Rob Prince's Blog, page 9

How much is too little (in pastoral compensation)?

Last week, I wrote on the extreme high salaries in Christian ministries and colleges. The question was “how much is too much?” Maybe the more accurate question for the majority of those in ministry is: “how little is too little?”

The majority of churches in this country are under 100 people. The average church seats 200 people, the average attendance is 60 people and dropping. There are plenty of discouraging numbers regarding the de-churching of America. You can read about it here.  With each former tither walking out the door, the question looms: How can a minister survive with declining attendance and declining offering totals?  The hard reality is: she/he cannot. 

It used to be at an interview for a prospective minister: “Does your spouse play the piano?” Now the question is: “Does your spouse have a job that can support your family and provide health insurance too?”

There aren’t many good answers to the dilemma of a church unable to pay a livable wage. Here are the choices:

Second Career Pastors.Muti-point charge. (pastoring multiple churches)Bi-vocational pastorPastor with spousal financial supportClose the church doors.

(Let me also add, if a church cannot afford a livable wage for a pastoral staff member, DO NOT call one to the church. It is the duty of the church to provide a livable wage to the full time pastoral team).

There are problems with all of the above options. The possible problem with a second career pastor is: does this group have adequate theological/pastoral training? Pastoring multiple churches is getting past the mindset that a single pastor is always at a particular church’s beck-and-call. The problem with bi-vocational pastorate is the minister has only 24 hours in a day to juggle family/church/job. Most generally something suffers in such an arrangement. Not all ministers have spouses and not all of the pastoral spouses have the ability or desire to provide the financial support for their family. It’s obvious, closing the doors is not favorable outcome. 

Each church/pastor will need to decide what is the best option for their circumstance. These criteria should be considered:

A full time pastor deserves a full time salary and benefits in line with what school teachers or social workers in the area are compensated. If the financial situation of the church cannot afford a full time pastor, then the church body must understand their reality that a full time pastor is not an option. Either their pastor will be bi-vocational; or two (or three) churches must join together for a muti-point charge and the pastor will be like the old Methodist circuit riders (only with better transportation and technology). The church must be flexible in other words — in meeting times and in their expectation of their heart divided pastor in a multi-charge or bi-vocational situation .It’s a choice between closing the doors or having a pastor that is not always available.It is difficult (not impossible) to grow when the pastor is divided either between multiple churches and/or secular employment. Don’t expect your pastor to be the next Billy Graham or Apostle Paul.

How much is too little? In my first assignment, we were paid below the poverty line. We were young and didn’t really realize how poor we were. We were eligible for food stamps and free baby items through social services. We chose to accept neither and trusted that the Lord would take care of us. He did, but ours may have been the exception. It was a different time, back then. I’m not sure we could survive now in such an environment.

If too little is given to compensate a pastor, an unintended outcome of bitterness developing within the pastor or more likely the pastor’s family is real. The cost of pastor’s desire to reach the world in the midst difficult financial circumstances may be his/her family. If this unhealthy attitude develops, then the question of “How little is too little?” is a game changer. Moreover, if too little is given, the pastor will also more than likely have too little on which to retire (although I am very thankful for the Nazarene Pensions and Benevolence matching contribution change in 2024. You can read my article here). Again, the inability for adequate retirement planning is not a good desired outcome for the pastor.

Churches need to assess their current reality and not continue to expect a pastor to survive on too little. The cost of such expectation toward the pastor and his family is too high. 

How Much Salary is Too Much for Pastors, Christian College Personnel and Ministry Leaders?

Ministry Watch published a list of the highest paid ministry leaders. You can read the list here.  The highest paid was David Cerullo at a cool $4,520,383. (His wife was #92 placing an additional $409,919 into the family’s bank account). There’s money in owning an “inspirational network.” JoAnn Lindsey, of the Hal Lindsey Ministries, was #15 on the list at $750,000, and Hal Lindsey also made the list coming in at #62 receiving $470,000. There’s money in the end times too. Others on the list were Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse (#11); Sandiago Mellado of Compassion International (#58) and Hal Donaldson of Convoy of Hope (#63). I don’t want to write this, but apparently there is money in disasters and poor people. Ugh.

The synoptic gospels all record Jesus as saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25). They also recorded Jesus as saying, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). In other words, for those on the list, it will be difficult, not impossible to enter the kingdom of God. Moreover, Paul gives Timothy instructions for those that are rich. He doesn’t condemn the rich. He warns them of the dangers (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10) and encourages them to be generous (See 1 Timothy 6:17-19). 

