9/2/10
In a survey of nearly all its 33,000 churches, the United Methodist Church has determined the following four “crystal clear” factors exist in the churches which are growing and healthy:
1) Small groups and programs, such as Bible study and activities geared toward youth.
2) An active lay leadership.
3) Inspirational pastors who have served lengthy tenures at churches.
4) A mix of traditional and contemporary worship services.
Scholars say the survey is the first denomination-wide survey of its kind attempting to address issues common to mainline Protestant denominations, as reported by USA Today.