekers that something positive is happening and they are welcome to come and see.  Visitors are welcomed every Sunday, and church members seek them out at coffee hour.  Some members will sit with visitors in the sanctuary, especially if they are sitting alone.  Visitors will stay and eventually become church members if they make a friend or two during their early days at the Unitarian Church of Evanston.

Good congregations have an outward focus.  People come to be refreshed and refueled through the church’s ministries and then are a force for justice wherever life takes them.  Work in the wider community develops a reputation that Unitarian Universalists are on the frontlines of social change.  The congregation’s justice efforts themselves becomes a draw to curious seekers who want to put hands and feet on their spiritual principles and purposes.  Millennials in particular are looking for spiritual communities that walk their talk and don’t get caught up in inward facing congregational drama.

Good congregations stand for something.  Far from being an outpost only for theological misfits, members can articulate what they do believe, as opposed to what they do not believe.  They embody the congregation’s mission and vision on days other than Sunday, in the communities where they live, in their social circles, and with the general public.  Their churches are known in the community for what they do more than by what they believe.  They believe they have many friends and neighbors who are Unitarian Universalists but don’t know it yet.  These congregations tend to do fewer things with greater expertise.

Good congregations exemplify a generous spirit.  Money is talked about freely and openly but is only one of several indicators.  Congregants eagerly volunteer their time and enthusiastically share their talents as well.  There is a desire to do the work of the church in the world and a realization that this can take big bucks.  Members are willing to give sacrificially because they’re congregation gives so much to them.  They insist on building a culture of generosity with their walls and understand that being generous is a spiritual gift and a character builder.  And when times are tough, they know their church family has their backs.

Sound familiar?  It does to me, thanks to you.

The joy continues,

Greg