Good Article:  DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF AN URBAN CHURCH

This is an article[1] worth reading modeling how the Asset Based Community Development approach of Community Development can work in helping congregational leaders get a positive handle on church growth.  The article is about the work of the Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis and her pastor Rev. Mike Mather who has done significant work in helping this congregation change the way they think about people – “as people with gifts and, not just needs.”   They also changed how they viewed themselves as “receivers of gifts of others” instead of “the bestower of gifts in responding to needs of others.” jwho

While I endorsed and tried to model the use of this ABCD approach in the church I served[3] I could have/should have been much more aggressive on my watch as pastor in training and implementation.  This model of reaching into the community is a great way for churches to do community development without the “in-your-face” activism that so often alienate some congregational leaders who are simply not inclined to be aggressive with their outreach.  I like the fit with our Presbyterian way of doing things – grass roots up (vs. top down) way of building on the gifts (assets) of those in the community around the church.  In my mind, this is a no-brainer way of doing the work of community development.  Link:  http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/5906/death-and-resurrection-of-an-urban-church

This article – A GOOD READ!

[1]  DEATH AND RESUREECTINO OF AN URBAN CHURCH, March 25, 2015, Robert King.  http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/5906/death-and-resurrection-of-an-urban-church

[2]   Robert King is a reporter for the Indianapolis Star

[3]  The Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church, Saginaw, Michigan.  I served this urban church as pastor from 1985-2013.