State of the Church 2014

How are we doing at making disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world?

2013 was a great year for Salem. Still, in assessing the state of Salem, there are some benchmark statistics to which we want to pay attention. Salem’s membership includes 244 people. This past year 2 members died and none transferred to other congregations. We received 24 new members in 2011, 19 new members in 2012, and in 2013 we received 15 new members (11 by transfer from other congregations and 4 by profession of faith). That means we have received 58 new members since arriving at our current location a little over three years ago!

Our worship attendance increased just slightly. We now average 177. With our membership at 244, however, we continue to get healthier. Whereas many congregations only see about 30% of their members in attendance, Salem has over 70%! The healthiest congregations, though, have greater attendance than membership. Not only are all the members present but several new people are guests, too. That is our goal.

Other key indicators are baptisms and professions of faith. Since the earliest times, the vows of Christian baptism have consisted first of the renunciation of all that is evil and then the profession of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. Last year we celebrated 4 baptisms, all infants. Of our 15 new members, 4 were by profession of faith. Baptisms and professions of faith show us how many new Christians we are reaching. We reached 8 new Christians this past year.

Our giving continues to increase, including the use of electronic giving through our website. Our hope is to begin paying our full apportionments again as Salem always has (except for a few years in our recovery from the flood).

Besides these statistical benchmarks, some pivotal things happened this past year. Our Building Committee worked hard to prepare the preliminary plans for a building project. The plans call for additional parking, a new entrance, narthex (gathering space), sanctuary, offices, classrooms, youth space, bathrooms, elevator, and renovated kitchen and fellowship hall. 

The building plans led to the formation of a leadership team for a capital campaign. With great excitement we announced that our Salem Rising campaign received over $400,000 in cash and pledges. That is in addition to money we have from other sources and the voluntary buyout and of the downtown property following the flood (about $600,000). We are now positioned very well to move forward with the building project.

All of this is important and speaks to the question of our mission: How are we doing at making disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the world? We can answer that by saying we are reaching new people and new Christians. Our worship times are vibrant and meaningful. We are a giving people. We are recovering and thriving after the flood in 2008.

From our church consultation in September, we are now preparing for a season of prayer, seeking God’s will for a shared vision for Salem. We are developing a discipleship pathway for all ages. We are working on helping everyone discover their gifts and connect in ministry within and outside of Salem. We are learning how to connect new guests fully into the life of the congregation. And we are planning several "bridge events" outside the building to reach out to our community and welcome new people to Salem.

Perhaps the best way to describe what’s happening at Salem is to just listen to some of our new members describe their initial experiences. “I felt right at home.” “I was warmly welcomed.” “It wasn’t strange or awkward; just wonderful people opening their arms to me.” “I love this place. I love these people!”