"Prognosis for a Vibrant Church"
The response to my June Pilgrim article elicited
more discussion than any other article I can recall.
Highlighting the eleven signs of a dying or dead church
got your attention. Some of the eleven were spot on
while others merely suggested areas of concern. At
the end of the article I promised to explore the signs
and indicators of strength in churches.
Here goes.
Pilgrim Church’s size is a significant strength.
Our optimum membership of 350, with worship
attendance averaging 110, makes it not too big, not too
small. Our size is adequately cared for by one ordained
pastor with the luxury of a seminary intern. It is
possible, though not very practical, to be anonymous
here.
Another strength is our highly successful
Preschool. Through our doors, an army of 280+
preschoolers march in and out weekly. This outreach
of Pilgrim Church positions us in the community as a
church which cares for all ages.
Our Vacation Bible School, one of the largest on
the Westside, brings together the talents and passion
of dozens of members and friends to put on an
extravaganza over five nights where kids can play, sing,
wonder, and be enriched in the faith.
Our monthly Pancake Breakfast is a Pilgrim
staple. On the second Sunday of the month (except
June, July and August) the aroma of warm syrup and
French Toast as well as pancakes and scrambled eggs
permeate the building. It is truly a time of fellowship.
Attendance is typically a mirror of worship.
Our 1 ½ year relationship with Palabra de Vida
Church has been a joy and a blessing for both
congregations. Although we worship separately, we
enjoy casual times in the hallways, the Pancake
Breakfast and activities such as the Church Picnic. As
Palabra’s average age is far below Pilgrim’s, they are
quickly becoming indispensible in maintaining our
building and grounds. We are sisters and brothers
serving God in the same building.
Our Monday Crew is another tried and true staple
of Pilgrim Church. This group of retirees is our first
line of defense when maintenance items come to our
attention. Painting, electrical repair, plumbing and the
like are only a few of the tasks taken up weekly by this
adorable group.
Our electronic message board on Bridgetown Road
proclaims to the entire community the Who, What,
When, and Where of happenings at Pilgrim and in the
community.
Lastly, I want to comment on an intangible part of
life at Pilgrim Church. I refer to the genuinely friendly
nature of this congregation. To best illustrate, I will
quote Rev. Dave Schwab, former Ohio Conference
Minister, when he described another of my churches a
few years ago: “Wow. When you visit there and
there’s a meal, you have to contend with the fact that
they will probably fight over who you sit with. They all
want to be your host. They insist you sit with them.”
These and many more tangibles and intangibles
make up the strengths of Pilgrim Church. Next time
we’ll explore where we go from here. What is the next
step for Pilgrim United Church of Christ?
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