All of these stages are temporary. Yet many are repeated, in church life. It can be difficult to pass from one stage to the next. Love, and faith, are critical, particularly at the transitions. Often, a newly formed church has a level of fresh intimacy.
People know each other by name and feel threatened if even one person is absent.
A church may change as its neighbourhood changes. In a growing, suburban, residential area, great flocks of children may suddenly appear. Their presence becomes part of the church s identity. As the neighbourhood ages, and there are fewer children, it may seem that the church has lost identity and purpose if the pews are not packed with young families. Yet loving whoever is in the pew, of any age, remains as important, and is the church s calling.