The list shouldn’t call the rest of us to be envious or filled with greed, but should make us pause and ask, “How much is too much?” Is Jesus example, whose sole possession of a robe at the time of his death, the goal? Jesus doesn’t appear to ask everyone to sell everything and give it to the poor like he did the rich young ruler. He doesn’t ask us all to leave everything and follow him, like he did the disciples. Is it appropriate for “Christian” ministries to have large salaries on their payroll? Is yours and my salary appropriate in light of the world’s poverty and need?

As far as I can tell, there are no Nazarenes on the list. Our General Superintendents aren’t getting rich in their positions. Although the same organization, Ministry Watch, also published a list of the 100 Highest-Paid Christian College And University Executives. You can read the article here. It’s no surprise, in our convoluted, sport-crazed society that a basketball coach heads the college highest paid list (Scott Drew at Baylor University earns over five million a year). The football coach at Liberty is second. According to the article, the only Nazarene to make that list is Bob Brower, president of Point Loma Nazarene University (#74 at $439,386).

Leaving aside the outrageous salaries of coaches (the tight end coach at Liberty is #78 on the list making $428,535. Seriously, a tight end coach?), how much is too much to pay Christian ministry or college executives. In my opinion, college president is the most difficult job in the our denomination. Too many people (faculty, students, parents, denominational leaders, boards of trustees, accrediting institutions, the government, pastors on the region, etc.) think they can tell the president what he/she should be doing. Being a Christian educator, especially in California with its rules, regulations and Title IX understanding, is tough. Being the president of PLNU is tough these days with the pastoral transition hullabaloo at San Diego First Church. Is it $439,386 tough? Maybe. I wouldn’t want Dr. Brower’s job for any amount of money.

My intent is not to throw stones, but to ask questions. We are in the process of setting the budget for the church where I pastor. We wrestle with what are appropriate salaries for our pastors and workers too. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is different from the cost of living in San Diego. The cost of living in Flint, Michigan is also different from the cost of living in Somalia. People in the third world, might rightfully state that all of our USA salaries are shamefully high. How much is too much for a ministry leader, pastor or college president to make? 

Christian institutions (the church included) should be good stewards with the resources with which we’ve been entrusted. In all things, we need to seek the Lord’s guidance. The way we  spend our money is important. Are we generous? Can we do more for the poor? Are we blessing our communities? How much is too much? 

Before we pass judgement, we should look in the mirror.  

Election Year Preaching: Keep Jesus In, Politics Out

The nation is on the cusp of what could be the most contentious USA political season in modern memory. My approach to election year sermonizing is simple. Keep Jesus in, politics out. 

I don’t endorse a candidate from the pulpit. I don’t allow candidates to come “share their testimony” while up for re-election (I’m not opposed to Jesus-following politicians sharing their testimony, just not from the platform during their election). Side note: in 2016 a prominent presidential political figure wanted to “share his testimony” at Central church, I said, “Thanks but no thanks. We’d love to have you share your testimony after the election.” Haven’t heard from him since. (Notice the quotation marks are only around “sharing their testimony” when the intention is to garner votes, not garner praise to Jesus). 

The USA is more divided than ever. It’s quite possible that the eventual winner in the upcoming presidential election could win without 50% of the vote (depending on the third party candidates). When I look at those numbers, I remind myself that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for 100% of the people. So how do we reach 100% without alienating 50% or more? It’s done by preaching Jesus. Keeping Jesus in. Politics out. 

The reality is that preaching Jesus (and the Bible) will upset those on either side of the political spectrum from time to time. Jesus is the Lamb, not the donkey or elephant. Preaching Jesus is the antidote to partisan political rhetoric infiltrating sermons and thereby water-down the Gospel. Keep preaching Jesus. Let the Gospel speak for itself. Let the Gospel inform voters how to vote. Let Jesus be our Voter Guide. Let Jesus be our deciding factor. 

The preacher’s job is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. Period. The job description is simple: Make Disciples. Baptize them. Teach them the ways of Jesus (See the Great commission). I’m not called to make Republicans or Democrats or any other political party member or group. I am Christ’s ambassador, no other. I’m not called to tell you how to vote. I’m called to tell you about Jesus – the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is the Answer and the truth of Jesus’ message can/should inform our voting. Just preach Jesus and all the rest (political and otherwise) will take care of itself!

