Membership Matters. Right?

To accomplish this, church leaders and members need to create a culture of participation, production and continual input. Rather than begrudgingly accept feedback, leaders should encourage it. And congregants should be reminded that, while their leaders are as human as they are, they are tasked to provide vision and to guide the church. The mission of the church precludes everyone getting their own way. Having a culture of participation means that whatever you 'do' (or don't do) in the church, your presence counts. However it is articulated and practiced in any given church or denomination, in a culture of participation under a common mission, membership matters.

Note: This piece was co-authored by Patheos columnist Kyle Roberts and Adam Rao, the Pastor of Teaching and Strategic Leadership at SafeHouse Church in Minneapolis.