Looking in the Mirror: Self-Appraisal in the Local Church

When you look at your church, what image do you see? A small, self-sufficient fellowship - reminiscent, perhaps, of a cat? Or a responsive, affectionate congregation - more like, say, a collie? If your congregation numbers into the hundreds at worship time, could you think of it as a large and unified "mansion"? Or a diversified "ranch"? Is your church legalistic, with a heavy emphasis on rules and regulations? Is it ideological, stressing belief? Or does it comprise a loving, nurturing behaviorism? "Frequently," says Lyle Schaller, "it is difficult or impossible for congregational leaders to agree on the role God is calling that church to fill unless they can agree on contemporary reality." Looking in the Mirror provides a conceptual framework for church self-appraisal that can be a key factor in determining that reality and overcoming the passivity that blights so many congregations today.