Editorial Introduction: Vol. 15 -- No. 3 Third Quarter, 2000 © by John W. Ellas 1
Church Growth Magazine 15 (July - September, 2000): 2.

God can renew all things (Psa. 104:30). And the great news is that He will renew congregations that desire it. Almost all churches come to periods in time where they need some renewal. It's part of an organizational life cycle and is predictable like the rising and falling of the ocean tides. However, some congregations reach a juncture where it's more than needed. It's required for survival.

Our first article by Dave Strong is an inspiring story of how God works through His people to renew church life and growth. I am going to point out just a few of the church's actions worth noting along with the other articles in this issue that explore the topics further. And by the way, their action choices are noteworthy because they're the kind that can help any congregation experience growth.

Northwest hired a minister who became a congregational catalyst for faith and action. They prayed as if it all depended upon God (and it does), and they worked as if it all depended upon their actions. Healthy churches recognize the team principle (I Cor. 3:6). Jack Exum further reminds us in his piece that we all are gifted by God to serve the Body.

leadership took serious the need to provide transforming community. Folks in our congregations are starving for meaningful relationships where spirituality is more than a topic. It's a community life style. The best context to fulfill the numerous ccone another" passages in Scripture is a small gathering of 6-12 individuals. Some churches are effectively using the Bible classes for community building while others find the small home group setting the best. Wes Avants offers us some excellent insights on meeting people's needs through adult Bible classes while Gayle Crowe explores the world of small home groups.

The final area to note is their renewed commitment to evangelism. They stopped looking inward and renewed a commitment to reaching the lost. We have two supporting articles, well worth studying, by Ray Fulenwider and Jim Baird.

1 John W. Ellas is editor of Church Growth Magazine since 1994. He has written Church Growth Through Groups, Clear Choices for Churches, and Measuring Church Growth. Ellas has completed a number of "Church Growth Diagnostic Evaluation" in helping churches grow. This editorial introduction was published in Church Growth Magazine 15 (July - September, 2000): 2.