Nevertheless, some report that they have lost the energy that comes with clear vision. Age of congregation is one factor that places a drag on a congregation s sense of energy and purpose. Location is another factor that can burden congregations. New suburban areas clearly have more resources of family life, youth, facilities and finances to support congregations. By comparison, other locations struggle.
Congregations suffer more when they experience conflict than age or location.
Lingering conflict is strongly associated with declining vitality and declining membership. Conflict tends to cast a shadow across the activities and ethos of the congregation as a whole, even the capacity to enlist volunteers. Openness in dealing with conflict is strongly associated with vitality. To recover a sense of mission and purpose, congregational leaders can encourage more open communication among members. Capable leadership that enables openness in dealing with conflict can dramatically neutralize and perhaps even constructively use the energy of strong feelings that are typically present in bitter disagreements.