Recently, Pastor Jon Beyer was asked to reflect on the changes that he has seen at First Lutheran Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, after the first year of participation in the Transforming Churches Network (TCN) revitalization process.

He began by emphasizing that First Lutheran church was already a solid Lutheran church; they had seen consistent growth over the years and he had always considered himself an outreach minded pastor.  The congregation had added staff, started a school and even launched on outreach mission church. So why did he decide their congregation needed a change? Why did he allow a consultation team to come in, make an assessment and suggest changes that may be difficult?

In a survey of pastors of congregations which have held consultations, 67% of those who answered the survey reported positive growth in church attendance.  Among the comments offered by those pastors:

"In the last six months we have had 18-20 new families join the church."

"The growth is after the initial decline, but is up significantly."

"A slight or marginal increase... "

"Attendance is increasing, and soon we will baptize a Japanese woman!!"

"Yes, as attitudes change, as people see their role in evangelism--as they see ways to reach their friends--neighbors--community--attendance went down and started slowly back up."

"Our average attendance hasn't grown, but life-long Lutheran families who were offended by the process left and were replaced by hungry unbelievers and new Christians looking for answers and connections.  I anticipate a surge of growth after this plateau."

We are asking those who are involved in the TCN process to share some stories of people coming to faith in Jesus through the witnessing or outreach of their congregation. Please e-mail your testimonies to Nicholas.Tieman@gmail.com.

Great News! Reports are in from congregations in the Mid-South District which have been working the TCN process over the past year.