In an election year, it’s important for the preacher to keep Jesus in and politics out. 

Dear Grand Blanc $842 Million Powerball Winner

This week’s winning $842 million Powerball jackpot ticket was sold at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc, Michigan– about a mile or so from my house. I didn’t buy the ticket. If I had, I would have had to turn in my credentials (Nazarene’s frown on gambling as we view it as an addictive tax on the poor) and I wouldn’t be writing this little blog (I’d be in Italy or someplace exotic). I didn’t win it. But if you did, here are a few tips.

Dear Grand Blanc $842 Million Powerball Winner,

Be careful. The Apostle Paul wrote: The love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). You are about to see the truth of this Bible verse. Since in Michigan you can’t remain anonymous following winning a multi-state lottery, soon every acquaintance you have ever had will instantly want to be your best friend. Be very careful. Folks will turn to all sorts of evil intentions once they know you are sitting on a windfall. 

Be mindful. Jesus had some harsh words for rich folks. He said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). Gulp! But two verses later in explaining those words Jesus said, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 21:26). Whew! So it’s not impossible for things to end well for you, but it is difficult. There will be plenty of distractions that your new wealth can buy. Money has a tendency to make one suspicious (see about comments about being careful), gluttonous and prideful. It can make one lose sight of what’s truly important in life (Hint: It’s not money). 

Be generous. In another place, the Apostle Paul wrote, God loves a cheerful giver (1 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). You have the rare opportunity to be super generous and still have plenty left over for you and your family’s future. 

Be refreshing. Proverbs 11:25 states: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. The common thinking is that money changes people. It does. You won’t be the same now that your bank account has an extra $842 million dollars in in ($475 million if you take the one time buy out). But that doesn’t mean you’ll be worse. Be better. Use your money wisely. Don’t be in the statistic of the lottery winners who blew it all and ended depressed, friendless and penniless. Be the secret Santa that blesses people and worthy institutions. Be the kindhearted uncle that pays that gifted niece or nephew’s way through college. Be a better person than the who you are right now, and who you were when you bought the winning ticket. 

Finally, Paul wrote these words to his young apprentice Timothy on dealing with those who have wealth. It would be my final reminder for you as well: 

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

You’ve been given a rare opportunity to be a blessing. Pray and use your new found wealth to do just that!

Your friend,

Rob

P.S. For the rest of us, who didn’t play (me) or didn’t win (probably you), the above tips regarding money are true for us as well. God has blessed all of us to be a blessing. Let’s do that thought out 2024.

The One Goal Every Christian Should Have for 2024

What goals do you have for the New Year?  
Lose a few pounds? 
Start exercising? 
Be kinder, gentler, more Christ-like?
Read the Bible through in a year? 

All are good and valid goals. But how about this one: pray for the opportunity to lead one person to faith in 2024, and then disciple them in the ways of Jesus. 

Just one person. 
One person led to Jesus in 2024
Then help them in their first steps as a Jesus follower. 
That’s it. 
That’s the goal.

Maybe you have the person in mind that you would hope to lead to Christ. It’s your child, grandchild, neighbor or friend. Maybe you don’t know the person yet. You’ll need to pray, “God, show me who and then help me talk to this up-until-this-point-unknown-to-you person.”

Leading and discipling a person in the ways of Jesus is the single, most important thing you can do in 2024. Hands down. There is nothing greater. Not climbing Mt Everest. Not winning an election. Not getting gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nothing else is as important.

Which do you think matters in light of eternity–  an Olympic gold medal or a person walking on streets of gold?  Which would you rather say at the end of 2024—”I lost 10 pounds” or “a lost friend found Jesus” (OK, I hope to say both things).

Just as in any goal, it doesn’t just happen without effort. If you want to see lost people find Jesus in 2024, pray every day that God would give you opportunities and the courage to share his love when given the chance. Pray. Every. Single. Day. Pray for those that have yet to begin their walk with Jesus. Pray for the eyes of the Father; the Heart of the Savior and the words of the Spirit to be at work in you.

You will be surprised at how Jesus answers that daily prayer!

Happy, Hope-filled, Christ-filled 2024!

