Goal Ownership and Church Revitalization in the Gosford Seventh-day Adventist Church

Abstract

Problem: One of the greatest concerns that today's church is facing is to strengthen the effectiveness of the local congregation. There is a sense of loss in direction and in responsibility for ministry. The wide gap between the paid workers and the laity is still observed in a local church. The purpose of this research is to enquire how church revitalization, particularly the goal-setting exercise, can enhance the effectiveness of a local church. Method: The areas of Biblical study, church growth and behavioural science were researched and appropriate material was included in this study. Self assessment by the survey and three church growth seminars were conducted over a period of four months for the purpose of establishing a church mandate and goals for 1984/85. Small group activity was utilised to encourage the maximum participation of the congregation. Results: Though the goals for 1984/85 were established, the ownership of them was not fully realised. Various reasons such as a lack of an adequate educational process, time limitations, and interruptions by other programmes, caused this result. Conclusion: The significance of this project lies in highlighting some complex problems raised in a four month period of implementation. The great need for a gradual educational process in a local church is clearly recognised. As far as the goal setting exercise itself is concerned it is best to be conducted over a week-end or two consecutive Sabbaths.