| Memo to Pastors December 1998 |
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How our size defines us
Most of our congregations are small (50-100); most of our members are in large congregations(150+). Denominational agencies (such as publishers) tend to think in terms of congregations; pastors and members tend to think in terms of people. A growing number of the church-going public will choose large churches rather than small ones. They have grown up in large congregations, and these churches provide more services, more options, and more ministries. We’re not necessarily talking here of mega churches, but of the several hundred plus variety. Many small churches will go the way of our public schools; we have fewer schools than we did in 1950 but more students.
These were some of the findings and interpretations of a survey of North American churches done by the Protestant Church Owned Publishers. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Reginald Bibby of the University of Saskatchewan conducted a study of 29 denominations to determine resource needs in going into the 21st century. Herald Press staff spent two days listening to those results, and his conclusions were that size is the key variable in understanding congregational structure, ministry, and resource needs. Indeed, size may be a more important variable than denominational affiliation. Large congregations tend to keep their pastors longer, and their influence is increasing, while the influence of denominational headquarters, seminaries, and publishing houses has decreased.
One the positive side, some denominational agencies have partnered with large congregations as a kind of "research and development department" in the creation and testing of new resources and services. Some of the resources that large congregations develop and test can also be used by the denomination.
I have purposely not given hard data here, and I have not mentioned any of our denominational distinctives. You will be hearing more of these as we analyze the data and make the study available in the press during the coming months. Suffice it here to say that size is critical on how a congregation makes disciples in worship, community, and mission. While serving all congregations, we as a denominational publisher would like to believe that we are in a partnering relationship with pastors in large congregations. We are also aware that there is room for growth in this relationship.
Levi Miller
Vicepresident, Congregational Publishing
TWO NEW RELEASES
How do Christians think about peacemaking in a new millennium? What can we do about ethnic and religious conflicts? How can we create peaceful communities and influence the world system? Noted writers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America tackle such questions. Drawing on rich traditions and experiences, they ponder peacemaking in local and global settings through stories of real people and their work. Stories like these can anchor us in the life of the church as it is experienced, through times of hope and optimism as well as through fears and crises. This is practical peacemaking at work. Transforming Violence, edited by Robert Herr and Judy Zimmerman Herr, is a gift from Fellowship of Reconciliation and the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Brethren, Quakers) to the world church. A Herald Press (Pandora Press U.S.) Book. Paper, 256 pages; $9.99 (U.S.); $14.25 (Canada).
Sexual Offending and Restoration
Mark Yantzi provides the perspectives of victims and offenders in Sexual Offending and Restoration. By facilitating their interaction, he points to new ways to provide hope to those who have been abused, to the abusers, and to their families. Yantzi’s unique method and approach are illustrated through many case examples and the candid dialogue. Readers can hear the authentic voices of those most affected by sexual abuse and share in the process toward healing and growth. "Sexual Offending and Restoration is an important guide for working through these complex issues in a community. Pastors and church leaders can find direction from Mark Yantzi’s wisdom, gained from working professionally with sexual abuse victims and offenders." –Brice Balmer, Pastor, Addictions Counselor, Kitchener, Ontario. Paper, 240 pages. $12.99 (U.S.); $18.75 (Canada).
BROCHURES AND NEWS RELEASES
You can receive an information packet on the following materials by sending an email to info@mph.org and request the December Memo t for more information on the following resources: Music in Worship; Mennonite Directory; Jubilee Songbook; Teaching for Life; A Mennonite Statement Summary on Violence; Being God's People; Bible Reading Record; Congregational Discipling, and Jubilee Update.
POWER CHURCH PLUS AND YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
Does your church use PowerChurch Plus software to manage your membership, accounting, contributions, library, sermons, etc? If you are using an old edition of the software and/or using older personal computers, you may have problems after December 31, 1999. For more information on the latest version of PowerChurch Plus (Version 7) or technical information, visit their web site at http://www.pchurch.com or contact them at:
PowerChurch Software
208 Ridgefield Drive
Asheville, NC 28806-9910Telephone Numbers
1 800 486-1800, Toll-Free
1 828 665-1818, Direct
1 828 665-1999, Fax
E-Mail Addresses
info@pchurch.com - For General Product Information
sales@pchurch.com - For Sales and Related Questions
support@pchurch.com - For Technical Support
update@pchurch.com - For Update Sales and Related Questions
wishlist@pchurch.com - For Suggestions and Comments
Herald Press and Provident Bookstores do not have the staff to address technical questions regarding your hardware or software and year 2000 compliance. Please get in contact directly with PowerChurch Software.
IT’S THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
Last month we noted that Myron Augsburger of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Jack Suderman of Winnipeg, Manitoba, have done a biblical background video to go with the Spring (March to May) International Bible Lessons, but we named the wrong Gospel. It’s the Gospel of John, not Matthew. The video That You May Believe will be available after December 1 as a resource for your classes. We’re doing all the Gospels, and Matthew is in the works for the following year.
THE LEADERSHIP LAPPS
Most Mennonite pastors today may not recall John E. and Edith Lapp of the Franconia Conference, but they will know their children. John E. Lapp was a respected bishop and denominational leader and longtime pastor of the Plains congregation. We believe that few families have been called to provide so many church denominational education, peace, and mission leaders as the Lapp family. The Lapps got together this summer, and Herald Press sent photographer Jim King to the occasion which results in the centerspread of the December Christian Living.
DECEMBER BUILDER
This issue presents a number of articles on the theme of Christmas past and present. We have material on "Commemorating Mary and Joseph’s Trek" by David Hiebert, which notes the peace pilgrimage, held each year between Nazareth and Bethlehem, (Pa). We also have a special section of readers contributions:
• "Rays of light" by Dorothy Nickel Friesen and Lois Wetherill
• "Signs of Love in White Boxes" by Myrna H. Smucker
• "Showing the Coming of the Messiah with Art" by Carrie Bergen
• "Musings on a Manger" by Ruth Naylor
You will also find our 1998 index in this issue.
Call toll free to order material: 1 800 245-7894.