Until the mid-twentieth century, the attractional model of church, which focuses on belonging and church growth, worked well. However, as our society becomes more secular the pool of people looking for a church is declining, thus the attractional model is becoming less and less effective.

As a result, we are seeing a shift to the incarnational or transformational model of church that believes the purpose of the church is to make change happen.

Watch the video: Being an Incarnational Church

The incarnational / transformational model takes two forms:

  1. Internal / Spiritual - focused on personal spiritual growth; and
  2. External / Missional - focused on positive change in the wider community.

Examples of Spiritual Churches:

Friends Church, Calgary

  • Help you grow in your faith

Willow Creek Church, Chicago

  • Want you to know the God that they know

Southland Church, Steinbach, Manitoba

  • Help people experience the presence of God

Calvin Presbyterian Church, Zelieniple, PA

  • Discern where God is working in your life

Oakridge Church, London, ON

  • Help you find your own spiritual path

New Hope Church, Calgary

Abbey Church, Victoria, BC

  • New monastic community that seeks to live faith 24/7


Example of Missional Churches:

Converge, Calgary

  • Help people be a good neighbour

Redeemer Church, New York

  • Help people in your community

Lake ridge Church, Chestermere

  • Reach out to your neighbour

Eucharist Church, Hamilton, ON

The Story, Sarnia, ON

  • Help people start new businesses

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Calgary

  • Focus on “Mission within a Mile”

As you can see, there are a growing number of congregations that are reinventing themselves in order to foster a more meaningful congregational life, for both their current and future congregants.

What aspects of the above congregations sound interesting or appealing to you? Why?

Is there a focus or activity that Westminster should explore?

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