Discussion guide for September 2025 issue

Christian hope requires us to ask: What may be? by David Bonnema

Questions:

1. What is your response to the author’s analysis of his research on 1001 New Worshiping Communities in PC(USA) presbyteries? What more would you like to know?
2. What is your experience of New Worshiping Communities? Are there any in your presbytery? If so, how are they doing? If not, why not?
3. The author affirms that Christian hope for the future of churches and presbyteries is the antidote to accepting the status quo of declining membership. How hopeful are you? What are some signs of hope in your church or presbytery?
4. What questions should your church or presbytery ask as they deal with the realities of declining membership and to envision a hopeful future?

A new chapter for small churches by Mark DeVries

Questions:

1. If you have experienced a small church or are familiar with one, how do the author’s observations and suggestions resonate with you? What ideas would you add?
2. Moving from a surviving mentality to one that is thriving requires more than a change of mindset. What steps would you suggest for making that transition?
3. Of the three challenges of small churches identified by the author, which do you think is the most daunting? What would you add to the list?
4. The author offers four suggestions for helping small churches to thrive. How realistic are these suggestions? What suggestions would you offer?

Counterculture in the pulpit by Thomas G. Long

Questions:

1. If you preach regularly, in what ways do you resonate with what the author has shared?
2. When you hear a thoughtful, compelling sermon, what do you think are the factors that make it so?
3. In the article, we read a headline with a question, “Does preaching really matter?” What is your answer to that question?
4. The author concludes the article with a brief story of a pastor consoling a widow at her husband’s graveside service. How do you see that story serving as a good example of what was presented in the whole article?

Caring for community by Catherine Neelly Burton

Questions:

1. In the article, we read of two small communities in Kansas and two small Presbyterian churches. What experiences have you had, if any, of similar towns and churches? What are some ways a small church has impacted those communities?
2. If your church received a $1.2 million bequest or grant, as the Sterling church did, what steps would you suggest your church take to discern how to invest those funds?
3. What are some situations you are aware of where a church has taken a stand to affirm that everyone is welcome and acted on that affirmation? What did the church experience because of living out that affirmation? 

Simply surviving is not enough by Philip Blackburn

Questions:

1. Over the years, what changes have you experienced or seen that have affected the decline or growth of church membership?
2. To what extent do you hear church members you know worrying or speaking about the survival of their church?
3. The author writes about each small church needing a “champion” for a cause or a new initiative that leads toward a faithful ministry. Who are some “champions” you know?
4. If you are associated with a small church or were to advise a small church, what are some possible small steps you would suggest toward becoming a thriving church instead of just surviving?