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Challenged churches
“Are we a challenged church?”
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One congregation closes every 90 minutes, as Americans continue to walk away from church in record numbers. Five out of six Christian churches are smaller today than they were five years ago. It is not surprising that the term “challenged churches” is growing in use.
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Definitions differ. Some will say a church is challenged if worship attendance drops by a certain percentage in a year. Others will talk about a sustained membership decline over multiple years being the lead indicator. Still others claim a church is challenged if its membership does not somewhat reflect the demographics of its neighborhood.
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However, I am not sure if, “Are we a challenged church?” is the correct question. Because the answer is simple. Yes. We are part of the church militant, battling against “spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12). This side of heaven, every congregation is going to face challenges.
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Since that is the case, it seems the better question is, “What are the biggest challenges before us?”
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When that is answered, we can ask the follow-up question: “What will we do to attempt to meet those challenges?”
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Hein offers insights gained through statistical analysis
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Jonathan Hein, coordinator of WELS Congregational Services, offered synod convention delegates a picture of the current state of WELS and opportunities for the future. The basis for his presentation was the 2022 WELS Statistical Summary and Analysis, which contains data from all WELS congregations and schools. Click to view Hein's presentation, which begins at the 2:54:00 timestamp.
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Not everyone rejoiced when Luther’s first congregational hymn “Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” (Christian Worship 557) came rolling off the printing presses in 1523. Many of Luther’s enemies suspected that this hymn and others he wrote were . . .
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No matter what age your children are, your role as a parent has changed over time. The first time we leave them with someone else as newborns can feel monumental. Then there’s that first day of school. First time they stay home alone. First time they drive away on . . .
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Joel Gaertner has started his work as director of the Commission on Special Ministries, taking over for James Behringer who retired in June. “I want to give thanks to Jim Behringer for all that he’s done in the last 11 years to advance Special Ministries. I am grateful . . .
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