Christian Leadership: What Do You Expect From Your Church Members

I was struck by a recent article I read by Thom Rainer of Lifeway Publishing and Research in which he discussed some of the common traits of growing and disciple making churches. The results of his years of research may feel counter-intuitive for most pastors. 

What Do You Expect From Your Church Members? Setting high expectations is a consistent practice of churches that are growing fastest. Many pastors shy away from setting high goals and expectations when their churches appear to lag, but that may be a serious and even terminal mistake.

It turns out that churches who are most effective at discipling may be the most demanding and set internal cultural standards that require effort and participation on the part of every member. As I recall much of this is consistent with what Rick Warren articulated in his book "The Purpose Driven Church"

Here is a portion of what Thom revealed in the article 

Disciple making in the local church

As Lifeway heard from churches across America, they began to see a common pattern in churches that were more effective in making disciples. The attendance rate of members of those churches was higher, and the dropout rate was lower. Look at some of these common traits:

The church has an entry point class that all new members attend. Though these classes have different names, they have similar purposes. The classes did provide information, but they weren’t limited to dispensing facts about the church. The classes also established expectations of members. Some of the expectations are noted below.

Members are expected to attend an open group Bible study. An open group is an ongoing class that allows entry at any point. Historically, they have been called Sunday School classes, but today they have a variety of names. The point is to get members connected to a common group of people in regular Bible study.

Members are expected to be involved in one or more deeper studies throughout the year. These classes are set for a predetermined number of weeks, a twelve-week study for example. They tend to dive deeper into Bible study, doctrinal study, or studies of critical issues for the Christian. They also tend to be closed groups, because attendance every week is important to grasp the material. It is difficult for someone to enter the class after it begins because the material usually builds on itself.

Members are expected to attend a corporate worship service each week. This is the time for the people to gather for the preaching of the Word and to worship the One True God together.

Members are expected to be involved in at least one ministry or mission activity a year. The church has clear expectations that members are to be involved in those activities that cause them to look beyond themselves and to care for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others.

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