At Confirmation class last night (Feb 10), we discussed the history of the Lutheran movement as one that is always reforming, always growing and changing.
The worksheet from the curriculum asked if our congregation was growing, declining or staying the same. So the kids as me. I decided honesty was best. We're actually declining slightly in attendance. We discussed which churches in our city (and nation) are growing fastest (non-denominationals) and where the Lutheran church actually is growing (Africa).
So why isn't Central growing, I asked. Their responses startled me.
"When you walk into church, it's very stiff, it's not very welcoming. It's like a funeral."
"The way people act it's almost like they don't want you to be there."
Now this is just the opinion of some kids, but we must listen. Their voices matter. Yet even with these critiques, when I asked how we could grow Central, they got really into the brainstorming and I was touched by their honesty and passion. Here are some things they suggested.
* More potlucks
* Better advertising of worship and church events
* More activities for young people to bring their friends
* Some activities immediately after worship for youth
* Re-do the outside of the building
* Painting inside (kids volunteered to help)
* A better sign out front, maybe with color to attract people driving by
* A coffeestand selling espresso and treats on Sunday mornings
* Add more contemporary, upbeat music.
These are terrific ideas, probably better than the stuff our church council has come up with (no offense). Like most great ideas, they do take coordination and work to pull them off.
Any takers :)
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