From the Pastor What Makes A Church Large? I often hear people say something about the size of Zion like, “Zion is a large church.” So what makes a church a “large church?” Both the number of people and the way a church functions make a church a “large church.” The number of people that participate in Zion‟s ministry is what most people mean when they indicate that Zion is a large church. For instance, did you know that: Based on a membership of 4,000 Zion is about the 35th largest of 10,400 ELCA congregations. Our average worship attendance (everyone in the building on Sunday morning) is 885 which places Zion in the top 0.5% of all ELCA congregations for size.
Decision making has several layers; elected leaders, staff, and committees Pastoral care comes not just from the pastoral staff Several of those bullet points are about the relationships we experience in a large church. Great relationships can be found in any size church. There is very little difference between the following two statements; I know everyone but I know some people really well. I don‟t know everyone but I know some people really well.
Both of the statements reflect meaningful, supportive relationships found in a church. In the large church, members cannot know everyone and so Based on average attendance Zion relationships form around common is about the 60th largest ELCA interests. Thus, large churches like Zion congregation. are made up of many small When you look at the numbers, Zion is congregations. The large number of a large church. But numbers only tell ministries, small groups, and worship part of the story. Another thing that experiences at Zion provide a variety of distinguishes a large church from a places for people to get to know others. smaller church is the way it functions. Our common mission “To share Christ’s Last month I identified some word, strengthen faith and serve those in need,” characteristics of large churches: holds us together. Each of us can find a An emphasis on excellence in music part of the mission that is particularly important and meaningful for us, which and programming gives us a place to participate. The congregation is made up of Understanding these dynamics can help many “small congregations” us understand what to expect of life in Members cannot know everyone – a larger church. Stay tuned as next relationships form around common month I write about the role of paid interests staff in the large church. The role of the Senior Pastor becomes more focused/less general Staff become competent experts in their field, leading ministries with members
Worship Schedule Sunday, July 4
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Pastor Karri Preaching Sunday, July 11
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Luke 10:25-37 Pastor Ted Preaching Sunday, July 18
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 10:38-42 Pastor Ted Preaching Sunday, July 25
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 11:1-13 Pastor Ted Preaching
July 7 Baptism Class The next class for new or prospective parents wishing to schedule a baptism at Zion will be at 6pm on Wednesday, July 7. Expectant parents as well as those who already are parents may attend the class. Scheduling of baptisms will take place at the class.
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