24 Hopes for 24 (Not totally in order)

I hope the names on my prayer list find out that Jesus changes everything.I hope the names on your prayer list find Jesus too (you are daily praying for folks to find Jesus, aren’t you?)I hope the wars in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza endI hope the neighbors of Central Church think the church is a great neighbor.I hope people don’t go nuts during this election yearI hope you consider reading the Bible-through-in-a-yearI hope Conrad’s first word is “Grandpa”I hope the Lions win the Super Bowl (vs. the Kansas City Chiefs… so I can up trash-talking skills to my friends in KC)I hope the Michigan Wolverines win a National Championship in football (see above trash-talking skills which I would apply mostly to my Buckeye and Sparty fan friends).I hope gun violence in the United States declines (I hope it was no more)I hope the people who disagree with each other can have a charitable conversations.I hope the USA wins the most medals in the Paris OlympicsI hope all those caring for a sick spouse, elderly parent or special needs child can find a bit of rest and relief.I hope people talking with phone on speaker at any store will run out of battery (the lone exception: When a husband is facetiming his wife to get her opinion on which holiday napkins to purchase. His choice will be wrong and another trip to Wal-mart will happen without such call.  Or so I’ve been told… ahem…). I hope the lonely find a friendI hope the afraid find courage and strength and a place to freely express their concerns.I hope ALL CAPS people stop using ALL CAPS! I hope that everyone feels welcome to attend Central Church. (By “Everyone” I mean anyone. If breathing… they are welcome).I hope the Pistons win at least one game in 2024 (a bigger hope than you might think)I hope people who back into parking spaces in a crowded parking lot know that irritates some people (ahem, pastors included)I hope everyone knows what a great team of pastors, office staff, facility crew, tech team and nursery staff we are blessed with at Central churchI hope we all are a little more grateful and a little more generous and a little less cranky in 2024I hope you decide to be in church mostly in person (on-line when unable) every Sunday in 2024.I hope every reader of my lil’ 24 Hope List has a very good and happy New Year!

BONUS HOPE: I hope you and your family will end the year in church this Sunday! (Even better if its Central Church). –technically that is my last “hope” of 2023. 

Dear Potential Christmas Eve Worshipper!

Merry Christmas! 

I’m not sure what led you to contemplate coming to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service…

Maybe your grandma invited you to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service at Central Church. Who can say, “no” to grandma?Maybe Central Church is your church, you just aren’t here much these days. Life has become busy and Sunday mornings are a challenge for you.Maybe you saw on social media a picture of last year’s candlelight service and you’ve thought, “That looks pretty neat, I’m going.”Maybe you’ve been thinking about trying out a church service and Christmas Eve seems like a good time to try it (FYI… You’re not wrong).Maybe it’s none of those reasons, still you are planning to join the Christmas Eve Service at Central Church this Sunday at 5PM.

Yahoo! I’m so glad you will be at Central Church. 

I’m biased, super biased, so take this with a grain of salt, but I love our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Except for Easter (duh!) it’s my favorite service of the year. 

What to Expect: 

A super warm welcome at the door. We’ve got great greeters.A photo booth in the lobby. If you and your family want to take a Christmas picture, say “Cheese.”Another warm welcome by an usher who will hand you an order of the service and ask you to take a candle. Don’t be surprised if you think, “There are nice people at this church.” I think that too.A cozy pew or a balcony comfy seat. They aren’t Lazy boys but still comfortableFriendly worshippers in your aisle Please note: the worshippers in your aisle might be new too, so pretend you are not new and greet them with a smile and “Merry Christmas!”An orchestra rendition of a Trans-Siberian Orchestra song. You’ll love it. Trust me.A lot of carols (join in singing or simply listen. Warning: You’ll probably start singing too. It’s hard not to join in. To quote Buddy the Elf,  “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”)Some brief scripture passages read from Luke 2. The Christmas story, of course. We won’t be reading from the Book of Lamentations on Christmas Eve. A choir and orchestra with a powerful Christmas song. Be prepared for a jaw dropping “Wow!” to come out of your mouth. A cute kids’ Christmas video. Hey, who doesn’t love a cute kids’ Christmas videos?A brief message by yours truly. The common misnomer –ahem– is that “brief” and “sermon” can’t be used in the same sentence, I’ll do my best to change that narrative.Lighting a candle and sing Silent night (see the above Buddy the Elf quote) with a 1200+ of your newest friends. The warm glow in the sanctuary will be one of the most beautiful moments you will experience. No joke, it’s awesome!

