By the numbers, Trinity Church in Lansing, Mi would be considered a ‘Mega-church.’ With 3 services each weekend, an average 2700 adults attend pulling behind them 500 to 700 children. However, if you were standing on the balcony between services, you would experience a unique culture within the congregation. A large atrium stretches across the back of the auditorium, with light flooding in from a three story window wall. Before, after and between services, Trinity member and guests pause over coffee to genuinely partake of each other’s lives. The attendance numbers haven’t pushed aside real relationships, genuine caring, and time taken to build lasting friendships.
Trinity started in 1952 as a home fellowship. Students and adults associated with Michigan State University wanted a personal, relationally connected church fellowship. The congregation is still strongly composed of professionals from the East Lansing university and business community. However, since moving to Lansing’s south side, the congregation has grown in numbers, and diversity.
For the next couple weeks I will be highlighting Lansing Trinity for this reason: although the numbers are large, the relationships are intimate and those at the church’s core continually reach outward. While a member there, I couldn’t walk through the atrium without a number of genuine friends finding me, and asking meaningful questions. So often I hear/read complaints about how larger churches loose the personal touch. Trinity is an exception. As such, those of us in ministry can learn from their spiritual, relational, and community successes.
I spoke with the Director of Connection ministries, Jeff Schneider, and asked about this personal and genuine organizational culture that is at Trinity’s core. As we discussed what the church practiced in the way of supporting practices, Jeff told me that 70% – 75% of the congregation is regularly involved in small group communities. Most meet in homes during the week, and gather multiple times a month, with a few meeting in the church building
I asked Jeff to what he attributed this high percentage of small groups. He replied these three points:
1. The church leadership models small groups. The church leadership, from the head pastor to children’s church teachers are committed to “doing life together.”
2. Small group ministry as a model for Christian growth is supported from the pulpit. Christian growth and disciple building is understood and taught as necessary fruit in a Christian’s life. Small groups are a consistent vehicle to bring about that deep, abiding growth.
3. Each year, the church holds 2 connection events. In the worship program each week is an opportunity to indicate interest in small groups for the outgoing. What Trinity has found more effective is biannual connection events. Jeff related that face to face events, where those who are not involved in small groups can meet leaders and build relational bridges, are the most effective means to get a new person to take the risk of engaging deliberate Christian community.
Read more about Trinity Church, Lansing Michigan here.
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