People gathered for 2020 Little Rock Congregational Study

An Invitation to the 2020 Little Rock Congregational Study

Ray Williams Updated on Flourishing Families

 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45, The English Standard Bible

We know these familiar words, but In the midst of overwhelming needs and opportunities, and yet with limited time and resources, “how and where do we encourage our congregation to serve?”    It’s a real question that pastors and leaders have always faced, but it’s even more relevant in our current reality   We pray, we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and we listen.  We listen to our congregation and we listen to our community.    One great tool to help a church listen and learn about our current community needs and how our churches are responding is the Little Rock Congregational Study.   

This year’s 2020 Little Rock Congregational Study (learn more) will be the 4th survey conducted since  2012.  Over the past 8 years, over 42% of the places of worship in Little Rock have participated in the study.  Rebecca Glazier, Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the Research Team Leader says, 

“We have learned that when congregations serve the community, it creates a culture of service that also leads members to serve in their own places of worship,” In addition Glazier said. “We have learned that growing congregations are significantly more likely to be led by clergy who are engaged in the community.”   

Two exciting new features in this year’s study are (1) it will be conducted online and (2)participating churches will receive a free and confidential summary report for their church.  

City Church Network joins with a dozen religious and community leaders who have recently given statements of support (read here) for this year’s 2020 Study.  

Contact Rebecca Glazier at [email protected] to learn more about how your congregation can participate.

Ray Williams
Ray Williams has served as the Founder and President of CityChurch Network since its beginning in 1999. Previously, he served in multiple pastor roles at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock for 38 years. He and his wife Carolyn love to attend movies and travel together. They have two daughters and seven grandchildren who know him as “Papa Ray.” He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1977 and earned an M.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from UA Little Rock in 1985. He is pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry through the Antioch School for Church Planting and Leadership Development. His training as an Army Airborne Ranger and active-duty service as an Infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1977 to 1981 earned him the nickname “Ranger Ray” with some of his long-term friends.