TWO WORDS – CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Soon we will begin focus group meetings to talk about what the church means to each of us and what we need from the church.
We are entering this process, because research shows that people want and need expectations when they join a church. They have their specific reasons for joining, and part of that is the need to contribute, to be connected, to become a part of something greater.
People also expect that by joining they will be able to make a difference in ways that they cannot make a difference alone. Many of us have our own individual spirituality, and find ways to worship and grow spiritually alone; nonetheless, we recognize that by “binding ourselves with others” we can be a greater force for redemption and reconciliation of our society ourselves.
The focus groups will help us share our religious journeys, help us establish clarity about what we need from the church, and bring us together as smaller groups within the greater congregation.
They will also give us an opportunity to explore what expectations the congregation has for its members. They will help us establish these expectations as guidelines for joining Universalist National Memorial Church.
We have many people who have been here for decades and then some who have been here for only a short while. And, while we have never had “Expectations of Membership,” this may be the time that we give ourselves to create a paradigm shift or to create a new model of Universalist church.
Firmly grounded in our church covenant and guided by our historical Declaration of Faith, we are rooted strong and sturdy for this change.
At our semi-annual meeting, members and friends alike shared their initial thoughts and feelings, and decided that the process was worth exploring. The welcome and membership committee will share with you soon how the process will look.
We are at an exciting and joyous place for UNMC, and it is contagious!
When you have the opportunity to join a focus group, see it as an opportunity to enrich your religious life as well as strengthen your connection to each other.
My prayer for the church is that we continue to create a congregation that expresses the kind of love Jesus taught so many years ago.
When we do this, our church membership will grow.
God bless
Posted by Mark McNabb at February 8, 2007 05:16 PM