Circle Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Our Membership Journey

Making New Friends and Keeping the Old

Characteristics of a Vital Congregation

Adapted from Kennon Callahan for Planning for Growth and Vitality Weekend

Workshops

RELATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Relational characteristics pertain to a church’s connections to and among people.

The relational characteristics, well attended to, are the source of greatest satisfaction in a congregation.

1. Specific, Concrete, Mission-Oriented Objectives

The mission-oriented church (one focused on its central purpose or mission) has two or three broad objectives that involve significant groupings of the congregation in solidarity with persons outside the walls of the church. A vital congregation does not just meet the needs of its own members but also addresses specific human hurts and hopes in the wider community.

4. Significant Relational Groups

Many people come to a local church looking for community. Mission-oriented churches are consciously and intentionally starting new caring groups in which people may discover roots, place, and belonging. In a safe community, individuals can explore more deeply for identity, meaning, and hope.

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Functional characteristics pertain to a church’s physical and fiscal traits.

The functional characteristics, if they are not adequately met, are the source of greatest dissatisfaction.

7. Several Competent Programs and Activities

Vital churches have two to three fully competent programs that serve, rather than use, people, because vital churches know people attract people more than programs do. Ideally, the major program is directly connected to the congregational mission and may be multidimensional, serving a range of groups and age levels.

8. Open Accessibility

A vital congregation has a physical location that is accessible in terms of major traffic patterns and average trip time. Along with its physical accessibility, it has leadership that is accessible to the community. All these factors are important. Warm, friendly members and minister; open, small groups for community; and accessibility for disabled persons make a church inviting.

9. High Visibility

Successful churches have a high degree of geographic and “grapevine” visibility with both churched and unchurched people in the community. The physical property is easily seen, church leaders are well known in the community, and people are aware of the major programs. The church is known as a warm, welcoming, caring community that makes a difference in people’s lives.