Methodists Turn to Vitality Survey for Turnaround Pointers

In the face of declining membership and revenues, United Methodists have turned to a scientific survey for turnaround help. The Nashville-based denomination just completed a survey to learn from those few Methodist churches that ARE growing.

For one, the survey of 32,000 United Methodist churches finds dividing members into small groups is key for any church, even those with only a handful of members.

“My name is Meredith Medlin, I’m 18 and I’m about to go to Boston University. I get more “God” out of Monday afternoons than I’ve ever gotten out of Sunday mornings.”

Medlin, of Nashville, describes a homeless feeding project she started with a small group in this video produced by the Methodist denomination.

Besides small groups for service projects and Bible study, the Methodist survival survey finds growing congregations have inspirational pastors who preach on current topics. Neil Alexander, president of United Methodist Publishing House, says he was surprised to find that it didn’t matter if a minister had the most formal training available.

“Definitely would have thought there would be a bias for pastors with seminary training, being equipped as leaders to drive to vitality, but there – in the study – is no statistical verification.”

Alexander says another surprise was that vital churches weren’t necessarily conservative or liberal in their views. But they did almost all have worship services that mix contemporary and traditional styles and strong programs for children. He says the survey is helpful.

“We know some things because of this study that we can say ‘yes’ to and put our energy behind and our focus behind.”

Methodists aren’t the only ones dealing with declines. The Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention – the country’s largest protestant denomination – has seen flat or dropping membership since 2007.

A steering committee trying to help turnaround the shrinking Methodist denomination will meet in Nashville at the end of this month to decide how to use the report.

Here are the church vitality survey results.