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Creating Sustainability for Our Faith Community

Writer's picture: Stephen DilworthStephen Dilworth



As we reflect on the future of The United Methodist Church at Lakewood, we face the challenge of being an aging and shrinking congregation. Pastor Stephen, who is committed to preaching a Christ-centered social gospel grounded in Wesleyan theology and inspired by the practices of St. Francis, sees congregational revitalization as a key to ensuring sustainability. This invites us to wonder: How might we evolve from a smaller, aging congregation into a vibrant community, one that continues to be relevant both to its members and the wider world?


As Pastor Stephen researches this subject, four practices have stood out: two that guide how we engage with those outside our church and two that shape how we interact with those within. Imagine, if you will, a simple church with “Service” and “Invitation” happening outside the building, and “Hospitality” and “Transformation” occurring inside. These practices, working together, may help us discover how we can sustain our little church and continue to serve both God and our neighbor in meaningful ways.


Pastor Stephen continues to ask, “What kind of church does our community need?” and “What kind of church are we willing to become?” These questions seem crucial as we explore the path forward. Jason Moore, a consultant for the United Methodist Church, has observed that churches experiencing growth often share some common characteristics: a courageous pastor, clear and intentional vision casting, supportive lay leadership, intentional relationship building, and a willingness to embrace change. These practices may offer insights as we reflect on what revitalization might look like for our congregation.


Service: Christ’s Compassion in Action

St. Teresa of Avila once said, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours.” These words invite us to consider how we can be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. How can we, in solidarity with our community, embody Christ’s compassion in action? How do we address the tangible needs for justice and mercy beyond our walls? Service becomes an ongoing exploration of how we can live out our faith in ways that bring healing, justice, and love to those around us.


Invitation: Rediscovering Evangelism

Many mainline Protestant churches have, at times, hesitated to embrace evangelism, perhaps because it has been associated with coercion or indoctrination. But what if we think of evangelism differently? St. Francis offers a model that emphasizes inviting others into the beauty of God, allowing spiritual transformation to happen naturally as we walk together on the journey of faith. This might prompt us to ask: How can we reimagine invitation as an open, welcoming call into something beautiful and transformative?


Hospitality: Welcoming with Grace

Within the church, hospitality plays a vital role in shaping the experience of those who visit or partner with us. Are we creating an environment that feels welcoming and gracious? Are first-time visitors able to navigate our space with ease, and do they feel seen and heard? Hospitality invites deeper questions: How can we ensure people feel comfortable exploring faith in this space? What can we do to make our church feel like a safe and inviting home where all are welcome?


Transformation: Nurturing Spiritual Growth

There’s a sense that people today are searching for meaning and a deeper connection with the divine. How can we nurture spiritual growth in a way that feels authentic and engaging? What might transformation look like for those who attend our services or engage in our ministries? Transformation invites us to explore how our church can offer experiences that challenge, inspire, and foster spiritual renewal. It prompts us to ask: How are we creating spaces for people to encounter God in ways that are life-changing?


The pandemic has shown that faith can thrive outside traditional structures of in-person worship. People have found ways to worship, engage in service, and experience community in new and creative ways. How do we respond to this changing landscape? Hybrid worship, smaller groups centered around shared interests, or new entry points into the church may be worth exploring. If we remain open and curious, we may discover new paths that lead us forward in unexpected and exciting directions.


As we explore these questions, we are invited to approach revitalization with openness and courage. The words of St. Teresa continue to resonate: “Yours are the hands with which Christ is to bless now.” Together, we can discern how to serve, invite, welcome, and transform, becoming the church our community needs and a place where all can experience the beauty and wonder of God.


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