Building the 200+ Anglican Church: The Seven Tools Approach

Insights at a Vestry Retreat and 40 Years of Experience Merged into a Guide for Congregational Growth

This is the story of a vestry and a retreat that turned into a helpful book.

Last April, I was invited to join a Leadership Board (called a Vestry) of Trinity Church in Lafayette, Louisiana by the Rev. Peter Johnston. Trinity has been growing and, with a grant from the LeaderWorks Trust, they were set to raise the funds to expand their sanctuary and become (probably) a church seating over 200 people each Sunday.

But if they built it, would people come? That is the proverbial question. And Peter knew the answer to the question was maybe. Peter asked me to come and help his church understand the qualities and characteristics of a church that could reach over 200 in attendance.

The 200 Barrier is Real

It’s not easy. Only 15% of congregations in the US and Canada have over 200 people Sunday by Sunday. The number has less to do with the population of folks who live near the church, visit the church, or know about it. It has little to do with desire, prayer, theology, or surroundings. It is more about culture, intention, focus, and philosophy of ministry.

Six hours later, I had presented my material to the Vestry. We were together the entire day and talked through issues of culture, staffing, temperament, liturgy, evangelism, discipleship, management, planning, and fellowship. I talked through my notes and I took notes.

When we finished, I was exhausted. But I knew I had the start of a book. Later that evening, when Peter and I went for dinner, I suggested there was enough information in my notes for a blog series on Anglican Compass. He agreed.

I got busy writing the first post the following day on the plane ride back home. It was well received and seen by thousands of viewers and readers.

But even after that, I knew there was more. I took the posts and reworked them, expanded them, did some more research, and determined that what I had shared with their Vestry could become a book. A short book of seven chapters. That is the genesis of “The Seven Tools”.

I have shared some early drafts with a few colleagues. They have been very generous in their early comments.

Our new Archbishop, Steve Wood, called The Seven Tools “a game changer for ACNA churches… A must-read for rectors and vestries….Roseberry’s insights don’t just promote church growth — they revitalize mission.”

Dale Chrisman, who has read everything I’ve written, wrote, “This is his best and most helpful (book). I almost ran out of yellow highlighter ink — it is loaded with that much memorable information and ideas.”

The Dean/President of Trinity Anglican Seminary, Bryan Hollon, wrote this: “‘The Seven Tools’ offers a masterful guide for church leaders seeking to cultivate vibrant, growing congregations.”

Publishing Soon

I am humbled by these kind words. However, my honest hope is that this short book will help every church in the ACNA and beyond — it is not just for Anglicans. I think it can help every ordained pastor and elected leader of any church reimagine their mission to be a compassionate, loving place that practices Christian hospitality.

The controlling metaphor for the book is a woodworking project I did several years ago. I learned that a skilled woodworker needs only seven old-fashioned hand tools to build an heirloom-quality piece of furniture that will last generations. I apply the same logic to a church of any size — that every church already has the tools to build a great church to last the ages.

The book is ready to be published. I have a few tweaks and edits left, but I think it will be a great tool for rectors and vestries. It is a short book — about 120 pages — and could be the basis of several vestry meetings, a vestry retreat, or a focused exploration of your congregation.

The book will be published very soon. If you want to be notified in advance, please click here, and I’ll let you know when it goes live.

The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.