Congregational Life-Cycle Model

Congregational Life Cycle Model

Life-cycle of an organization–living model (like a tree) rather than mechanistic.
We use terms as diagnostic vs judgements.
In a healthy spot, ongoing renewal is vitally important.
When stagnant, stale–ongoing renewal, revitalization is system-wide
Decline–Asking questions of the whole system
Identity, purpose, context
Context–changing demographics
It becomes more costly to go back to formation and to ask these questions.
“People hang on to things when they are fearful.” (Cost–energy, time, change)
Ask questions before it gets to late
Redevelopment–significant effort will be needed for efforts to pay-off.
Third party help can be good at any point in this process.
It is especially important for congregations in decline or disintegration
Disintegration–conflict, vestry falling apart, may not be able to afford a priest
Outside intervention required
Put a colored dot on the model where you think your church is.
We will be using your feedback on this model along with other tools during our Lenten Program. We invite you to join us at the Simple Suppers on Wednesday evenings during Lent. We will have several integrated programs concerning “Living our Mission” and the “Congregational Life Cycle” at Calvary.

Please mark a star or place a colored dot on this image as to where you see Calvary Episcopal Church is today.
Please bring this form with you to the Calvary Annual Meeting on 1/22/2017, or place it in the collection plate or deliver it to the parish office. (You can also download this form from out website.)
Thanks in advance,
Yours in Christ,
Joel Montgomery Stewardship Chair

Congregational Life Cycle Model