Releasing Members to Further Build the Kingdom

The Importance of a Holistic Church Model

As I was helping to open the church for Sunday service last month, I had a conversation with my Bishop, Kenneth Harper. Bishop Ken posed a thought-provoking question: What does it mean for a church to release its members to build the kingdom further? His question led me to explore how churches help their members share the gospel and make a positive difference in their communities.

At the Channel of Grace Worship Center, our church model is built around three pillars: Reach, Retain (Enrich), and Release. This guiding framework is designed to attract new members and cultivate their spiritual growth, build a strong sense of community, and ultimately allow them to share their faith with others. But is this approach the norm, and what benefits does it offer?

Reach, Retain, Release

According to a study by the Barna Group, a research organization focused on faith and culture, only 17% of churches in the United States have a clear discipleship pathway, which includes a process for releasing members into ministry (Barna Group, 2020). This data shows many churches might struggle to effectively equip and motivate their members to actively participate in expanding their faith community’s influence and reach.

Only 17% of churches in the United States have a clear discipleship pathway, which includes a process for releasing members into ministry.

1. Reach: The first step involves outreach to the community. This may include hosting events, evangelism, or providing resources to those in need. Research from the Barna Group shows that 51% of churchgoers believe their church should be actively involved in community outreach (Barna Group, 2021).
2. Retain and Enrich: Retention is crucial for any church’s growth and sustainability. This phase focuses on creating an environment where members feel valued and connected. The Pew Research Center indicates that churches with strong community ties see a 30% higher retention rate of members over a five-year period than those without (Pew Research Center, 2019). Once individuals are engaged, the next phase is to enrich their spiritual lives through teaching, fellowship, and support. Educational programs such as Bible studies and Men’s Fellowship breakfasts, like those at the Channel of Grace, play a vital role in this enrichment. According to a study by Lifeway Research, 70% of churchgoers feel more spiritually connected when participating in small groups (Lifeway Research, 2020).
3. Release: Finally, the model culminates releasing members into their communities and the world. This not only strengthens the individuals but also expands the church’s impact. Research by the Institute for Church Growth reveals that churches that empower their members to serve outside the church experience a 50% increase in outreach effectiveness (Institute for Church Growth, 2022).

A model like ours, however, can deeply impact members’ spiritual growth and development. Research by the Pew Research Center found that highly engaged adults in their congregations are more likely to participate in volunteer work, donate to charity, and engage in other forms of community service (Pew Research Center, 2019). By providing a supportive environment and growth opportunities, churches can create a sense of purpose and responsibility among their members.

The release phase of our model is particularly crucial, as it enables members to apply their skills and knowledge in real-world settings. A study by the Evangelical Alliance found that churches that prioritize evangelism and discipleship are more likely to see their members engage in outreach and mission work (Evangelical Alliance, 2019). Churches can multiply their impact by releasing members to build the kingdom further and reach a wider audience.

In addition to these statistics, many churches have successfully implemented similar models. For instance, the Willow Creek Association, a network of churches founded by Bill Hybels, strongly focuses on releasing members into ministry. Their model, which includes a process for identifying, training, and deploying leaders, has been replicated in churches worldwide (Willow Creek Association, n.d.).

I firmly believe that a church model like ours, which emphasizes Reach, Retain, and Release, is essential for enabling members to build God’s kingdom. While it may not be the norm, the benefits of such an approach are clear. By providing a holistic framework for spiritual growth and development, churches can cultivate a sense of purpose and responsibility among their members, ultimately leading to a more significant impact in their communities.

It’s a Great Day to Be Alive!

Disclaimer: The perspectives shared in this article are my own and may not align with the beliefs or positions of the Channel of Grace Worship Center.