In 2005 the Hartford Institute for Religion Research published findings from its Faith Communities Today research project. The purpose of the research was to track changes in a broad spectrum of characteristics of American congregations and to identity the sources of such changes. The project findings were based on responses from almost 1000 congregations across the United States. Among the findings reported by C. Kirk Hadaway, Director of Research at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, were:

• More important than theological orientation is the religious character of the congregation and the clarity of its mission and purpose. Growing churches are clear about why they exist and about what they are to be doing -- "purpose-driven growth."


• Almost all congregations say they want to grow, but it takes intentionality and action for growth to occur. Congregations that developed a plan to recruit members in the last year were more likely to grow than congregations that had not. Particularly helpful in achieving growth is the sponsorship of a program or event to attract nonmembers or the existence of support groups.

If your congregation is looking for help in designing a plan for intentionally reaching new people and assisting people to develop Christian faith and discipleship, consider participating in Discipleship University's core curriculum -- Burning Bush. This two-year process is designed for congregational teams of three to five people. Teams from mid-sized congregations (average attendance of 100-250 in worship) may apply to begin Burning Bush in October 2008. Sessions designed for larger congregations begin next spring; sessions for small-membership congregations begin in the fall of 2009.

For more information about Burning Bush or for application materials, click here.

For more information about the Faith Communities Today research, go to www.fact.hartsem.edu.

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