While conversing with a colleague recently, we discussed each of our congregations’ strengths. Afterwards, I wondered if St. Matthew parishioners would agree. I suspect that there are a few strengths that parishioners might not realize, and I wonder what I missed.
One strength is apparent to almost everybody – whether new or long-time members:
St. Matthew is very warm and welcoming. Most new members reflect this to be one of the reasons for joining the congregation. Recently, I’ve been touched by how open the congregation has been to learning how to welcome children with autism. It’s not easy, and I need to learn and share how parishioners might respond to episodes of running, etc… so that we all know what to expect and be more comfortable in acting as a community that helps socialize young people with autism.
Strengths that active or long-time members perceive:
- Social ministries – This congregation has been intentionally involved in ministries that support neighbors in need since its founding in 1950, and especially since the late 1960’s. The newest ministry in this tradition is the Green Team.
- Adult education – Last year when serving here on internship, Vicar” John was pleasantly surprised at how much interest the congregation has in learning. Most groups that meet offer an aspect of learning – even social groups like the OWLS (Older Wiser Lutheran Seniors).
Here are a few strengths that might be surprising to some. They are based in the reality of declining numbers in congregations across denominations on the east coast (& other regions).
- Active Sunday School – We have one of the larger, active Sunday Schools in our Mission District of 32 congregations. It’s hard to verify exact numbers because the format of the ELCA report changed this winter and does not report SS #’s anymore.
- Consistent staffing – We are one of few congregations that hasn’t really decreased in staffing over the past 10 years. Currently, we are one of two congregations in our Mission District with 2 rostered leaders (St. Stephen, Woodbury is the other with 2 pastors). Even in Moorestown, larger congregations of different denominations have had to decrease their staffing due to decreased membership giving.
- Stability in attendance & financial givingS– Again, we are one of few congregations that hasn’t decreased much in attendance or giving over the past 10 years. Attendance is down 4% (in comparison to an average of 20% across the NJ Synod), and giving is actually up!
At the end of our conversation, my colleague and I laughed self-consciously about how tempting it is to feel “better than” neighboring congregations due to numbers, rather than see these strengths as a resource for Christ’s whole church. I think that’s how God would have us see our own strengths—not things to keep to ourselves, but to share with others. I’d love to hear additional perceptions of this congregation’s strengths—please share!
—Pastor Ingrid Wengert