Best of all what to expect:

God Almighty (that’s right the Creator of the universe, who came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem, grew to be a man, was arrested, beaten, crucified and buried, then rose on third day, and later ascended to heaven—that God Almighty) will very probably speak to you. Somewhere in the service—maybe in the singing, scripture reading, brief message from your truly (yes, brief) or when you’re singing Silent night—God Almighty will speak to you. Probably not in an audible voice, more likely in a deep-in-your-bones reality. You’ll get a sense that God loves you and wants the very best for you. You’ll get the impression that if God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. It’s a Divine Appointment, God has you on His calendar!

What to do next: 

Be receptive. Be open. Be honest. Be real. Be ready to receive the best Christmas gift ever—Jesus himself! 

Can’t wait to see you on December 24th at 5PM!

I’ll be the guy wearing a jacket, holding a Bible and doing my best to remember the K.I.S.S. Sermon method (Keep It Short, Silly). 

See you soon!

Pastor Rob

P.S. We have an “unplugged” service on Christmas Eve morning at 11AM. No Drums, no candles (except for in the advent wreathe) just a “chill-lax” service led by Pastor Joel Close (and a couple of other Close family members), singing carols and Pastor Jon Gildner keeping us focused on the Prince of Peace. I think you’ll love that service too. 

Christmas’ Color Isn’t Blue, Unless You Are

This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. It is also called “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is Latin for “Rejoice.” This Sunday is the Sunday of joy and as such we light the pink candle—which should make Barbie fans happy. 

Why does Pink represent joy? 

Pink is bright. It’s alive. It’s fun (again according to Barbie fans). Pink is joy.

Before pink, it’s blue. At least around here today. I’m writing this on the occasion of our Blue Christmas service. Blue is not traditionally a Christmas color. Purple is the color of Advent. Red and green are colors associated with Christmas too. People dream of a white Christmas. But Blue?  No, not Blue. Blue represents sadness. “I’m blue” is what we say when we are feeling down or melancholy. We aren’t supposed to be “blue” at Christmas. 

Except that many folks are. 

Last Sunday as the choir was singing, it dawned on me that my dear friend, Lisa who lived with Karla and me for 16 months before her passing in March, would have loved to had been there. She would have been sitting in the front row. Singing her heart out with the choir. Lisa loved music. Any music. All music. So as the choir sang, I looked over at the empty place that Lisa would have occupied and I got a little blue.

I know, Lisa is with Jesus. I’m glad for that. I know that she isn’t in pain and cancer is no more for her. I don’t wish her back. I just remembered the joy that she would have experienced and the joy that she brought to so many people who knew her. I envisioned her arms raised as she lifted her praise loud and long to Jesus. I missed my friend. It made me a little blue.

I think that’s why we have the service tonight. It’s not necessarily to wish our loved ones back (although when they have tragically passed away there may be some of those feelings). The service is meant to acknowledge our loss and to go to Jesus with it. It’s a time when we don’t have to paste on a smile like at an office Christmas party. There is no phoniness about a Blue Christmas Service. It’s just the opposite. It’s a time to be real. Honest. Unguarded. Open. Vulnerable even. It’s a time to cry out to the Lord in our “blue-ness’ and remember with the Psalmist: The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18).

Blue Christmas might be where you are at this year. Or maybe you want to come to the service to simply support those who are going thought a tough season. This year our Blue Christmas service will have a little bit different emotion for me. I’m glad we have such a service. I bet you know someone who could benefit from the Blue Christmas Service too. 

You can read about about our friend and cancer here:

Did Covid Kill the COK (1000+ in attendance) Churches in the Church of the Nazarene?

A year ago, I wrote a blog concerning the Churches of the Nazarene with an attendance of 1000+. The article stated how 51 churches (there are actually 52) in the USA/Canada had at one time averaged 1000+ in attendance, but only 19 churches were still averaging over 1000. The article listed the challenges to maintain a church of 1,000. You can read it here.  

One year later, the 2023 church year statistics have been posted* and the news is much worse. “In person” attendance across the board is plummeting.* No longer are 19 churches averaging 1000+. In 2023, only eleven churches reported having an in-person attendance over 1000. Moreover, only two of the eleven 1,000+ churches reported to “in-person” attendance growth: Lima Community, OH (+176) and Crossroads Cowboy, AR (+130). Only Crossroads Cowboy posted their best attendance year ever in 2023.

