Article January 19, 2009 Issue

SEATTLE CHURCHES ADOPT NEW STRATEGIES TO FORWARD THEIR MISSION

Anthony B. Robinson

IN THE STORY OF DAVID and Goliath, Saul famously insisted that David be outfitted in his own kingly armor. While this was a generous gesture, David found that he could hardly move. Rejecting the clunky armor, David retrieved five smooth stones for his sling.

Many North American congregations are like David, limited by the armor of previous generations—namely, impressive church buildings that are much-loved symbols of the church's history and role in the community but are now a liability. Often the mission of such churches becomes mainly that of maintaining the building, updating it to meet safety and accessibility requirements, and paying the rising cost of heating—all with the resources of a declining membership.

University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been facing this challenge.... It is part of a coalition of five congregations in Seattle's University District... that are attempting to outfit themselves anew by coming together [as the University District Ecumenical Campus Coalition (UDECC)] to share one facility adjacent to the University of Washington.

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