In the Spring quarter 2008, I taught a course for Fuller Seminary of Northern California on Church Management. The course title is a bit misleading. It was not just about the nuts and bolts of congregational ministry, but a philosophy of ministry that makes a local church “work.”

Beyond a local church providing a “chaplaincy ministry” to an ever-aging congregation (what we see in the majority of mainline churches today), there are attractional, engaged and emerging churches. Presently, the church where I am the senior leader is attempting all three models simultaneously.

Attractional churches want to remove barriers for people who are seeking to know God and be a part of a Christian community. People are attracted by a particular style of worship that appeals to them (be it contemporary or traditional), programs that suit their needs, and pastoral care to help them through the transitions and difficulties of life. The danger in attractional churches is they can set up a “client-service provider” model, in which people are attracted to the church based on “what it does for them.” These types of churches are usually focused on connecting people to God (”Up”).

Engaged churches specialize in vital friendships and spiritual growth. These churches are good at small groups and connecting people to one another. They set out a clear “pathway” for people to take forward steps in their becoming more faithful followers of Jesus. These churches provide people with more of a “depth” experience, connecting hearts and minds. The danger in engaged churches is that they can become inwardly focused. The warmth and support of extended Christian family is the dominate characteristic (”In”).

Wanting a church that fits into the rhythm of their lives and making a difference in the world is what people are looking for in emerging churches. Those who are attempting a new way of “doing” church are not just outside of the box; they don’t want boxes at all. These churches are about Jesus, not religion. They refuse to falsely divide their lives into “secular and sacred.” The danger in emerging churches is that traditional Christian orthodoxy may be trumped by one’s own experience. These are usually “missional communities” that want to take the body of Christ into the world (”Out”).

Attractional churches may have a 15-20 year lifespan as aging baby boomers continue to want a church that meets their needs. Engaged churches will be the dominant model for the next generation, giving them the extended family they felt was lacking in the younger years. There is no way to tell if emerging churches are going to take root and thrive, but they do appear to be much like the New Testament church we read about in Acts.

We want to allow these three models to exist side-by-side, recognizing the Spirit is still using all three types of churches to fulfill the Great Commission - “going and making disciples of Jesus Christ.” We have to be continually committed to listening for and hearing God’s voice, primarily through prayer and Scripture, to guide us into the future. It is an exciting time to be the church!