In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), Carey Neuhoff stated, “The “Stable” Church Is Disappearing. One-Third of Churches Report That They’re Growing, While 54% Are Declining.” It’s worse among the Nazarene churches that once averaged over 1000. Only eleven of the 52 churches reported growth (21.15%). Churches that showed an increase worship attendance are: Crossroads Cowboy (+130); Indianapolis First (+37); Kankakee First (+70); Lake Gibson, FL (+72); Lima, OH (+176); Nashville First (+72); Orlando CenterPoint, FL (+61); Pasadena First, CA (+35), Puyallup, WA (+162); Salem OR (+28), The Woods, MI (+209); and York Stillmeadow, PA (+139). 

Full disclosure: Flint Central Church (where I pastor) reported decline in attendance. In 2022, churches were instructed to include both in-person and on-line worshippers in the tally. In 2023 those two groups of worshippers were separated. Flint Central and other churches, no doubt, declined in attendance in part because of the decision to separate on-line and in-person worshippers (see the highest on-line attendance chart of the 52 churches).

There are 12 USA/Canada Nazarene churches that at one time averaged 2,000+. Last year,  three churches that reported 2000+. In 2023, only Oro Valley, AZ reported an in-person attendance over 2,000. Oro Valley, the largest church in USA/Canada, reported an attendance of 2033 , which was a decline of 557 from 2022. Bethany First saw its attendance dip below 2,000 for the first time in 41 years. Denver First, at one time the largest Nazarene congregation in the world averaging 2555, last year averaged just 306. Likewise, Salem Oregon at one time averaged 2309, last year reported an attendance of 358.

What are the learning points from these numbers?

1) Post Covid In-person attendance is down in most churches (not earth breaking news). The De-Churching of America is happening within the Church of the Nazarene as it is most other denominations. 

2) Even strong healthy churches are seeing their numbers decline. The decline is not necessarily because people are leaving (some are), but rather people are not attending in-person as much as they did pre-Covid.** Worshippers discovered that on-line is convenient. Any other commitment later in the day, a slight sickness or no desire of getting ready for church – are reasons for worshipping on-line. The “responsibility list” may not have changed much, but in-person attendance has changed.

3) Expect 2024 in-person attendance numbers to increase in healthy churches. With the separation of on-line and in-person numbers, and folks in 2023 still not fully returning from Covid, it may be that 2023 was rock bottom for the strong and healthy churches. No longer hampered by pandemic fatigue and re-starting programs and ministries, congregants are trickling back into the healthy churches. An increase (although not at pre-pandemic numbers) will likely occur.

3) On-line worshippers aren’t going away. Nearly every church listed on-line attendance but those numbers varied greatly from the Wooster, OH’s 930 to Lake Gibson, FL listing 16 on-line viewers (two of the 52 churches did not report an online attendance). Either some churches don’t worry about their on-line presence (they should) or they don’t have enough tech people/money to help in this area (more likely). Still on-line numbers matter. Not only is it the new “front door” to the church (most new comers have watched a service online first), on-line viewership is also the new “front pew.” For many “regular attendance” is now regularly watching the service on-line.

4) Covid may have hit the accelerator on the De-churching of America, but more importantly Covid exposed the heart of the church in America. It’s not good. Our discipleship methods have not produced whole-hearted Christ-like disciples. The battle for the heart of the Church of the Nazarene is underway between a “fundamentalist-like,” legalistic brand of holiness and a left-leaning, “progressive” brand. Young clergy (and others) see the in-fighting between these extremist camps and are walking away. Time will tell if the Church of the Nazarene will maintain its historic via media or middle way outlook and presence.

4) A metric change is needed (ironically, this article included). Counting “Noses and Nickels” (attendance and giving) is what historically has mattered. Tallying baptisms, number of people who are actively serving within the church, hours served within the community, and benevolence dollars spent on the needy are the metrics we should be tracking. I wrote about this here.

6) A vision for the new reality is needed for churches to break the 1,000-barrier or regain what was lost. Building a congregation is difficult these days. There are so many competing ideologies in a Post-Christian America, but it is not impossible for churches to grow. Real, authentic, loving, serving, missional congregations are still appealing especially to many millennials who are beginning to rethink their spiritual status. Churches that are appealing are the ones with vision for a better tomorrow. 

