Ten Characteristics of a Healthy Dynamic Congregation

If a church wants to be effective and move into the future with power challenge and courage it must listen to the calling of Christ and the needs of the people in this time and place. With the median age of those regularly attending church hovering around sixty-five it can no longer be business as usual. While older people continue to support the churches they built or inherited younger churchgoers are shopping for the congregation that best meets their spiritual and lifestyle needs. The Rev. Ronald G. Qualley who has been an ordained pastor for forty-seven years explores how congregations can stay healthy and dynamic in this changing world highlighting ten key characteristics including pursuing a mission of stewardship valuing communication and offering a variety of programs to meet the needs of people.