Necessary Changes for Congregations

I am often questioned about how the church might be effective in reaching the 20-35 age demographic (of which I am currently a part) to make disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a question that I often consider. I found the following consideration by Lovett H. Weems, Jr. to be a very helpful and thoughtful response. This quote is from the article - It's Not about the Numbers ... Actually It is about the Numbers ... by Lovett H. Weems, Jr.

One of the myths of American industry is that Henry Ford invented the assembly line, which then permitted him to build a car that could be sold for $500, an amount that large numbers of working people could afford. The reality is just the reverse. Ford determined that $500 was the most that large numbers of people could pay for a car, and inventing the assembly line was the only way he could devise to accomplish that task.
The same sequence may be necessary in the church. It may be that we first must commit ourselves to reach more people, younger people, and more diverse people; and our very willingness to be accountable for such goals will lead us to discover what we need to do to accomplish the goals. We will then be forced to engage the people we seek to reach, to learn of their needs, and to understand the nature of their quest for God. In so doing, we will gather the information needed for worship and ministries appropriate for our changed context.

This article is a part of the current issue of the Leading Ideas: E-Newsletter published by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. I have found Leading Ideas and other resources by the Lewis Center to be helpful and encouraging in seeking be effective in ministry. Highly recommended.