St. Andrew's — Dallas, Texas
"What is keeping this church from growing?"
Rob Leischner, pastor of St. Andrew's, Dallas, since late June, asked that question after saying it is not helpful to ask "What will make our church grow?"
I'm thankful my family and I visited St. Andrew's recently. I even stayed for a "Town hall meeting" after worship becaue the topic was "church growth." Over pizza in the fellowship hall, Rob presented a condensed lecture and review of church growth followed by comments and questions from the congregation.
He described the shift in church membership among protestants in the last part of the 20th Century, away from mainline denominations to non-traditional churches. And three things he saw preventing this congregation from growing in the 21st Century were
- Lack of evangelism
- Lack of "presence outreach"
- Barriers (including poor signage and invisible barriers)
Many, many congregations could benefit from asking "What is keeping this church from growing?" It is exciting to see a warm, welcoming, small congregation asking this question. I think great things are in store for them. Even the struggle with inevitalbe change will be a good part of the journey to serve God in new ways.
Peace,
Shane
Shane Whisler, PNNews.org editor 
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Meg Garver Hamilton said at 3:29 p.m. on November 1, 2008, 3:29 p.m.
I congratulate the Pastor for his remarks, the new kid on the block who is interested and cares about the Church and the community it sits in. Way to go!!!!!!!!!!