Growing a Healthy and Faithful Congregation

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This book aims to examine the mission and ministry of six mainline churches in Somerset County, New Jersey, and their efforts to grow healthy and faithful churches while reaching out to families, children, and youth in the community. The six congregations include First Baptist Church, Somerville, New Jersey, Saint Martin Episcopal Church, Bridgewater, New Jersey; Saint Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church, Somerville, New Jersey; Trinity United Church, Warren, New Jersey; New Horizon Christian Fellowship, Hillsborough, New Jersey; and Fountain of Living Water, Somerville, New Jersey. Given the need for congregational growth, insights into the Church Growth Movement and the missional approach to church growth are examined in relation to the historical, cultural, and social ministry contexts of six congregations of different faith traditions. A methodology combining demographic data, congregational surveys, and focus groups is used to determine the historic and present contexts of the congregation. The results of these efforts will inform and guide a congregation's efforts to develop a missional vision and a strategic growth plan and restore spiritual vitality to its members by participating in the mission of the Kingdom of God (one result of which will be to attract families, youth, and children to the church).