AAA - Rating our churches

Following on from considering a 'credit rating' type system for those who come to church, I thought it might be helpful to use a similar system to advise where a church was and perhaps assist people in knowing what to expect:
So here goes:

‘GGG’—Extremely strong church that teaches, preaches and pastors; a worshipping and caring body that supports those within it, those on the periphery and those in the (non-churchgoing) community - does the stuff.
‘GG’—Very strong capacity with a few weaknesses and some major strengths - what we'd consider to be an 'excellent church'.
‘G’—Strong capacity to meet spiritual commitments, but concentrates on generally one area from a list that includes worship, mission or self; attracts members from other churches because of it's strength and keeps them for a season because of what is lacking beneath the surface - a 'good church'.

‘ggg’—A generally capable church that is engaged in the community, teaches and pastors its members and has a good social life - an emerging (and desiring to be) missional) church.
‘gg‘— One dimensional church - attractive because it has a band, or brings in 'names' or perhaps has a new building - talks about Christ and lives very much for self.
‘g‘— It's church, but generally only in name. Not a lot of fire and content to continue with its door closed (until the parish share raises its ugly head)  - all the worst things that can be found in a self-serving maintenance church.

‘pp+’—Problems (real or perceived) mean they struggle to be effective and welcoming.
‘pp’— Problems (real or perceived) mean that the church has given up and looks to that person who will come and make a difference as they are convinced they can't.
 ‘pp-’—Problems (real or perceived) have created an Alzheimer's church where spiritual death is a reality even though the body continues to appear to still be alive.

These three groups have started to give me a baseline to consider what measures need to be taken to change it and make it effective and fun; for let's be honest here - if a church is doing all the stuff but isn't a place where fun and fellowship is a reality, then regardless of what it does, it isn't Church (is it?)

The reason for this line of thinking is not to put people or churches down but to enable me to start looking at what might be done to help the person or people to engage and enjoy mission and membership. To this end I will post a modified Engels scale tomorrow.

Again, comments, modifications and help regarding any of the posts is aways welcome.

AAA - How does God rate us?

Of of the indicators of financial virility that George Osborne has clung to, and crowed about, is our nation's 'triple A' credit rating.

When I worked in the City of London's financial sector, one of the proudest boasts that the company I worked for had (aside for its integrity when it came to paying out - not something all can admit to) was the fact that it was a 'triple A' institution. What this meant was that regardless of circumstance, the company would always be able to meet its financial commitment. It was a safe bet and, if it ever needed money, a sound risk (in fact it means that it is effective 'no risk).

Listening to a rather good discussion on the financial probity of some nations and the state of European (and other) nations I was challenged by the assessments that some nation states received; something that got me thinking about how God (and Church itself) might adopt a credit rating system to assess, and advice, of the God ratings of both.

So here goes:

‘GGG’—Extremely strong capacity to meet spiritual commitments - does the stuff.
‘GG’—Very strong capacity to meet spiritual commitments.
‘G’—Strong capacity to meet spiritual commitments, but susceptible to distractions and changes in attitude which make them liable to just walk off when most needed.

‘ggg’—Adequate capacity to meet spiritual commitments, but subject to distractions and wavering.

‘gg‘—The lowest 'engaged with church' group - attend fairly regularly and make right noises (but never actually 'do' anything .

‘pp+’—Problems mean they struggle to be regular or engaged.
‘pp’— Problems mean that they tend to come when in need and then vanish until the next time.
 ‘pp-’—Problems mean that God is to blame for everything but they still like Church thanks to hatch, match and despatch roles.

‘AAA’—Will engage with Church, but with reluctance (and some distrust).
‘AA’—Will not engage with Church, taking every opportunity to attack and misrepresent what it is, does and believes but will still dialogue if pushed.
‘A’—Will not engage with Church and takes every opportunity to attack and misrepresent what it is, does and believes whilst not being willing to dialogue regardless.

‘D’—Dorkin

So, have a think about this embryonic model of classification and after having resolved any confusion over yourself, have a think about those around you and then have a go at working out which approach best meets their needs and brings about dialogue. You can add a minus or plus to assist the positioning of a person (churches come next) and aid your methods of engagement.

And if you can offer modifcations - please do.