7). The 2024 emphasis from USA/Canada to “bless our community” as part of the ”cycle of resurgence” is a good starting point. Dr. Stan Reeder, no doubt, has seen these troubling trends and is making an effort to change the trajectory of the USA/Canada church. Reeder correctly assessed that Nazarenes must get out of their church buildings and into their communities through which ministry can happen and lives can be changed. 

Conclusion: 
Covid did not kill the strongest Nazarene churches, but it has crippled some. There are greater challenges today than ever for churches in USA/Canada. Few churches have totally recovered from the pandemic. The 2024 election cycle will create even more heartache (election years always do). Still, hope lies in what the Spirit of God might do if churches bless their community, believe that Jesus changes everything and are committed to coming together in unity. Hope lies in the old adage: “Bloom where planted.” Local churches authentically loving and serving in their communities is the hope for the Church of the Nazarene’s future just as it was the impetus to growth in the very beginning days of the Church of the Nazarene.

Top In-Person Attendance Churches (1000+ in-person attendance)

1. Oro Valley, AZ (2033)
2. Bethany, OK (1809)
3. Lakeland, FL Highland Park (1547)
4. Goshen, IN Crossroads (1471)
5. Beavercreek, OH Be One (1449)
6. Grove City, OH (1389)
7. Crossroads Cowboy (1365)
8. Olathe, KS College (1231)
9. Cincinnati OH Springdale (1194)
10. Lima, OH (1076)
11. Wooster, OH (1072)

Top Ten On-Line Attendance***

1. Wooster OH (930) 
2. Oro Valley (833) 
3. Be One, OH (828) 
4. Grove City, OH (780)
5. Flint Central, MI (597)
6. Bethany First (594)
7. Lakeland FL Highland Park (586)
8. Pismo Beach, CA (471)
9. Cincinnati OH Springdale (435)
10. Yuba, CA Hope Point (434)

*The 2023 South Florida attendance statistics listed are the exact same numbers as they were in 2022. Clearly those statistics of the former 1000+ churches in South Florida (Bradenton, Miami Bethany and Miami Hialeah Good Shepherd) are not accurate. 

**Giving numbers in the former 1000+ churches for the most part remains high (I didn’t do a thorough assessment of the giving). Antidotally, it seems that church giving has remained relatively constant even as attendance numbers plummet. One reason for this phenomenon is that people have not left a church, but rather their attendance patterns have changed and they continue to give at the same level.

***This list is only a measurement of those churches that at one time averaged over 1000 in attendance. These may be other churches that averaged a higher on-line attendance than those listed.

There Seems to be Some Disagreement about Disagreement

There seems to be some disagreement about disagreement. How much can Christian brothers and sisters disagree and still be in harmony? How much disagreement is OK? Do we have to agree with everything? 

Paul and Barnabas disagreed. Yet they weren’t vilified for their disagreement. Both went on serving Jesus. In so doing, they covered twice the ground for Jesus as they would have had they not disagreed. It seems that these days if we are not in total agreement, then we are in total disagreement. There is little middle ground. There is less “can we agree to disagree” and still be brothers and sisters in Christ?  There is even less “I could be wrong.”

Discerning what is most important is important. Not every issue is a mountain. Many issues are molehills. I seem to remember a General Superintendent (It may have been Dr. Greathouse, but don’t quote me on this) say something along the lines on how not everything  we Nazarenes believe in carries the same weight. For example, he said, “if someone held me at gun point and wanted me to renounce Christ, I’d say, ‘pull the trigger;’ but if someone wanted me to smoke a cigarette or die, I’d say, ‘hand me a lighter.’” Too many times, we view the matter as a “pull-the-trigger” moment, when it should be handled as a “hand-me-the-lighter”  problem.

Discerning the mountains to die on is important. Disagreeing amicably is also important. To say, “I disagree” is not the same as saying “I am no longer wanting to be in fellowship.” It might simply mean, “I’m wrestling with this issue, and we could we talk about it?” Could we have a conversation?” Disagreeing, for the Christian, should never be equivalent to “I hate you and I’ll never talk to you.” Disagreeing should be more of “I wonder why we don’t see eye to eye on this matter? Isn’t that strange? Let’s talk about it, friend.”

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians seems to be what we all need to be praying a little more. “This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10.) Let our discernment be driven by an abounding love that allows for knowledge and insight. Through it all, may we strive to be pure and blameless in all we do. That’s a pretty big ask, only through Jesus can it be accomplished. 

If you disagree with anything I have written above, please hand me a lighter, don’t pull the trigger.