Ministry News

A Growing Assembly, But It's Not All Good News

Details: Tuesday, 21 April 2009 10:53

Note to Assemblies of God churches: Apparently, with all the talk of Christianity in decline in this country, you're not supposed to be growing.

According to a massive survey of more than 2,600 Assemblies of God (AG) churches, the majority are bucking the national trend and experiencing growth. A study conducted for the denomination's General Council found that 56 percent of AG churches grew by at least 10 percent over the last five years. On the flip side, 29 percent experienced a decline in church attendance by at least 10 percent.

The study targeted more than just numerical growth, however, as AG pastors were queried on the general health of the denomination. Their answers indicate an overall lack of congregational discipleship-including the fact that 49 percent of AG churches fail to regularly evaluate their discipleship programs. In addition, just one-third of the responding pastors say the majority of their congregants are active in either Christian education or a small-group, discipleship-based ministry.

"Given the clarity of the Great Commission, it was important for us to once again stress the importance of the discipleship mandate," said Wes Bartel, director of the AG's Discipleship Ministries Agency. "It's very easy for pastors and leaders to be caught up in the issues that we face and lose sight of the core things we are called to pursue." [ag.org, 4/17/09]

Subscribe to Ministry Today magazine