Article August 11, 1997 Issue

Health and vitality in churches

by Kim Shippey

The Evangelistic Association of New England (EANE), which serves nearly four thousand churches representing eighty denominations, recently announced at a press conference in Boston that, from September 1, the association would have a new name, "Vision New England." Also, that it would be establishing offices and appointing regional coordinators in every state of New England over the next twelve months.

The results of two surveys were given—one, conducted at the association's annual congress earlier this year in Boston; the other, during association members' visits to eighty New England churches that have shown evidence of extraordinary "health and vitality."

"This is a remarkable study," said EANE president Steve Macchia, "not only because 1,899 Christians participated, but because they were able to be so honest." He said the findings revealed that people were drawn most strongly to churches where they were accepted as they came through the door, regardless of their background, history, quirks—even bad habits. "Love, acceptance, and forgiveness are number one," added Mr. Macchia. "People come to churches where they feel safe and are not being judged."

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