Khachkar Studios' New Systems Map
Khachkar Studios has released an insightful systems map titled "A Failing U.S. Armenian Christian Ecosystem: 12 Body Parts – Currently Underperforming with Extraordinary Potential." This map provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation within the U.S. Armenian Christian community, aiming to shed light on the critical challenges they face while also highlighting areas of significant potential for improvement.
The Background
Founded with the mission to empower Judeo-Christian faithful, Khachkar Studios aims to inspire and foster excellence within the community. The newly released systems map is grounded in their established "Framework," which utilizes financial discipline and world-class benchmarking to analyze the present state of the Armenian Christian ecosystem in the United States.
Key Findings
The map reveals several alarming statistics about the faith engagement among U.S. Armenians:
1.
Faithful Attendance: Only about
3% of U.S. Armenians regularly attend church services, placing their community almost last among 23 Orthodox Christian groups in the country. In contrast, a prevailing belief among community leaders suggests that around
30% should be active participants.
2.
Youth Engagement: Alarmingly, just
1% of 18 to 29-year-olds are considered "Faithful," a stark contrast to the
10% of their peers who attend recognized Armenian schools. This discrepancy points towards a significant gap in effective long-term faith formation strategies.
Opportunities for Improvement
The systems map not only diagnoses the issues but also highlights potential avenues for revitalization:
1.
Benchmark Adoption: Nearly
0% of Armenian Christian institutions have engaged in Biblically inspired benchmarking, despite evidence that indicates such practices can substantially enhance church vitality.
2.
Role-Model Household Training: The data also indicates a complete absence (
0%) of systematic training programs for role-model families within the churches. Training and retaining these households are proven predictors of sustained faith engagement, thus amplifying the need for urgent action in this area.
A Call for Action
The 12 Body Parts illustrated in the systems map together create a comprehensive outline of how weaknesses in measurement, lack of benchmarking, and insufficient leadership development have compounded issues across the Armenian Christian ecosystem. By targeting specific areas for intervention, stakeholders can effectively improve community engagement and Church vitality.
Khachkar Studios encourages clergy, community leaders, and those invested in the Armenian Christian community to explore this systems map and accompanying materials, including a brief podcast that elaborates on both the diagnosis and the pathway for potential renewal. The podcast and map can be accessed via Khachkar Studios'
website.
The Road Ahead
For Armenian Christian institutions facing crisis, this initiative emphasizes that renewal starts with transparency, accountability, and a focus on performance. By systematically addressing these critical challenges, the community has the opportunity to create a more engaged and vibrant future for its members, fostering a renewed commitment to their faith and community.
This release is not just about acknowledging the struggles faced but also about celebrating the extraordinary potential that lies within the community—a potential that can be unlocked through thoughtful initiatives and dedicated action.