Larry Ellis

The Congregation Driven Ministry: Moving from Membership to Maturity Larry Ellis

Most clergy and laity agree that their churches are mired in maintenance ministry. In past years, congregations have asked, "How do churches grow?", when the better question may be "How do members grow?". Most church leaders desire to raise an army for God, but usually settle for more of an audience than an army. The Congregation Driven Ministry: Moving from Membership to Maturity attempts to address this issue. The people of God must be equipped to do ministry. The goal must be to make disciples. In doing CDM workshops for many churches small, medium, and mega, the needs are the same. In Thurman White's preface, he states that the CDM provides a set of "best practices" for clergy and laity so that both are clear about their perspective ministry roles America's churches are at a pivotal place of transition. The vibrant ministries must be vigilant or find themselves facing decline. Often, it is difficult for churches to admit that they are personality driven instead of congregationally driven. This work does not seek to diminish the role of the pastor-teacher, but to encourage leadership to place the responsibility for growth on the congregation and not the minister alone. Let us give more power to the people!