From Barriers to Bridges: Reimagining Liabilities as Assets For Church Development Open Access
Lyons, Kirk D. (Spring 2026)
Abstract
The research question guiding this project asks: Is there a way to retrofit the Asset Based Community Development model for the small church, in a manner that encourages and empowers it to reimagine itself in ways that foster renewed power and purpose? In this post-pandemic and post-disaffiliation era the vast majority of smaller black United Methodist Churches are struggling to survive. In addition to the normal challenges churches experience, much of the mission can be obscured by the difficulty to pay bills and apportionments. These factors along with low attendance, aging congregations and changing demographics in the community have caused many churches to close their doors or merge with other floundering congregations. This project utilizes the Asset Based Community Development[1] model as a template for redirecting the focus from the obstacles and liabilities to the possibilities and assets. This reimagining process invites the church to reacquaint itself with its heritage; one that historically has engaged in unconventional means for its survival.
This approach begins with a comprehensive asset mapping of clergy, congregation and community. This allows pastor and congregation to come to terms with their social location, strengths, weaknesses, and biases, while reinforcing the necessity to supplement personal assets through relationships and partnerships. Reimagining our notions of community and seeing the value of partnerships beyond other churches and denominational affiliations is a crucial part of this project. Reimagining helps us to discover and celebrate the common concerns shared by a constellation of varying groups in the surrounding community. Recognizing intrinsic assets and their relation to existing needs within the community creates a fresh perspective on the viability of a church to provide holistic ministry. This project provides a scaffolding that will prove useful to small churches in a variety of contexts.
[1] ABCD is a concept that was championed by authors John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann in their book Building Communities From the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community’s Assets. This method emphasizes the strengths and assets of a community in contrast to other models which highlight a community’s needs or deficits.
Table of Contents
Introduction-1
The Temporal Context of This Project- 3
Historical Context of My Ministry Site- 4
A Brief Survey of Selected Literature- 6
Methodology- 12
Countering the Resistance to Change- 13
Church Assets- 18
Community Assets/Partnerships- 21
Conclusion- 25
Appendices- 32
Bibliography- 34
Keywords/Search Terms- 37
About this Dissertation
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor | |
| Committee Members |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
From Barriers to Bridges: Reimagining Liabilities as Assets For Church Development () | 2026-05-07 08:10:42 -0400 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|