1. Deniers have come to your congregation with a more conservative background and for whatever reason have stuck around. However, they have little interest in or appreciation of your congregregation's approach to the Bible or ministry. Deniers can be prone to causing arguments and often will not participate in the activities you offer, but they may well be interested in leading a small group or class...on their own terms.
2. Dabblers are the folks who sometimes get involved, have an interest in progressive topics, and definitely think of your church as their church...but they are not at the point in their lives where faith is the driving force in their lives. That could be because they find their needs for community are met in other parts of their lives, or it may be because they haven't ever been personally invited to be part of something deeper. Dabblers also may be involved in various alternative expressions of faith or even more than one congregation, and find meaning in the search for meaning.
3. Distressed individuals have found refuge in your congregation because it is, for them, a place of healing. Perhaps they have found other congregations' theology to have been hurtful, or perhaps they simply have discovered your congregation is a welcoming one in a time when that is needed. These individuals are often looking for safety, health, a way to make sense of what has happened to them, or simple acceptance.
4. Discussers are drawn to the intellectual aspects of your congregation. They enjoy debate, dialogue, and deep thinking, but they aren't keen on anything that seems too "touchy-feely" and may have a hard time understanding those who find mystical or heart-based spirituality to be important. Discussants will love book groups, lectures, and classes that engage the mind...but they may need to be encouraged to move beyond themselves and out into the world.
5. Doers find meaning in the active side of faith. They like your congregation because of its commitment to justice and compassion, and they'll sign up for service projects in a heartbeat. They are drawn to stories in the Bible which support those themes, but might have little patience with discussions about faith and belief which are not tied to action. Doers can be great advocates for your congregation, but they can also turn off those in the congregation who believe evangelism and congregational care are what Jesus calls the church to do.
6. Depth-seekers embrace progressive spirituality. They have moved beyond the novelty of learning about contemporary biblical scholarship or theology, and now they are engaged in a wholistic approach to faith. Depth-seekers are articulate and passionate disciples, and may drift away because they don't find the level of depth they need within the congregation.
7. Dreamers love the congregation, are actively involved in its educational ministries, and are passionate advocates for it and for a progressive approach to Christianity. They want the congregation to move forward, to grow larger and deeper, or to more fully embrace a progressive spirituality in all of its ministries. Dreamers may feel like the congregation moves too slowly or is too divided, and they may run into conflicts with members who wish the church would become more "traditional."

These are not the only 7 types of adults you'll find in your congregation, of course, and few people fit neatly into one category or another. The larger point is that significant differences often exist between persons in progressive congregations, and individuals need different types of educational groups and activities to help them move to the next step in their spiritual journey. How are your classes and congregational ministries connecting with each of these groups?

~ by Tim Gossett